Welcome to Dune World!

Interpretive panel illustrating the dune rides.

NPS credit

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Conservation was not always understood at Sleeping Bear Dunes. After D. H. Day died in 1928, his daughter Marion married his chauffeur, Louis Warnes. The newlyweds took over her father's store in Glen Haven and began renting horses to visitors who wanted a unique view of the dunes. Then Louis had an idea. He fit a 1934 Ford convertible with balloon tires and took people on a 14-mile circuit for 25 cents. It was a hit. Over the next four decades, he and Marion updated their "Dunesmobiles" three times (above) and took thousands on safari into "Michigan's Sahara." Eventually, environmental attitudes shifted, and in 1978, the new National Lakeshore stopped the dune rides to protect the fragile ecosystem.

For the same reason, the park rerouted Pierce Stocking's drive in 1986 to remove segments that snaked through the sand (yellow, on map). From this trailhead, you can take a 1.5 mile walk on one, now named the Cottonwood Trail. Traces of the road remain as do invasive plants that took root in its gravelly soil. Stop their spread. Brush off your shoes!

Caption:
After World War II, Louis Warnes replaced his first fleet of Dunesmobiles with ten 1948 Ford convertibles.

Alien Invaders
These three plants crowd out native species and take over the dunes. Don't aid their advance. Please stay on the designated trail: baby's breath, spotted knapweed, white sweet clover