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.

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.

From Traverse City Tourism: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ranked in the Top Ten Beaches in the World on TripAdvisor’s global list of "One-of-a-Kind Beaches" as part of its recent Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Spend your summer at the Dunes! We’re hiring a Trail Maintenance & Volunteer Coordinator Intern for the 2026 season. Includes $15/hour plus provided park housing from April through October.

“When we take care of special places, we set an example for our children and others to continue the work.” For over two decades, Kerry Kelly has lived those words. From blacksmithing to serving as Board Chairman, Kerry’s hands-on dedication has transformed how we experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

We are thrilled and honored to receive a $100,000 capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation, affirming our mission to protect and enhance Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!