Are you ready to enjoy the crisp fall air and unlock the mysteries of “America’s Most Beautiful Place”? Then join a Park Ranger this September to explore the dunes, learn to “read” the forest, learn about lost Sleeping Bear ghost towns and more.
Every day from September 7th through the 27th there are great events, ranger-led hikes and presentations happening at various locations throughout the Lakeshore. All are welcome and, with a daily or seasonal park pass, there’s no extra cost. Check out this daily rundown of a few of the best along with a link to the entire list of daily events and ranger-led hikes happening next month.
Sundays
2:00 pm — The Secret of North Bar Lake
The inland lakes that run parallel to the shore were all once a part of Lake Michigan, but NorthBarLake is different. Find out why!
Location: Take M-22 to M-109, turn onto the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, meet at the #11 Overlook.
Mondays
1:00 pm — Dunes in Motion
How did this 110-ft dune and all of its neighbors get here? Where are they going? Find out at this fast, fun talk
Location: Dune Climb
2:00 pm — Glaciers are Cool
Come hike the 1.5 mile Empire Bluff trail with a park ranger and learn how glaciers shaped the landscape around you.
Location: Empire Bluff trailhead
Tuesdays
10.00 am — The Spirit of Sleeping Bear
Hear the legend and fascinating history that bring Sleeping Bear Dunes to life. See amazing views of Lake Michigan, “Mother Bear,” and her “two cubs” while discovering how this spectacular landscape was formed.
Location: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, #9 Overlook
1:00 pm — Learn Our Trees
A tree is never just a tree. Learn the basics of tree identification and what species grow in our beautiful Lakeshore
Location: Alligator Hill trailhead
8:00 pm--Evening Program–Habitats “Shape” the Bird
(starting the week of September 16th)
Discover how birds are shaped by their environment and how their environments are shaped by them.
Location: Platte River Campground Amphitheater
Wednesdays
2:00 pm — Dunes in Motion
How did this 110-ft dune and all of its neighbors get here? Where are they going? Find out at this fast, fun talk.
Location: Dune Climb
8:00 pm -- (Sleeping) Bear Aware!
In our popular culture, bears are either dangerous creatures or cuddly friends. Come find out why the truth is somewhere in between and what you can do to help protect Sleeping Bear’s namesake animal.
Location: Platte River Campground Amphitheater
Thursdays
3:00 pm — Heroes of the Storm
This re-enactment of a turn-of-the-century shipwreck rescue is designed for children of all ages.
Location: Maritime Museum, Glen Haven
3:30 pm — Lyle Gun Demonstration
Watch a live, black powder firing of the Lyle Gun, a line-throwing cannon that was used by the U.S. Lifesaving Service and U.S. Coast Guard for over 75 years to rescue thousands of shipwreck victims.
Location: Maritime Museum, Glen Haven.
Fridays
4:00 pm — Reading the Forest
Take a short hike and learn to see the history, ecology, and possible future in the unique forests of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Location: Empire Bluff trailhead, south of visitor center, off Wilco Road
8:00 pm — Songs of Sleeping Bear
From loggers to sailors, residents of this area used music much like we do: to have fun, tell stories, and cope with their often harsh lives. Come to learn what this music can tell us about our history and the people who made it in this 45 minute presentation
Location: Platte River Campground Amphitheater
Saturdays
10:00 am — History, Mystery and Murder
The logging town of Aral is long since abandoned. Learn about the murder that shook the town and the events that led to its disappearance as you tour the town’s remains.
Location: The end of Esch Road: Take M-22 south of the visitor center 3.9 miles, turn right on Esch Road
2:00 pm — Dunes in Motion
How did this 110-ft dune and all of its neighbors get here? Where are they going? Find out at this fast, fun talk.
Location: Dune Climb
3:00 pm — Heroes of the Storm
This 30-minute re-enactment of a turn-of-the-century shipwreck rescue is designed for children of all ages.
Location: Maritime Museum, Glen Haven
Note: This is only a partial list of the daily events happening throughout the Lakeshore in September. For a complete list, check out the Sleeping Bear Dunes “events page.” Ranger-led programs are free. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass to join in the fun. Please call 231-326-4700 for more details.