Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

One of only four National Lakeshores in the United States, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a spectacular coastal environment over 70,000 acres in Benzie and Leelanau Counties located in the northwest corner of the Lower Peninsula. These living dunes ever-changing mountains of sand sculpted by wind, water, and snow rise up toward the clouds from the blue waters of Lake Michigan. Enchanting green forests, azure colored woodland lakes, crystal streams, coastal lighthouses, a patchwork of fields, 18th century farms, and an incredible night sky where you'll swear every star in the galaxy can be seen. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of America's most distinct and treasured natural monuments.

The National Park Service is responsible for preserving the natural and cultural landscapes of the park. In response to news that the national park was going to tear down over 300 historic buildings located in the park due to the large cost of repairing and preserving these resources, a group of local citizens banded together to stop the demolition. In 1998 PRESERVE Historic Sleeping Bear was born. Their mission is to raise awareness and the funds for the preservation and interpretation of historic farms, outbuildings and farm fields. Each year the organization works closely with the park service to complete a series of preservation, and sometimes restoration projects, often with the hands of their volunteers. They also conduct educational programs, historic tours and fundraising events. One of the most popular events they helped found and co-sponsor is the Port Oneida Fair. Many historic buildings and homesteads are open to the public. Over 100 demonstrations and hands-on activities take place on the second weekend in August each year. For more information about the fair, visit the Port Oneida Fair page of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore website.