For Griessmeyer, the Sleeping Bear Marathon is all about pairing an unforgettable fall race with meaningful support for Sleeping Bear Dunes. Through their partnership with the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, every participant's journey directly funds trail improvements, leaving a lasting legacy across the park.

Recent emergency responses at Sleeping Bear Dunes prove how life-saving equipment, specialized training, and strong partnerships help rangers act when every second counts.

With over 3,000 volunteer hours logged for Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Bunny and Jim Hickey embody true community stewardship. From Bunny connecting with cyclists on the Heritage Trail to Jim guiding visitors at the Dune Climb, this Empire couple has dedicated decades to protecting and sharing the park they love. Discover their inspiring journey of giving back.

Why do I love volunteering as a Trail Ambassador? From swapping trail stories and helping visitors navigate the park to spending my days outdoors doing what I love, it’s pure joy—come see how you can get involved or support our trail programs today!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"!

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.