The no-lights hike at Sleeping Bear dunes will be taking place Saturday during the winter solstice. The intimate and exclusive experience will take 15 people through the darkness of SBDNL. Although the event is already sold out, plenty of events to explore SBDNL are already planned throughout winter 2025.
“We are trying our best to use visitation data to drive out programming,” SBDNL Lead Education Ranger Emily Sunblade said. “I’m looking back at the last couple of years about our attendance at all of our interpreted public programming and the candlelight hikes have been the most popular based on the amount of people that we were expecting versus the significantly higher turnout ... We are getting the sense that people are looking for things to do in the park at night.”
SBDNL is a 24/7 national lakeshore with a recent increased emphasis of rangers being present at night to encourage locals and visitors alike to get out and explore Leelanau at night.
Mark your calendars for future night hikes throughout the park.
On Saturday Feb. 8 and 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. candlelight hike will illuminate the Dune Climb.
These events provide an opportunity to explore the serene beauty of SBDNL at night along a one-mile, flat terrain trail lit by luminaries. Attendees may arrive anytime between 6 to 7:30 p.m. to fully experience the hike alongside knowledgeable park rangers and volunteers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes as this hike may also be adapted as a snowshoe excursion, depending on snow conditions. Snowshoes will be avail- able on a first-come, first-served basis.
All ages are welcome, but pets must remain at home as the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is closed to pets in the winter.
“You are allowed to be out here once the sun goes down and you don’t need to wait for a star party for a candle-lit hike to check out the park at night,” Sunblade said.
Another event SBDNL is particularly excited about is Maple Sugaring Days, which has been a popular winter community event over the past two years. They will be adding a night hike onto the event with luminaries lighting the trail that will take place Friday February 28 and March 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The main event on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., allows attendees to experience the full maple sugaring process across two historic farm sites in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Participants can engage in sampling warm syrup, enjoy kid-friendly activities, and witness sap boiling demonstrations as part of this delightful event. This event is in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear.
From 5 to 8 p.m. each evening, visitors can visit the Dechow farm for the self-guided maple sugaring history hike along lantern-lit paths. No registration is required.
Youth Ice Fishing Events Saturdays, January 18, 25, February 1, 22, Dune Climb’s Dune Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
Kids and their families are invited to join park rangers for youth ice fishing events. Young participants will learn essential ice fishing skills, safety measures, and fishing regulations, culminating in a “Junior Angler” certification and a fishing pole to take home (while supplies last). If ice conditions permit, attendees will have the opportunity to ice fish at North Bar Lake. No registration is required. Organized groups may register at 231-326-4700, ext. 5005.
Family Focused Night Hikes Saturdays, January 18, 25, February 1, 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Families with elementary and middle school-aged children can participate in family focused night hikes. Rangers will guide families through nocturnal landscapes, educating them about animal adaptations and the wonders of the night sky. Reservations are required for this program.
The park expresses its enthusiasm for inviting the community to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in a completely new light during winter. The programs aim to engage visitors of all ages, encouraging them to explore and appreciate the park’s beauty during the winter months.
