National Park Week 2011 at the Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore invites you to join a celebration of our country’s 394 national park site. The theme for National Park Week 2011 is Healthy Parks, Healthy People, and you can celebrate April 16-24th with FREE ranger-led program or just get out in the park to soak up some healthy fun!
On Saturday, April 16th you can join a healthy yet leisurely hike on a 2.8 mile loop on Sleeping Bear Point Trail. A jaunt through hilly sand dunes and woods will get your leg muscles warm, your heart pumping, and your senses savoring the views!
Next Friday (April 22) you can improve your outdoor photography skills while improving your waistline with a 1.5 mile round-trip hike to enjoy the sunset on the Empire Bluffs. Bring your camera if you have one, and they’ll have some old fashioned film cameras on hand if you don’t. Meet the ranger at the Empire Bluffs trailhead at 7:00pm. From the Visitor Center, go south on M-22 for 1.7 miles. Turn right on Wilco Road. The trailhead is up the road on your left.
Next Saturday (April 23) is National Junior Ranger day that gives kids a chance to become a Junior Ranger at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! There are several events (all free) to enjoy. In honor of National Park Week, entrance fees at the National Lakeshore are waived!
- 10:00 a.m. (at Otter Creek) and 1:00 p.m. (at Dune Climb): Junior Ranger Exploration Programs – Meet at trailheads. Call Visitor Center for directions and more information if needed.
- 2:30 p.m.: Pre-Ceremony Activities – Try on a real Park Ranger uniform and/or design a personal arrowhead badge at the Visitor Center before the official ceremony.
- 3:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Ceremony – Meet at the Visitor Center to take the Junior Ranger oath and receive the special National Junior Ranger Day badge and certificate. There will be light refreshments and prizes for all.
Photo credit: Glen Arbor August-September 2009 by John Knox
