In late 2019, preliminary design for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail from County Road 669 to Good Harbor Trail wrapped up and a route was recommended and approved by Cleveland and Centerville Townships. This 5-mile section will highlight the best this region has to offer – the natural beauty and rich culture of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It will feature a paved trail and boardwalk pathway separated from the roadway, promoting safe access for all ages and abilities. Engineering is expected to kick off in 2020. We’re grateful to the study group that spent more than a year working through the design and the leadership of Cleveland Township and excited to get to work on the next leg north! For details on the preliminary design process, including the final presentation by the design engineers and a map of the recommended alignment, please visit the project website here.
Author: sbtrail
SBHT and Leelanau Benefits Study
We are excited to present the TART Trails Benefits Study! The study shows that trails create a sense of community, add an extra layer of tourism, support a health conscious atmosphere year-round, and extend the seasonality of many businesses, among many other benefits. Check it out here!
Sleeping Bear Dunes Book Release
Congrats to the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes on the launch of their book: The Life of the Sleeping Bear.
This new book celebrates the world-famous Sleeping Bear Dunes area—it’s land and people—from prehistoric to modern times. It has been produced by The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. All profits will support projects in the National Lakeshore. To order a copy or learn more, click here. You can also find it at The Bookstore in Frankfort, the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor, Bay Books in Suttons Bay, and Leelanau Books in Leland too!
Pure Michigan® Trail Designation
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail has been designated as a Pure Michigan® Trail. This is based on the trail meeting several criteria including that the trail enhances the community and supports healthy active lifestyles, offers access to the scenic natural beauty and makes important connections with trailside facilities including parking areas, bathrooms, and nearby destinations such as restaurants, shopping centers, lodging, and medical services. Thank you for making this trail an integral part of Michigan!
8th Annual Dune Dash 2019
Join us for the Eighth Annual Dune Dash 4-mile run/walk on Saturday, August 17. The race course showcases the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Starting and finishing at the base of the Dune Climb, runners follows the paved Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail past rolling dunes and beautiful forests to the turn around point at historic Glen Haven. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most beautiful scenic runs in Michigan.
All proceeds from this event will go to the continued construction and maintenance of Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
What
A 4-mile run/walk along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. (Course)
Where
The race will start and finish at the Dune Climb in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. (map)
When
The race starts at 9am Saturday, August 17, 2019.
Who Benefits
All proceeds from this event will go to support the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
What’s the cost?Adult 18 and up $30
Student 17 and under $20
Register before June 1st, 2019
Adult 18 and up $25
Student 17 and under $15
Register after June 1st, 2019
Adult 18 and up $30
Student 17 and under $20
Register after August 1st, 2019
Adult 18 and up $35
Student 17 and under $25
NOTE: Prices go up by $5 starting June 1st. The Sleeping Bear Dunes charge an entrance fee of $15 per vehicle if you do not already possess a park pass.
What you get
Only participants registered by Friday, August 10th, will be guaranteed a t-shirt. All registered participants will receive professionally timed results, race bib, post-race refreshments and entertainment.
When and where is packet pick up?
Packet pick up will take place at The Filling Station Microbrewery, 642 Railroad Place, Traverse City MI on Friday Aug. 17th from 5pm-7pm. (map). Participants may also pickup their packets at the Dune Climb on the morning of the race. Please visit rftiming.com/dunedash , or www.rfeventservcies.com and click the “Event Results 2018” tab, to look up your race number (bib number) prior to packet pickup.
When is late registration?
Late registration will take place during packet pick up at The Filling Station Microbrewery. There will be no day of registration (In accordance to federal law, day of registration cannot take place within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore.)
Will there be awards?
Medals will be awarded to the overall male and female finisher, and the top three finishers in each age-group.
Want to volunteer?
Please e-mail us at dunedash@gmail.com
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the Dune Climb and approved adjacent lots within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. (map)
Sorry, race fees are non-refundable