• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

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  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not open until Memorial Day Weekend

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Due to mandatory, across-the-board budget cuts, some visitor services in this park have changed. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not open until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. More »

  • Some restrooms and trash cans not available until Memorial Day

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Other than those at the visitor center and campgrounds, restrooms and trash cans will not be available until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. This includes the Manitou Islands. More »

Port Oneida Fair - Celebrate the Arts at Thoreson Farm

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Date: August 1, 2012

Annual Port Oneida Rural Arts and Culture Fair on August 10-11 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors to the event may take a shuttle, drive, hike, or bike between six unique historic sites to enjoy a variety of activities. Each week leading up to the fair, details will be made available about one of the following sites: Burfiend Barn, Kelderhouse Farm, Thoreson Farm, Olsen Farm, Dechow Farm, and Port Oneida Schoolhouse.

Thoreson Farm will be busy with artisans creating beautiful works; from MaryAnn Wilcox and her "tooth-brush" rugs, to Kyle Connelly and his blacksmithing skills. Lois Beardslee will be returning with her native crafts. She will be creating her porcupine quill boxes and "bite-bark" decorations, along with other unique items. Leonard Thoreson will be there, telling stories of being raised on this beautiful farmstead. Also, children's activities will abound at Thoreson Farm. The music with storytelling will delight them as well as their parents. At the Thoreson site, you can pitch some horseshoes, make a project to take home, pet the horses, explore the vintage house and barn, and enjoy the food from Cherry Republic.

Saturday evening from 8:00-10:30 p.m., the Thoreson Farm will be the site of the August Star Party. Join park rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) for an evening under the stars. Learn about the history of astronomy and view Mars, Saturn, and the southern Milky Way. Also, see the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. For all astronomy events, bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car and bug spray, if needed. Park rangers and GTAS staff will be wearing red glow bracelets at the event. The monthly Star Parties will be cancelled during inclement weather. The decision is usually made three hours in advance. Please call 231-326-5135, ext. 331, for a voicemail message with the decision.

The Port Oneida Fair is a free event, but you must purchase a Park Entrance Pass and prominently display it in your vehicle. Please call 231-326-5135, ext. 328, to make reservations (if you plan to bring a group), or ask questions.

Did You Know?

Hiking Trails

There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many of these trails can also be used for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. More...