National Public Lands Day 2017

Date: September 18, 2017

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 30, 2017, 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 Sleeping Bear Point Trail from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. No reservations are needed. Meet at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire at 10:00 a.m. for a short introduction, and then follow park staff to the trailhead where you will join thousands of volunteers across the nation who are taking part this annual tradition. Dress for the weather. Participants should bring water, a lunch, and sunscreen. Park rangers will provide all necessary tools and equipment.

Participants in the volunteer event will also earn a National Lakeshore water bottle and a coupon for an additional free one-day entrance pass to public lands any time before September 29, 2018. 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 30 in honor of National Public Lands Day. Anyone planning to spend time in the park beyond September 30 will need to purchase an entrance pass for the remainder of their stay, as 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, please call 231-326-4700, extension 5010.