Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020 (the park was authorized by Congress on October 21, 1970). Take a look at what makes this magnificent park so special. Plus, check out a special birthday event below.
9 Essential Sleeping Bear Dunes Attractions & Activities
With 35 miles of sandy shoreline and 70,000 acres of protected wilderness, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is three times the size of Manhattan and offers plenty of incredible places to explore.
Park Rangers' 10 Favorite Places in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
You can’t imagine how beautiful these beaches and trails are.
Snowshoe Sleeping Bear Dunes This Winter—It's a Secret Snowy World
The Tale of the Long-Lost Dunesmobile, Car No. 9
From Detroit to Sleeping Bear Dunes: This is a love story about a beautiful Ford vehicle and the men who loved her.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Anniversary Event
There’s a park party and you’re invited. The National Lakeshore’s 50th anniversary activities start with a kick-off celebration on Saturday, January 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dune Climb. Join park rangers and volunteers from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Historic Sleeping Bear for a “Hibernation Celebration” full of fun winter activities. Build a snow sculpture, sled down the dunes (BYOS: Bring Your Own Sled), try snowball target practice, borrow snowshoes to enjoy the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, sip hot chocolate by a fire and MORE. There will be a warming station with craft activities in the Dune Center. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event is free with a park pass.