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Sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Cruise

June 8, 2009 – 9:10 am

Cruisinâ€™ the Dunes
By Danielle Horvath
Beginning this summer, a new boat cruise will offer â€˜up closeâ€ views of the expansive coastline along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from Frankfort to Empire. Aboard the â€œMinerâ€™s Castle,â€ a twin-diesel passenger vessel, capable of carrying over 100 people, the 17-mile round trip will last almost 3 hours and will include a historical narrative of the lakeshore, from itâ€™s Maritime roots to local lighthouses to several well-known shipwrecks. The twice-daily cruises â€“ afternoon and sunset – will run June 1st through Oct. 18. With a heated, enclosed upper cabin, cruises will run rain or shine, lake conditions permitting.

Prices are reasonable for this unique family outing with adult fare runs $33.00, children 6-12 are $10 and under 5 are free. Group rates are also available; contact them for more detailed information. The ticket office is located at 827 Main St. just east of the Frankfort downtown district.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes Cruise can take reservations weeks or months in advance, or 5 minutes before the boat leaves the dock, depending on space available. Refreshments are available for purchase or passengers can bring their own. Alcohol is not allowed unless a large group has reserved the boat and has hired a caterer with a liquor license.

For more information visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Cruise website, or call them for reservations toll-free (888) 469-4696 or locally at (231) 352-8102.

Here’s a video from the ribbon cutting ceremony:

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Frankfort, Outdoor Recreation, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Stories, Things To Do, Video | Comments (0)

The Platte River Campground

May 9, 2009 – 9:05 pm

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has campgrounds that offer many options for a variety of camping styles. The Platte River Campground has a little bit of everything including back-in and pull-through RV sites, beautiful tent sites, group camping, and even adventurous walk-in or back-country sites. Much of the campground is open all year, with both reservation sites and first come first serve site available. The campground is located 10 miles south of Empire on Lake Michigan Road off M-22 at 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI 49640.

Platte River Campground Information
Hours: Open All Year (Reservations accepted for the summer months only)
Memorial Day to Labor Day (Summer) 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Spring & Fall – Hours vary
December thru March (Winter) Self-Registration
Phone: 231-325-5881
Location: At the entrance to the Platte River Campground, Lake Michigan Road, 1/4 mi. off M-22, southern end of the park.
Special Programs: Amphitheater located adjacent to the Ranger Station provides Evening Campfire Programs every day during the summer.
Campground: Platte River Campground is open all year.

Campsites with electrical hook-up for 1-6 persons: 96 Total Sites, 27 Reservable.
Fee/night = $21.00 with no reservation or $24.00 when reserved.
Campsites are reservable 5/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Campsites with no electrical hook-up for 1-6 persons: 53 Total Sites, 10 Reservable.
Fee/night = $16.00 with no reservation or $19.00 when reserved.
Campsites are reservable 5/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Walk-in Sites for 1-6 persons: 25 Total Sites, 6 Reservable
Fee/night = $12.00 with no reservation or $15.00 when reserved.
Campsites are reservable 5/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Platte River Group Campsites (hike-in, tents only) for 7-25 persons: 5 Total Sites, 5 Reservable.
Fee/night = $40.00 with no reservation or $43.00 when reserved.
Reservations Required 5/01/2009 to 10/1/2009.

Shower Tokens : Two 3-minute Tokens for $1.00.

Backcountry Sites (Open All Year)

White Pine Campground: 6 Sites Total, 0 Reservable. $5.00/night
Valley View Campground: 5 Sites Total, 0 Reservable. $5.00/night

For more information on camping fees, or to make online camping reservations click here.

For Sleeping Bear Dunes entrance fee information click here.

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Explore Our Area, Honor, Lodging, Outdoor Recreation | Comments (0)

State Park Campsites Still Available for All Summer Holiday Weekends

May 1, 2009 – 2:35 pm

Looking for something fun to do for the Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day weekends, or trying to figure out where to take your family vacation?

Department of Natural Resources state park and recreation officials today announced there are still several state park campgrounds with campsites available throughout the summer, including the three holiday weekends. So, “GO-Get Outdoors” and enjoy your Michigan State Parks this summer.

“Campsites become available for arrival dates six months in advance of the date a reservation is made, so, right now, the window is open for reservations into early October,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “People may assume the time has passed to make reservations, but there are still plenty of campsites available at a majority of our state parks for the summer and during the weekdays, including some of our more popular parks.”

Many state parks and recreation areas also offer cabins, mini-cabins, lodges, yurts and even teepees that are available to rent for campers that don’t own a tent or RV. Boaters are reminded to check out the state harbors to determine where slips remain available to reserve this summer.

