Tours and new programs share history of Sleeping Bear settlers
From staff reports
Learn about the history of the area through bike, car, horse and wagon tours, and several programs offered by Historic Sleeping Bear, a partner group of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Bike Tours through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District will be offered on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m., and Sunday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. offering two different routes. Guided Auto Tours, in individual cars or car pool, are every Wednesday until August 15 from 10 a.m.-noon, alternating weeks between Port Oneida and the historic structures of the Platte River area including the Ken-Tuck-U-Inn.
Horse and wagon tours through Port Oneida are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. Advanced reservations are required by calling 231-334-6103. Cost is $20 per adult, $12 per child ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. Calling at least 24 hours ahead is encouraged.
“Path to Pen”, a guided writing tour of selected sites in Port Oneida will hike the farms, woods and fields of the historic area with interpretive artist, Nancy McKay and botanist, Elise DeBuysser. Inspired by the surroundings, with history notes and writing prompts, participants will weave the threads of time through writing and photography. All levels of writing experience are welcome. Dates are July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 17 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Programs cost is a $35 donation. Reservations required.
“Makin’ Bacon & and other Pioneer Food Techniques” will take place from 1-4 p.m. on July 27 and Aug. 8. Learn more about pioneer foods we still enjoy today. We’ll explore selecting a pork belly, cures and curing, preparation and smoking the meat at the farm.
Free family activities in the farm’s garden are offered most Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. And traditional craft demonstrations such as bookbinding, quilting, old fashioned kite making, and block printing will take place at the Heritage Center Tuesdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. The center’s exhibits and barn are open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-5, and Sunday 1-4. Except for the Platte area driving tours, programs will meet at the Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center/Olsen Farm at 3164 W. Harbor Hwy. For details on all tours and programs, visit Phsb.org.
