While I try to walk a trail every weekend, I recently made a point to get out to visit our local national park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, last month on National Public Lands Day. Usually held annually on the fourth Saturday of September, people are invited to participate in a day of service for public lands, which helps to promote stewardship of the parks and the resources it provides us.
On this day, the public is also granted free admission to national parks, giving those that otherwise may not be able to go an opportunity to explore the natural wonders that we all cherish. This year, there were five other free entrance days offered in the national park system, and I’m just glad I found out about this date before the year is over.
In hopes of avoiding crowds, I chose to explore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive early in the morning, a favorite of mine at the park since I was first introduced to the route in 2021. I love being a tourist wherever I live — it’s a time where I can truly appreciate and take in the beauty of the place that I write about. I got to arguably one of the most popular stops on the drive, overlook 9, around 10 a.m., and while there were a few families out there on the platform taking in the views of Lake Michigan, at one point, it was just me. I took my time and spent about 45 minutes at the stop before I made my way to Empire Bluffs for a quick hike. Fall colors were just starting to show then, but the temperature was still warm and summer-like.
