Dedicating Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness

Newly designated Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness

News Release Date: May 23, 2014

All are invited to join Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in dedicating their newly designated Wilderness on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at the breathtaking #3 Dune Overlook on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. A special program is planned which focuses all participants on the mission of preserving and protecting this special place now and into the future. The National Park Service is pleased to announce that Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Congressman Dan Benishek will be among some of the special speakers at this event. Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Chairman Alvin Pedwaydon and the Dusty Bear Singers of Peshawbestown will also honor the occasion with voices of the Drum and a specially composed Honor Song. All of these activities will occur outdoors with a portion of the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness as the backdrop, which is sure to be a memorable event. 

For this special day, park entrance fees will be waived. Participants will want to arrive early to enjoy ranger-led activities, children’s wilderness artwork and refreshments at the event site from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Event parking will be very limited. It is recommended that participants arrive at the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive no later than 11:00 a.m. Free shuttles will transport people to the #3 Dune Overlook. Since this is an outdoor event, please come prepared with a water bottle and clothing appropriate for the day’s weather conditions. Following the event, participants are encouraged to extend their park visit with wilderness focused ranger-led hikes and activities.