Reservations for harbor slips, campsites, cabins, mini-cabins, teepees and yurts can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by contacting the DNR’s reservation call center at 800-447-2757.

Individuals and families new to camping are encouraged to take advantage of the DNR’s new “First Time Campers” program, sponsored by Gander Mountain. Persons looking to store their camper or boat between visits to save on fuel costs can sign up for the “Gas Savings Camper Storage Program” being offered again this year at more than 30 state park locations. To learn more about both programs, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on “Recreation, Camping & Boating.”

While planning your trip, or if you are just looking for something fun to do, the “GO-Get Outdoors” calendar at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors lists events taking place at state parks or recreation areas near you. Also join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan’s State Parks this year. Events are posted on the calendar.

Motor Vehicle Permits for the 2009 season are available to purchase at any state park or recreation area, or online through the Michigan e-Store. Cost is $24 for a resident annual permit or $6 for a resident daily permit. A nonresident annual permit is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8. Resident annual senior discount permits, which are $6, may be purchased only in person at a state park or recreation area and will require a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. Boating access site permits also are available at $24 for an annual permit and $6 for a daily permit.

For more information about a specific state park or recreation area, camping opportunities, events or accessibility, visit the DNR’s Web site or contact the Lansing office at (517) 373-9900 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources
for current and future generations.

Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoors

State Campgrounds Located in Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau Counties:

Garey Lake Trail Camp Boat Launch Equestrian Fishing Hiking Rustic Site Watchable Wildlife

Grass Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch Canoeing Fishing Hiking Rustic Site Watchable Wildlife

Lake Ann State Forest Campground Boat Launch Fishing Hiking Mountain Biking Rustic Site Watchable Wildlife

Leelanau State Park Cross Country Ski Hiking Hunting Lighthouse Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Playground Swimming

Leelanau-Rustic Mini Cabin Rustic Site Vault Toilet

Orchard Beach State Park Cross Country Ski Hiking Metal Detecting Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Playground Swimming

Orchard Beach-Modern Electrical Service Mini Cabin Modern Restrooms

Platte River State Forest Campground Canoeing Fishing Hiking Mountain Biking Rustic Site Watchable Wildlife

Tippy Dam Campground-Rustic Boat Launch Rustic Site Vault Toilet

Tippy Dam Recreation Area Rustic Campground Boat Launch Canoeing Hiking Rustic Site Vault Toilet

Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground Canoeing Fishing Hiking Rustic Site Watchable Wildlife

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Explore Our Area, Lodging, Outdoor Recreation | Comments (0)

EVENT LISTING

Sleeping Bear Dunes celebrates National Jr. Ranger Day.

April 23, 2009 – 11:36 pm

This Saturday, April 25, children of all ages are invited to become Junior Rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in honor of, National Junior Ranger Day.

Special activities begin at 10:00 a.m. and are planned throughout the day, with a badge and swearing in ceremony at 3:00 p.m. Â To earn a Junior Ranger badge and an official certificate, prospects get to go on one ranger-led program (morning or afternoon) and complete a few activities in the free Junior Ranger booklet that will be available at the Visitor Center in Empire. Adults must accompany children at all times.

â€œWe are excited about celebrating the 3^rd Annual National Junior Ranger Day,â€ said Lisa Myers, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Â â€œAll across the country, from Yosemite National Park in California to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, people of all ages will go outside to explore, learn and protect their national parks.â€ At the National Lakeshore, Park Rangers will offer the following programs:

10:00 a.m.: Â Dune Discovery Walk – Meet at the base of the Dune Climb on Highway 109, two miles north ofÂ Â Â Â Empire.
1:00 p.m.: Beach Discovery Walk – Meet at the Cannery (large red building at the end of Highway 209) in the historic village of Glen Haven north of the Dune Climb.
3:00 p.m.: Â Junior Ranger Ceremony – Meet at the Visitor Center to take the Junior Ranger oath and receive a badge and certificate. There will be light refreshments and prizes for all.

All activities are free; participants need only display an entrance pass on their vehicle dashboard whenever and wherever they are recreating within the park boundaries. Â Passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center, Platte Point parking area, and Platte River Campground ($10/vehicle, valid for seven days; or $20/vehicle, for an entire year).

For more information about the schedule or other Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore activities, please call the Visitor Center at 231-326-5134.

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Events and Entertainment, Outdoor Recreation, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Stories | Comments (0)

Storm Season at Point Betsie Lighthouse

April 12, 2009 – 7:57 am

John Clement Howe took this photo in November, but the spring storm season features some great winds and waves too!

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Explore Our Area, Frankfort, Outdoor Recreation, Photo, Points of Interest | Comments (1)