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Benzie Information on: Sleeping Bear Dunes

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:

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The Platte River

May 8, 2009 – 11:51 pm

The Platte River, which flows through the Pere Marquette State Forest, is about 14 miles long and averages 2 – 3 feet deep. The river is a favorite for canoers, kayakers, and tubers. The upper Platte is fast moving with tight turns and underwater obstacles perfect for the more experienced canoer. The lower Platte’s flow is more gentle, making a tubing or canoeing trip the perfect family activity for a hot summer day.

The mouth of the Platte empties in to Lake Michigan, located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.Â Platte Point Beach is the end destination of many of the canoers and tubers. The river is shallow and flows rapidly at this point. Riding the current into Lake Michigan is an exciting activity for beach goers. The park, which also hosts a picnic area, boat launch, and restroom facilities, is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the activity on the river with the view of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the background.

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Explore Our Area, Honor, Outdoor Recreation, Points of Interest, Towns | 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.

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Empire Bluff from Esch Road (Otter Creek)

April 12, 2009 – 7:42 am

Jim took this photo last summer at Esch Road Beach. Won’t be long now!

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Check out Saturdays at the Lakeshore in April

March 27, 2009 – 3:33 am

Ranger Peg Burman identifies migratory birds in the park (courtesy National Park Service) Every Saturday afternoon in April at 1 PM you can meet a park ranger at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center in Empire (just off M-72) for a fun and educational nature walk. You’ll get a brief introduction to the topic and then follow the car caravan a short distance to where the walk will begin. Here are the topics:

April 4- The Great Melt Down â€“The melting of the winter snowpack provides an opportunity to travel back in time and investigate the melting of the great continental glaciers. Scientists have called Sleeping Bear Dunes, â€œThe most complete record of glacial history preserved in the National Park Service.â€ Let the sands, rocks, and topography reveal the very foundation of the Lakeshore.

April 11 – Wonderful Waterfowl â€“ Some birds have been here all winter and some are just returning, but all are wonderful! Spend some time viewing the Lakeshoreâ€™s ducks, geese, and swans. Learn their names and habits. If you have binoculars, bring them along, but the Lakeshore will also have pairs to loan.

April 18â€“ A Hidden Treat â€“Just as wildflowers and wildlife emerge after tough Northern Michigan winters, so too did the early settlers. Discover a hidden 1880s farm and appreciate the hardships and life of farming settlers.

April 25- National Junior Ranger Day! â€“ Special morning and afternoon activities for everyone to earn their Junior Ranger badge. Details on this and other National Park Week celebration events will be announced separately.

Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass to join in the fun. Reservations are not required, but are suggested for groups. Please call 231-326-5134, extension 328, for details.

Photo: Ranger Peg Burman identifies migratory birds in the park (courtesy National Park Service)

By betsiebay.net | Also posted in Community, Empire, Explore Our Area, Outdoor Recreation, Plan Your Visit, Points of Interest, Stories | Comments (0)