News Release

Free Entrance and Volunteer Event on National Public Lands Day

News Release Date: September 18, 2019

You own one-third of the land in America – public land where one can hike, bike, climb, hunt, swim, explore, picnic, or just simply relax. National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28, 2019, is an opportunity to enjoy and give something back to those places we love. In recognition of this special day, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) will lead a work-bee on the trail at Bass Lake from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No reservations are needed. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Trials End Road, south of Empire and west of M-22, where you will join thousands of volunteers across the nation who are taking part in this annual tradition. Participants should dress for the weather, and bring water and sunscreen. National park rangers will provide all necessary tools and equipment.

Participants in the volunteer event will also earn a coupon for an additional free one-day entrance pass to public lands any time before September 27, 2020. For example, perhaps you have plans to take that western vacation next year. If so, the voucher earned for volunteer work could be used to obtain free entrance to a national park of your choice.  

The entrance fee to the National Lakeshore will be waived for all visitors on Saturday, September 28, in honor of National Public Lands Day. Anyone planning to spend time in the park beyond September 28 will need to purchase an entrance pass for the remainder of their stay since the entrance fee is waived for only one day. The fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours, or use of concessions. Park fee collection stations will be open and have annual passes, as well as interagency senior and access passes, available. For questions on the fee-free day, please call 231-326-4700, extension 5010.