When nature offers up the spectacular views and diverse habitats like those at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it is a lost opportunity for some. Most wheelchairs and mobility devices are not built to navigate the sand dunes and dirt trails that offer able-bodied individuals scenic adventures and awe-inspiring vistas. But, that is no longer the scenario. Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, all visitors can experience nature close up and personal.
Visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes can reserve a sand or track wheelchair to fully explore all this National Lakeshore site has to offer.
“We are always looking at ways to make the park accessible to all of our visitors,” said Merrith Baughman, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The sand wheelchairs are designed to maneuver easily through sand, allowing access to the natural beaches on the Lake Michigan shoreline or the nearby bays that feed into the lake. Around for about a decade at Sleeping Bear, these wheelchairs have wide, hard plastic inflatable tires that provide better traction through loose soil, such as beach sand, and are lightweight.
The newest acquisition to enhancing the visitor experience is the purchase of track wheelchairs by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. The chairs can be used on designated trails that traverse through the forested areas and slopes. These chairs are sturdier than the sand chairs.
According to the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes website, accessibility of the park to all visitors has been a priority and the catalyst for several building projects, such as a hard walkway to several beach areas. The track chair is a personal mobility device that makes use of a track system, like that which propels military tanks, and enables the user to experience diverse views within the park from the comfort of their seat. These views include Lake Michigan, pastoral historic farm lands, forest trails, and meadows. The track chairs can navigate dirt paths and slopes without causing harm to the trail or adjacent land.
Perspective of the Dunes and Lake Michigan [Photo/Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes]
The track chair program began in May. Because of limited availability, it may only be reserved by those who find it difficult to experience the designated trail, the Bay View Trail, without assistance. Baughman said plans are underway by the Friends organization to purchase a second chair.
Baughman said these chairs are ideal for use at Sleeping Bear Dunes because of the minimal impact the chairs have on the natural environment. In addition, it creates a better experience for those who may have previously been unable to experience the park at its fullest.
Track chairs can also be used on the snowshoe trails in winter. The park’s snowshoeing program is a ranger-led hike that is mildly strenuous. These hikes are offered every Saturday afternoon during the winter months. Reservations are required and a waiting list is maintained. The track chairs allow children and adults to accompany their family for this winter time outdoor adventure.
“We are here for everyone to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes and the more we can provide that, the more we are doing our job,” Baughman said.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore was established in 1970. It is one of only three National Lakeshores and the 50th national site to be designated as a wilderness by the federal government. An average of 6.1 million visitors visit the park annually. It was created to protect public access to the shoreline of the Great Lakes, which had been decreasing as reported in a 1950s survey.
Located near Traverse City, Michigan, the national site has “become quite the destination,” Baughman described. Visitors can enjoy 65 miles of shoreline, and more than 100 miles of hiking trails. It encompasses 71,000 acres, including two islands in Lake Michigan.
The natural environments inside the national lakeshore boundaries include the beaches and sand dunes, as well as a lush forest environment. Since its 2014 wilderness area designation, the Congressional Act defined a wilderness area as “an area of land that has been protected under the Wilderness Act.” The Act established the National Wilderness Preservation System which encompasses federal land protected by four agencies - the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
Although there are no campgrounds in Sleeping Bear, two county campgrounds are available for RVers, Baughman said. The Platte River Campground has modern facilities, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and paved parking pads at each site. Reservations are recommended. Next, D.H. Day Campground is a rustic campground with wooded campsites. Sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and parking areas that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made for group camping. Camping is not permitted within the park along roadsides, in overlooks or in parking areas.
Just outside of the lakeshore a couple miles south is Indigo Bluffs RV Park & Resort in Empire. Enjoy the bountiful nature on large wooded sites. Full hook-ups, water and electric sites are available. Tent camping is not available.
Reservations for the track chair are made online from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes webpage. The track chair rental includes a small first aid kit, an emergency rain poncho, a small fleece blanket and an umbrella. The chairs have a weight limit of 350 pounds, including any medical equipment.
Adventure, Education, Health, Industry Edge, Michigan, National Parks