News
More Than a Hike
More Than a Hike

A simple hike at Alligator Hill became one of our family's most meaningful memories. Thanks to the Friends' Accessibility Program and a Track Chair, my 84-year-old grandpa was able to experience the trail again, reminding us that everyone deserves the chance to explore the beauty of Sleeping Bear.

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Off the Drive, Onto the Trail
Off the Drive, Onto the Trail

Beyond the scenic drive lies the real adventure. Discover how a park ranger’s brother experienced true trail freedom—and why our track chair program is transforming access at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

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Trail Highlight - Platte Plains
Trail Highlight - Platte Plains

Looking for a quieter trail in the Park? Check out the Platte Plains for a variety of views, from woods to inland lakes. You’ll even see trees cut down by beavers.

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Bear Tracks Highlighted by GMA
Bear Tracks Highlighted by GMA

On the morning of July 4th, Good Morning America broadcast live from Pierce Stocking Drive right here at Sleeping Bear Dunes! While they were here, they sat down with our Executive Director, Laura Ann Johnson, and Accessibility Coordinator, Chris Timm, to talk about our work making the park accessible to everyone.

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes Expanding its Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Role
The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes Expanding its Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Role

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is expanding its role with the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail by assuming fiduciary stewardship of its maintenance funds from TART Trails. Learn how this natural evolution helps ensure year-round care and access for all 22 miles of the trail for years to come.

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A Morning on Good Harbor
A Morning on Good Harbor

Under a perfect sunny sky and serenaded by a local loon, fifteen wonderful volunteers joined together for a beach cleanup at Good Harbor, turning a morning of hard work into a beautiful celebration of community and habitat care.

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PSAR Highlighted by NPR
PSAR Highlighted by NPR

We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to share that our amazing Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) volunteers were featured nationally on NPR and the iconic storytelling show This American Life in their episode "Maximal Americanness"!

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Innovative Technology Protects the Waters of Sleeping Bear Dunes
Innovative Technology Protects the Waters of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Your donation have equipped park rangers with advanced new water testing technology, ensuring faster water quality updates and stronger protection against invasive species to keep our favorite beaches healthy all summer long.

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Tucker Lake Boardwalk Upgrades
Tucker Lake Boardwalk Upgrades

Tucker Lake Boardwalk under construction on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

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A Sleeping Bear Love Story
A Sleeping Bear Love Story

What began as a chance encounter and an unexpected ferry delay on South Manitou Island in 1979 turned into a lifetime of shared memories for Donna and Mike Flynn. Discover how Sleeping Bear Dunes set the stage for their decades-long love story and why they continue to give back to the park today.

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Yoga On The Beach is Back!
Yoga On The Beach is Back!

Join Amy at Glen Haven on Fridays at 10 AM for beach yoga. Classes are donation-based ($15–$25 suggested) to benefit both her business and the Friends. Note for returning participants: All donations will now be paid directly to Amy instead of the Friends. Grab a towel and enjoy the best studio nature has to offer!

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The Gift of One More Day at the Dunes
The Gift of One More Day at the Dunes

One family’s story of how the Track Chair and Accessibility Team provided memories that will be cherished forever.

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Shore Guardian: One Volunteer’s Journey Protecting the Great Lakes Piping Plovers
Shore Guardian: One Volunteer’s Journey Protecting the Great Lakes Piping Plovers

What does it take to save a species? From eight-mile treks to monitoring new hatchlings, volunteer Angela Josephine shares her journey protecting the endangered Piping Plover at Sleeping Bear Dunes—and how you can help.

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Charged for Change: Expanding Accessibility Across the Park
Charged for Change: Expanding Accessibility Across the Park

From hosting national leaders at the Dune Climb to launching new solar-powered charging stations, see how we are expanding freedom and flexibility for visitors using our track chair program this season.

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Donor Spotlight: Marcie Meditch and the Power of Place
Donor Spotlight: Marcie Meditch and the Power of Place

In our latest donor spotlight, Marcie Meditch reflects on her journey from visitor to dedicated steward and why she believes investing in Sleeping Bear Dunes is vital to protecting the landscapes that shape us.

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The Best of the Park is after Dark
The Best of the Park is after Dark

The best show at Sleeping Bear Dunes begins after sunset. Discover the magic of the dark night sky, the ecological importance of natural darkness, and how to participate in International Dark Sky Week from April 13–20.

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Walking in Anishinaabe Footsteps
Walking in Anishinaabe Footsteps

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is grateful to receive a 2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to support the Anishinaabe Lifeways Programs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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Events
Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup
Sep 19
Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup

Come join us on Saturday September 19 from 10 to 11am for the adopt-a-highway program. Lets together leave the Lakeshore better than we found it.

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A man in a black cap and orange volunteer vest standing outdoors with autumn trees and a view of a river, a lake, and a distant shoreline under cloudy skies in the background.
Become a Friend and Volunteer Today!
A person in a motorized tracked wheelchair driving on a sandy trail through a grassy dunes area with trees in the background, with a sign on the back that reads 'RESERVE THIS TRACK CHAIR!'
Learn more about Accessibility in the Park
adopt a highway event saturday september 12
Upcoming Events
A bird standing on a pebbly beach with a white background.

in 2025

  • Launched the Inagural season of the new wheelchair bike, hosting

  • Introduced a new wheelchair-accessible bike and continued the popular track chair program, making the park more inclusive for all visitors.

  • Protected endangered Piping Plovers, supported rare plant and black bear studies, mapped trails with LiDAR technology, and brought a portable planetarium to share the wonders of the night sky.

adopt a trail volunteer on a wooded trail

Provided $262,580

in support of Park Priority projects and trainings, educational programming, trail surveys, and purchasing new equipment to help maintain the Park.

13,000 HOURS

were complete by volunteers supporting the Park