Sleeping Bear Forever

09/29/2026

The beautiful cabin at Inspiration Point is getting a wonderful facelift! A huge thank-you to our amazing volunteers for their hard work restoring the windows and helping preserve this special piece of history. Their dedication makes a real difference!

09/29/2026

🍂 Fall is here at Sleeping Bear Folk School!🍂

Come learn, create, and connect with the traditions and stories of our region with these upcoming classes:

🧵 Intro to Leather Working — October 10
🌲 Trees of Change: How Pioneers Transformed the Port Oneida Woods — October 10
🎄 Pine Needle Ornament Workshop — November 13
🎶 Holiday Harmonica — November 14

Whether you’re picking up a new skill, exploring local history, or getting a head start on handmade holiday fun, there’s something for everyone! ❤️

Come learn something new, make something by hand, and enjoy a little Folk School fun this fall!

👉 Visit the Sleeping Bear Folk School website to learn more and register!

09/29/2026

Thanks to our volunteers who walked the Port Oneida, Michigan, Rural Historic District in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and along M-22 to pick up litter and keep our beautiful park looking pristine - you rock!

09/18/2026

Come join us for our Fall Adopt-A-Highway clean up this Saturday, September 19th from 10 - 11:15 am. Meet at the Olsen Farm/Port Oneida Heritage Center, 3164 W. Harbor Hwy. Wear close-toed shoes. Help us keep the lakeshore beautiful!

09/16/2026

We’re proud and excited to announce that we have received a $75,000 grant from the National Park Foundation to help our organization grow!

This funding will strengthen the organization’s capacity to preserve the cultural heritage of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, expand meaningful visitor experiences, and build a stronger philanthropic future for increased adaptive-use of historic properties and educational programs.

Read more: https://phsb.org/national-park-foundation-awards-75000-grant-to-sleeping-bear-forever/

09/07/2026

💙 Discover the Magic of Indigo 💙

There’s something magical about folding, tying, dipping, and watching beautiful patterns appear! ✨

Join us to learn about the fascinating world of indigo dye, explore traditional shibori folding and tying techniques, and create your own one-of-a-kind designs.

🧣 Dye a beautiful bamboo scarf (included with supplies)
👕 Bring one cotton, linen, bamboo, or silk item of your own to transform
🎨 Learn techniques you can continue creating with at home!

Come get your hands a little blue and discover the magic of shibori! 💙🌿

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER COURSE OVERVIEW: Learn a bit about the different types of indigo dye and the varied sources for them. Explore techniques for folding and tying items to […]

09/05/2026

Katherine "Katie" Harrison Shepard was born on July 8, 1868 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father, William, was a bookkeeper for a fire insurance company and moved the family to Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

He became acquainted with fellow Chicagoans from the Trude and Blossom families who sought to build summer cottages on North Manitou Island in the 1890s.

Around 1908, Katie turned her family’s cottage, referred to as “The Beeches”, into a hotel, along with a separate kitchen and dining hall (no longer present) to serve guest and residents of Cottage Row. The hotel operated until 1932.

Restoring “Katie” (as the structure is now called) has been a passion for Sleeping Bear Forever volunteers over the years. Be sure to see our immediately prior post showing this season's work!

NPS photo

09/02/2026

Last week on the North Manitou Island was a great experience! Our volunteers worked hard, helped care for the park, and brought lots of positive energy to the team. We shared plenty of laughs, learned from each other, and enjoyed the beauty of the island along the way.
A big thank-you to everyone who volunteered their time. You truly made a difference!

If you like our work we hope you will "like" our page and consider a gift of support as we near the end of our fiscal year.

09/01/2026

OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME ON NORTH MANITOU
Volunteer Rick Horner shares his perspective on the positive impact of volunteering with us on projects such as North Manitou Island and Faust Cabin in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

For Giving Tuesday, Sleeping Bear Forever is asking for donations to help us continue our work on Faust Cabin for the park.