Sleeping Bear Forever

06/19/2026

Run (or walk) among the historic farms and barns within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Registration is now open for the 16th Annual Port Oneida Run on August 1.

A popular option is the Heritage 5K walk/run that’s great for families and friend groups who just want to have fun and support a good cause. Strollers & leashed dogs are allowed for this option only.

Runners enjoy the scenic Tillers 10K. The course is mostly flat but includes a serious climb near the iconic pyramid point.

There’s also the Homesteaders Half Marathon and a Kid’s Schoolhouse Dash.

All races start and end at the Olsen Farm in Port Oneida.

This is a major fundraiser for us to help in maintaining and interpreting historical properties within the park.

Visit https://phsb.org/port-oneida-run-2/ for more info.

06/15/2026

Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is now SLEEPING BEAR FOREVER! Same mission, new name. ❤️

“Forever” is about permanence, stewardship, and the idea that this place belongs to all of us—now and into the future.

Read more - click on the photo.

Same mission, new name. We are is now Sleeping Bear Forever!

06/14/2026

The Boekeloo Cabin will be open June 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in celebration of Log Cabin Day.

Tucked back in the woods, the Boekeloo Lodge sits on the banks of a former cranberry bog. The log cabin, originally one room, was built by Joseph Cooper in 1929. He hand-dug canals from the Platte River to the front of the home, creating the cranberry bog. Cooper and his family were homesteaders. They hunted, trapped, and tended a garden in this quiet spot in the woods.

In 1945, Miles Boekeloo purchased the property. He renovated the house, adding the front deck and rear bunk room. Boekeloo expanded on Cooper’s original canal system, digging out the pond in front of the house. The Boekeloo Lodge served for decades as a rustic vacation spot for family and friends.

Our volunteers have restored windows and doors, replaced and repaired logs, repaired the bridge and property fence and reconstructed the small boardwalks. The picnic table was refurbished a couple years back and a new table purchased.

It's a lovely spot any time of the year; this is a rare chance to get inside.

Descendent Stuart Boekeloo will be joining us again this year. He reports: “I will bring my historical documents, pictures, materials and stories to tell. My sister, who had her wedding on the deck will also be visiting.”

https://phsb.org/event/log-cabin-day-2/

06/08/2026

Join us in welcoming Kaitlyn Springsdorf as our new Events and Program Coordinator.

Kait was born and raised in Owosso but has a special affinity for NW Michigan. She's a graduate of Michigan State University, has worked for Crystal River Outfitters, and is a Board Member of the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome Kait!

Photo credit: Kimbery Springsdorf

06/04/2026

There’s lots going on this summer. Here’s a sampling:

Horse and Wagon Tours Thursdays at 9:30 from June through August
https://phsb.org/experience/programs/horse-wagon-tours/

Log Cabin Day featuring the Boekeloo Log Cabin June 28.
https://phsb.org/events-calendar/log-cabin-day-2025/

Youth Plein Air Experience July 11
https://phsb.org/experience/programs/youth-plein-air-experience/

Farm to Table Dinner experiences July 16 & September 3
https://phsb.org/events-calendar/farm-to-table-dinners/

14th Annual Port Oneida Run August 1
https://phsb.org/port-oneida-run-2/

Port Oneida Fair August 7 & 8
https://phsb.org/port-oneida-fair/

And more to come….

06/03/2026

Join us at the Annual Barn Workshop June 8 – 12.

This marks the 30th year that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network have offered "hands-on" barn workshops within the park.

This year's sessions will be held at the Lyle and Sarah Schmidt farm, located three miles south of Empire, Michigan, off M-22 on Norconk Road, with signage provided along M-22.

The primary focus of the workshop will be repair of the horse barn. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear volunteers will be leading a fence rebuild. This is a good workshop for families and novice carpenters as well as more seasoned carpenters. A wide selection of tasks will keep everyone interested.

There is no cost to participate. Participants should wear boots, gloves, and bring a sack lunch. Activities begin at 9 a.m. daily. Participants can sign up for any number of days. While registration by June 5 is preferred for planning purposes, day of workshop drop-ins and observers are welcome.

On-site camping will be available at the Schmidt farm for registered participants, with amenities provided, including access to showers at park campgrounds.

44.789001, -86.058197 13326 Norconk Rd, Honor, MI 49640

Contact Kimberly Mann @ 231-326-4771 or email: [email protected].

Photo credit: Michigan Barn Preservation Network, prior year photo of participant learning timber framing joinery.

05/31/2026

Good things underway at the Charles & Hattie Olsen Farm this past week. This trench will provide electric service to the barn, enhancing opportunities for programming. Stay tuned!

05/23/2026

We will see you tomorrow!

Whether you are new to volunteering in the park and want to learn more, or are a long-standing volunteer with us, we encourage you to come, meet other volunteers, and hear what is ahead this season to care for this place we love!

We have a full season planned of projects to preserve park resources, and programs that share park history! And, some new ways to give back with easy and flexible schedules.

Submit new volunteer forms so you can pick up your park pass!