Last updated: August 5, 2026
Thing to Do
Port Oneida Fair
NPS
Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was from the 1850's and early 1940's. Imagine the life of Euro-American immigrants as you help bale hay or watch a broom-maker at work. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Listen as park rangers and local historians share the area's history. Watch as teams of oxen haul hay and artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills.
The fair is held at five of the historic sites in Port Oneida. Each farm has a variety of artists, crafts, food, and activities for visitors scroll below to see what is happening at each of them. A shuttle bus runs between the farms on a regular schedule during the fair, so you can park your car and easily get around to the different venues.
The Port Oneida Fair is presented by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in partnership with Sleeping Bear Forever. To learn more about how you can help support the park, visit www.phsb.org.
August 7-8, 2026
10 am - 4 pm
Getting around
Shuttle
Park your car at one of the three parking lots (Thoreson, Olsen, and Dechow farms).
A free shuttle stops at each site approximately every 15 minutes.
Olsen farm address
3164 W. Harbor Hwy.
Maple City, Michigan 49664
Thoreson farm address
3694 S Thoreson Rd.
Maple City, MI 49664
Dechow farm address
3991 W Harbor Hwy.
Maple City, MI 49664
On foot
Walking paths connect all the farm sites.Horse and wagon
Take a horse and wagon ride between the Olsen and Dechow Farms.
Details
Activity
Cultural Demonstrations
Map alt text: This map shows the Port Oneida area within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, focusing on shuttle stops and historic farm sites along M-22. The map is oriented with north at the top, as indicated by a compass rose. The primary road, M-22, runs horizontally through the center of the map, with Port Oneida Road intersecting it and extending northeast. Additional roads, such as Miller Road and Thoreson Road, branch off the main routes, and a dotted trail marks the Bay View Trailhead to the west.
Five key sites are highlighted with circles
representing shuttle stops and farm locations. Olsen Farm is located just north of M-22 near a side road intersection and includes a shuttle stop, parking area, and accessible facilities. Directly adjacent to the north is the historic Schoolhouse, also served by the shuttle route. Further northeast along Port Oneida Road is Kelderhouse Farm, which features a shuttle stop, accessible facilities, and restrooms. South of Port Oneida Road and along M-22 is Dechow Farm, which offers parking, restrooms, accessible facilities, and a shuttle stop.
A legend in the lower left corner of the map indicates that the shuttle makes stops at Olsen Farm, Dechow Farm, Thoreson Farm, the Schoolhouse, and Kelderhouse Farm. Standard icons are used throughout the map to mark available amenities such as parking, restrooms, and accessibility. Additional locations like Werner Farm and the Bay View Trailhead appear in the background in light gray, suggesting they are not part of the main shuttle loop.
Age(s)
This is a family-friendly event, perfect for all ages.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are welcome in outdoor areas on a six-foot leash. Pets are not allowed inside historic buildings.
Activity Fee
No
Please display a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or other federal lands pass in your vehicle.
Location
Port Oneida Fair
August 7 & 8, 2026
Parking lots are availabe at:
Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center - Olsen House
Dechow Farm
Thoreson Farm
A shuttle and mowed walking paths are available between sites.
Parking lots are availabe at:
Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center - Olsen House
Dechow Farm
Thoreson Farm
A shuttle and mowed walking paths are available between sites.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Time of Day
Day
10 am - 4 pm Friday and Saturday
Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the fair.
Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the fair.
Accessibility Information
Parking
Parking is located at Dechow, Olsen and Thoreson farms, all lots have handicap parking.
Shuttle
A wheelchair accessible shuttle departs from the Dechow Farm approximately every 15 minutes. This shuttle will make stops at the Kelderhouse farm and Schoolhouse. Those wanting to visit the Olsen and Thoreson farms using the accessible shuttle should speak with the National Park Service Ranger at the entrance to the Dechow Farm.
Restroom
An ADA accessible port-a-pot is available at all farm sites.
Terrain
Fair activities take place on mostly flat terrain. The activites are set up on mowed lawns where tree roots or uneven ground may be present.
Parking is located at Dechow, Olsen and Thoreson farms, all lots have handicap parking.
Shuttle
A wheelchair accessible shuttle departs from the Dechow Farm approximately every 15 minutes. This shuttle will make stops at the Kelderhouse farm and Schoolhouse. Those wanting to visit the Olsen and Thoreson farms using the accessible shuttle should speak with the National Park Service Ranger at the entrance to the Dechow Farm.
Restroom
An ADA accessible port-a-pot is available at all farm sites.
Terrain
Fair activities take place on mostly flat terrain. The activites are set up on mowed lawns where tree roots or uneven ground may be present.
