NPS Casey Kilian 
NPS /K. Morrissey Individual Volunteer OpportunitiesMost volunteer opportunities are available primarily during the busy summer season, though some positions are available year-round. Individuals can devote their time and energy in assisting the park in both long- and short-term positions. Not sure how you want to volunteer?Read about a variety of different opportunities below! Looking for current openings?Check out the "Current Volunteer Opportunities" at the bottom of this page, or visit www.volunteer.gov and enter ‘Sleeping Bear Dunes’ in the search bar. You may also contact us directly via email at e-mail us to share specific skills and interests that might make for a unique volunteer position opportunity. Recurring Volunteer Opportunities Your contribution of time and energy helps us to protect the magnificent natural and cultural resources of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Volunteers help with visitor centers, museums, and campground operations, assist in the management of invasive vegetation, help with historic preservation efforts, help maintain park trails and perform a variety of other tasks.
Most volunteer opportunities are available primarily during the busy summer season, though some positions are available year-round. Individuals can devote their time and energy assisting the park in both long- and short-term positions There are many recurring volunteer positions across the park. Opportunities can range from helping guide visitors, monitoring threatened wildlife, or managing historic landscapes. A few opportunities are highlighted below. Campground HostsCampground hosts assist visitors with campground operations while stationed at either D.H. Day or Platte River campgrounds in the park. Volunteers may help campers find campsites, walk campground loops to inform and educate visitors, provide information about the park, and work with Park Service employees in cleaning campsites or perform minor maintenance. Visitor Center AssistantsVisitor Center Assistants support staff at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center by sharing information with visitors, helping them plan their trips, answering questions, and providing directions to key locations throughout the park. Glen Haven & Maritime Museum Interpretation VolunteersVolunteers play an essential role in welcoming and engaging visitors to the Glen Haven Historic District. They provide interpretation at the Maritime Museum, the Cannery Boat Museum, the General Store, and the Blacksmith Shop. Campground space may be available for volunteers who bring their own equipment. South Manitou Island Lighthouse Volunteer KeepersVolunteers at the lighthouse preserve and share the rich history of South Manitou Island, as well as the legacy of the United States Lighthouse Service. Volunteers reside on the island for two to six weeks, immersing themselves in the environment and creating memorable experiences for visitors. North Manitou Island Cottage Row Interpretation VolunteersPromenade with visitors along the picturesque and historic Cottage Row on North Manitou Island, offering engaging insights into the area’s rich history and the evolution of its distinctive architecture and community. Volunteers reside on the island for two to six weeks at a time. Maple Sugaring (First weekend in March)There are many different volunteer positions available for this two-day event. Some stations include parking assistant, table greeter, floater, kid’s games attendant, maple taffy making and more. No prior experience is needed in MOST roles.
Port Oneida Fair (Second Fri/Sat in August)There are many different volunteer positions available for this two-day event. Some stations include parking assistant, Junior Ranger, rope making, kids’ games, 1800’s activity stations, and more. No prior experience is needed in MOST roles.
Candlelight Hike & Star PartiesSupport usually comes in the form of set up and take down assistance, crossing guard for visitors, table greeter, or clicking the number of visitors in attendance. No prior experience is needed for any role.
Volunteers with prior education or interpretation experience can assist at an educational station where visitors will spend 5-10 minutes learning about the topic at your site.
Pruning Workshop (First Friday in May)This workshop focuses on the maintenance of neglected apple trees throughout Sleeping Bear Dunes. Through this workshop, volunteers learn how to bring the apple trees back into production and maintain their health. 
Group Volunteer OpportunitiesA group of friends, family, co-workers, or any other group can participate in short- or long-term projects scheduled throughout the year. Most projects take place in the spring, summer, or fall. Groups with volunteers of all ages and abilities are encouraged and welcome to participate. See our Group Volunteers page for more information and guidance on how to start setting up your project Setting Up Your ProjectPlease email us at least one month in advance of your proposed date for additional information or to start setting up your project. We may not be able to accommodate last-minute requests. Please include the following information in your email:
Please remember that not all projects are suitable for every group. We will do our best to match you with a project that will work well with your group’s size, age, and ability. Partner Organized OpportunitiesFolks can volunteer with or join an organization that already has an established relationship with this park. These positions vary greatly and could be from a few days to a year-long appointment. For most of these groups, you can apply for positions directly through their website. Our Partner groups include:
Friends of Sleeping Bear DunesThere are a range of self-guided and group opportunities ranging from Adopt-a-Trail-Beach-Highway-River to PSAR and more. Please sign up for these programs and learn more directly through the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Sleeping Bear ForeverThere are a range of opportunities to help with historic landscape and building preservation with projects ranging from restoring historic windows, interpreting historic lifeways as museum docents, to adopting a historic orchard and more. Visit Sleeping Bear Forever for more information or to sign up to volunteer for those opportunities.Current Volunteer OpportunitiesKeep checking back, there is a variety of ways to get involved and give back to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! |
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Last updated: July 29, 2026