National Public Lands Day 2007

Date: September 19, 2007
Contact: David Kronk, 906-387-2607, ext. 206
Contact: Gregg Bruff, 906-387-2607, ext. 208

Au Sable keepers quarters and light tower

NPS photo

All National Park Service sites will offer free visitor admission on September 29 for National Public Lands Day. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore does not charge an entrance fee, but extends an invitation to celebrate National Public Lands Day at the Au Sable Light Station on Saturday, September 29.

In additional to waiving entrance fees, national parks and other public lands will host special programs and volunteer work parties to commemorate the 14th annual event. For the 2007 celebration, the public is invited to volunteer to assist the Pictured Rocks maintenance crew in historic landscape restoration work at the Au Sable Light Station. Anyone who volunteers on National Public Lands Day will receive a free one day pass valid for future use at any National Park Service site.

To reach Au Sable, drive west from Grand Marais on Alger County Road H-58 approximately 12 miles to the Hurricane River Campground. The light station is a 1-1/2 mile walk from the campground. National Public Lands Day hours will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In conjunction with National Public Lands Day, Au Sable Day will be celebrated. Events will include tours of the station and discussions about current restoration of the cultural landscape. The maritime museum, located in the head keepers quarters, will be open for Au Sable Day. Exhibits include the history of shipping, lighthouse beacons, and daily life of a light keeper. Refreshments will be served.

Altran wheelchair accessible van transportation will be available at the lower Hurricane River Campground parking lot. There is no charge for this service.

However, once the van arrives at Au Sable, getting around the site is up to the individual. Visitors should be aware there are very sandy soils, narrow sidewalks, and only the boathouse is accessible on one floor. The other buildings require climbing steps.

Come out and enjoy a beautiful fall day celebrating the most prominent of the Lakeshore's historic features on National Public Lands Day.

Nine federal agencies, 125 state and local partners, dozens of non-profit organizations, tens of thousands of individuals, and national sponsor Toyota Motor Sales USA are expected to participate in more than a thousand volunteer projects across the country. Please visit www.publiclandsday.org for more information.

National Public Lands Day is the only time that entrance fees are waived systematically on public lands throughout the country. Normally, 147 of the country's 391 National Park Service sites charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 244 areas do not have entrance fees. U.S. Veterans are admitted to national parks for free each year on Veteran's Day.

For additional information on National Public Lands Day and Au Sable Day at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, please contact Park Ranger David Kronk at 906-387-2607, extension 206.