Enjoy a Virtual Tour of the
Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center!
The massive timber frame welcomes visitors
as they enter. The 50-foot tower with 
its
one-piece Douglas Fir corner posts is a favorite curiosity for
many of our visitors. The tower is reminiscent of U.S. Life-Saving
Stations which were a familiar site around the Great Lakes during
the late 1800's.
While the tower is not accessible for visitor observation, its massive timber framework is an exciting site of its own.
The large relief map in the center of the lobby aids in getting your bearings and viewing a graphic representation of the lay of the land.The map is a congregating place where plans for the days' activities are eagerly discussed!
To
your left as you enter the Visitor Center is the Information &
Sales desk which is staffed by Park Rangers, VIP's (Volunteers-in-Parks)
and Eastern National sales associates. All desk staff are very
knowledgeable about the park and the surrounding area and will
eagerly assist you in any way they can. We operate under the firm
conviction that our visitors will receive the finest service that
we can possibly provide.
In addition to all the information you ever wanted to have (and perhaps some you didn't even know you wanted to have), you will also want to get your Park Pass at the front desk. A $10.00 pass covers you and everybody in your vehicle for up to seven days - one of the best recreation/entertainment values around! We also offer a $20.00 Annual Pass for frequent visitors. The best part is that the revenue from pass sales stays right here at Sleeping Bear Dunes, helping to maintain and improve the park that you love to enjoy!
The Bookstore
The lobby of the Visitor Center is also home to the park's bookstore, operated by the park's cooperating association, Eastern National. Proceeds from the sale of books, posters, maps and park keepsakes help to fund Interpretive activities such as the Junior Ranger Program and the park newspaper. And don't forget to get your National Parks Passport Book stamped, too!
The bookstore offers a diverse array of books on local history, field guides, children's books and national park publications as well as maps, posters, puzzles, cassette and video tapes, postcards and park pins & patches. We like to have something that every visitor can have as a special rememberance of their visit. Of course, we also have the Official State of Michigan Children's Book, Legend of the Sleeping Bear! (Would you have expected anything less?)
Eastern National also offers an on-line bookstore through which visitors may access selections from the America's National Parks catalog as well as items from specific parks.
Junior Ranger Exhibit
In
the pay phone/water fountain alcove visitors can enjoy our Junior
Ranger exhibit. Junior Ranger patches and badges from around the
country are displayed - which are your favorites?
Information is available at the desk on how your youngsters can participate in Sleeping Bear's Junior Ranger Program. The program adds a fun, yet challenging, facet to your stay. In fact, it's enjoyable for the whole family!
Restrooms (Photo not available...)
Accessible restrooms are also available adjacent
to the Visitor Center lobby. We pride ourselves in our spotless
restroom facilities. Please let us know if you find them in need
of any attention.
The Auditorium
The
auditorium is used for public meetings as well as for displaying
works of art donated through the park's Artist-In-Residence
program. You may wish to take a few minutes to view these works
displayed along the right side of the auditorium. Displayed along
the left side is an excellent photo study of the largest trees
found in the park.
The main event in the auditorium, however, is viewing the park's outstanding slide show, "Dreams of the Sleeping Bear." This 15-minute presentation includes all of your favorite elements: excellent musical composition, insightful narration and beautiful images - all assembled by the hand of an artist.
This beautiful presentation is certain to be a highlight of your Visitor Center experience at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The images depict scenes throughout the park, including the Manitou Islands. Since few visitors have the time-luxury necessary to see the entire park, the slide show offers a way to see the park vicariously - and most enjoyably! Closed captioning is available by request.
The Exhibit Room
Are
you ready to be educated about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
The Exhibit Room is the educational domain of the Visitor Center.
Young, old, or somewhere in between, you will be fascinated by
the geological facts, human history and displays of the natural
world. The dioramas are excellent and the hands-on exhibits are
intriguing. A real-life indoor adventure for everyone!
An added bonus located in the exhibit room
is a reference rack with information on nearly all of the other
National
Park areas in the country. The rack is an assemblage of brochures
from the other 375 (and counting) NPS sites that visitors may
peruse at their leisure.
You may use them for a quick escape or for future travel planning. Whatever use you may have, this is an excellent resource for gaining knowledge and information on National Park sites throughout the country.
If there is a brochure you have particular interest in having, simply ask at the front desk - we maintain a stock of the most current information available for the National Parks. We will be happy to help you out!
Philip A. Hart
Senator Philip A. Hart was instrumental in the establishment of
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Through his tireless efforts,
the legislature of the United States of America saw fit to protect
the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes area in perpetuity...
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) the Congress finds that certain outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations and ancient glacial phenomena, exist along the mainland shore of Lake Michigan and on certain nearby islands..., and that such features ought to be preserved in their natural setting and protected from developments and uses which would destroy the scenic beauty and natural character of the area."
H.R. 18776, October 21, 1970, Public Law 91-479
I hope that you enjoyed your virtual tour of Sleeping Bear Dunes' Visitor Center. As you are entering the park, make a point of stopping in so that you are fully apprised of park features and activities. After all, you won't want to miss anything!
Last updated: 10FEB2005
Http://www.nps.gov/slbe/VC_Tour.htm
Author: Paul Purifoy