NPS Photo
Dechow Farm
Oral Histories:
Family History
Mrs. Dechow Barn Tours
Antique Bicycles
Barn Quilts
Donkeys
Early American Cricket (10-4) - Friday only
Farm animals
Felting and knitting
Goat milk soap making
Goats and Conservation grazing
Soaps, lip balms, and body butter - hand crafted, USDA organic, all natural ingredients
Hand spun wool
Hand weaving and basket making
Horse and wagon rides
Horse teams working fields
Invasive Species education
Model A Vehicle (Weather Dependent)
Natural and cultural history
Potter and glass jewelry
Pottery, fused glass, maple syrup and honey
Print making, book signing by
Rug Weaving
Single Engine Motors
String Art and Hand Sewing
USLSS Surfmen
Wind-up musical instruments
Food:
Schwenk’inWagon - Lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch
Moomers’ Ice Cream
NPS Photo / A. Stotz-Ghosh
Kelderhouse Farm
Music:
Hammered Dulcimer and other Antique Instruments - Luke Kawecki
Activities & demonstrations:
Kelderhouse family history presented by Thomas P. Kelderhouse descendants
Antique Apple Preservation Project
Exhibit: "If these objects could talk"
Local History Authors of Leelanau Press
Historic Maps with Leelanau Historical Society
Poor Farm Barn rehabilitation project
"Stations of the Storm" hands on activities of the U.S. Life-Saving Service
The "Crib" Lighthouse with North Manitou Light Keepers
1863 Civil War Camp Reenactment
“Heroes of the Storm” hands-on program of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Program at 1 pm, and 3 pm Friday and Saturday
Photo by Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear
Olsen Farm
Music & Oral Histories:
Musicians and storytelling – Norm Wheeler and Pat Niemesto
Oral history recording; Port Oneida History - Tom VanZoeren
Farm life/City life at 11 am, Noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm
Life and times of a Lighthouse Keeper at 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm, and 3:45 pm.
Saturday only at 2 pm - Hammer’d – dulcimer group
Activites & Demonstrations:
2026 Port Oneida Poster Sales & Signing
Bread & Butter churning and cream separator
Chair caning
Children's Games
Cooking/Food-ways
Fishing
Garden - antique potato and corn planting
Hand Quilting
Hewing and notching
Old Tyme Photography - dress up in costume at the barn!
Olsen Barn tours
Piping Plovers
Root Cellar
Rug Braiding
Stamped wooden nametags
Tatting, rug hooking
Washtub Demo
Food:
Cherry Republic Ice Cream
NPS/K Maisano
Thoreson Farm
Music:
Friday 11 am - 4 pm: Rigs & Jeels Traditional fiddle & mandolin
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm: North Bay Celtic Band Traditional Irish & American Tunes
Activites and demonstrations:
Thoreson family tales and history
Basket weaving
Blacksmith in action
Knitting and crochetuing
Thrown pottery
Traditional timber framing
NPS Photo
Port Oneida Schoolhouse
Activities and demonstrations:
11 am - 2 pm - School Days in the one-room schoolhouse
Junior Ranger Program with Historic Toys
2026 Fair Sponsors
Platinum $1000
Moomers Ice Cream
____________________________________Gold $500
Anderson's Market
Sleeping Bear Forever
Drs. Paul Dechow & Joanne Blum
____________________________________
Silver $250
__________________________________
Bronze $100
Blarney Castle Oil
Northwoods Hardware
Map alt text: This map shows the Port Oneida area within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, focusing on shuttle stops and historic farm sites along M-22. The map is oriented with north at the top, as indicated by a compass rose. The primary road, M-22, runs horizontally through the center of the map, with Port Oneida Road intersecting it and extending northeast. Additional roads, such as Miller Road and Thoreson Road, branch off the main routes, and a dotted trail marks the Bay View Trailhead to the west.
Five key sites are highlighted with circles representing shuttle stops and farm locations. Olsen Farm is located just north of M-22 near a side road intersection and includes a shuttle stop, parking area, and accessible facilities. Directly adjacent to the north is the historic Schoolhouse, also served by the shuttle route. Further northeast along Port Oneida Road is Kelderhouse Farm, which features a shuttle stop, accessible facilities, and restrooms. South of Port Oneida Road and along M-22 is Dechow Farm, which offers parking, restrooms, accessible facilities, and a shuttle stop.
A legend in the lower left corner of the map indicates that the shuttle makes stops at Olsen Farm, Dechow Farm, Thoreson Farm, the Schoolhouse, and Kelderhouse Farm. Standard icons are used throughout the map to mark available amenities such as parking, restrooms, and accessibility. Additional locations like Werner Farm and the Bay View Trailhead appear in the background in light gray, suggesting they are not part of the main shuttle loop.