Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore announced its winter public programs for 2025, centered around the theme "Half the Park is After Dark." Visitors are invited to explore the "magical winter landscape of the park during this unique season through a variety of engaging activities, including night hikes, candlelight hikes, Maple Sugaring Days, and youth ice fishing events," the park said in a statement. Events include:

Candlelight Hikes

Saturdays, February 8 and 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Dune Climb.

These events provide an opportunity to explore the serene beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes at night along a one-mile, flat terrain trail lit by luminaries. Attendees may arrive anytime between 6:00 and 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 available 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.

Maple Sugaring Days

Friday, February 28, 5:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 1, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The main event on Saturday, March 1, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 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 5:00-8:00 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, 1:00-4:00 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 6:00-8:00 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.

For more details on all winter public programs and to make reservations where needed, individuals can contact the park at 231-326-4700, ext. 5005, or visit the website. There is no cost for the event or programs; however, you must have a park entrance pass, or an annual pass displayed in your vehicle. Passes can be purchased online here.