News Release

07-17-2025 Great Sand Dunes Offers Living History and Junior Ranger Day Programming

A Park Ranger leads the magnetite sand activity at Junior Ranger Day in 2024

NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby

News Release Date: July 17, 2025

Contact: Sierra Willoughby, 7193786341

MOSCA, Colo. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is offering two free programs to the public the first weekend August.

On Friday, Aug. 1, Buffalo Soldier reenactor Terrance Beasley will present a living history program at the visitor center from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 2, the park’s education team will host Junior Ranger Day with kid-friendly activities at the main dunes parking area between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Living History: The Life of a Buffalo Soldier
Terrance Beasley, a retired U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer, will present a multimedia program about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their connection to the Great Sand Dunes region. The program will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, in the visitor center, followed by an informal Q&A session and hands-on exploration of a historical tent and equipment similar to what Buffalo Soldiers would have used in the San Luis Valley.
Buffalo Soldiers patrolled the Great Sand Dunes region between 1876 and 1879, working to protect both settlers and tribal communities during a volatile era. Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, these African American soldiers served with distinction and were awarded more Medals of Honor than any other U.S. military unit of the time.
This program is supported by Western National Parks, a cooperating association for the National Park Service, which also operates the visitor center park store.

Junior Ranger Day
On Saturday, Aug. 2, children and families are invited to participate in Junior Ranger Day. Interactive stations will feature activities related to dunes, wildlife, fossils, and cultural artifacts. Children can earn small prizes upon completing all the activities.
Participants may park at the Dunes Parking Area and follow signs to the registration table to begin.
This special event is presented in collaboration with Friends of the Dunes, a nonprofit partner and citizen support group of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

-NPS-

Buffalo Soldier reenactor Terrance Beasley will be providing an engaging living history program for the public on Saturday August 1st at 11 am at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center

Photo Courtesy of Terrance Beasley