One third of the land in the U.S. is public land, where anyone can hike, bike, climb, hunt, swim, explore, picnic, or simply relax. National Public Lands Day is held yearly to recognize the opportunities presented by public lands, as well as provide a chance to give back. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will waive the entrance fee to the park for all visitors on Saturday, Sept. 24. The fee-free designation applies to entrance fees for that day only, and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours, or use of concessions. Park fee collection stations will remain open and annual passes, interagency senior and access passes will be available for purchase.

The park will also host a trail work bee from 9am to noon that day. No reservations are needed. Those interested will meet at the visitor center in Empire, joining thousands of volunteers across the nation who will be 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. Volunteers will also earn a coupon for an additional free one-day entrance pass to public lands any time before Sept. 23, 2023. The voucher earned for volunteer work could be used to obtain free entrance to a national park of your choice, for example. 

For questions on the fee-free day, call 231-326-4700, extension 5010.

Photo by John Schaidler