PRESERVE Historic Sleeping Bear is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve over 300 historic structures and cultural landscapes within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. With the national park’s primary purpose to preserve only the national features of the landscape, but not buildings and structures, historical buildings began to decay and many were torn down. In the early years of the park’s history, the park had planned to demolish two thirds of the historic structures. Outraged at what was happening, a group of concerned local citizens organized to fight the decision. PRESERVE Historic Sleeping Bear was born.

Since 1998, PRESERVE Historic Sleeping Bear works in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to repair and preserve farm houses, barns, outbuildings, shops, and more. Many of the repair and preservation projects are completed with private funds, grants, donations, and foundation awards. Only a limited amount of federal funds are available each year. PRESERVE Historical Sleeping Bear exists to raise funds for the preservation projects in the park.

Local residents and volunteers from across the country come to donate their time and labor to the projects. Each year a series of work projects are planned. For more information on getting involved, visit Current Projects

PRESERVE Historic Sleeping Bear also works to raise awareness of the need by providing interpretive experiences such as a Walking Tour Guide, exhibits and education programs. For more information, visit Programs & Events