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Weekly Programs

at Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center

Image of a young boy running in the dunes toward a sunset over Lake Michigan. View more about who we are.
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Our naturalist-led interpretive programs offer a fun and educational way for children and families to explore Hoffmaster State Park! We feature rotating activities such as dune hikes, species spotlights, bird identification, wildflower walks, and seasonal favorites like snowshoe hikes each week.

These programs are open to the public and free to attend unless otherwise noted. Programs are created, led, and staffed by DNR employees. GNA supports these programs through funding only. A Michigan Recreation passport is required for park entry and participation. 

Please note: The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center is currently under construction. Our weekly summer interpretive programs will be announced at a later date when construction is complete, and the Visitor Center reopens. Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Visitor Center soon!

Photo by Lillian Dotzlaf/Little Lill’s Photography

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Types of Programs

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Snowshoe Hikes

Bundle up and hit the trails! Each year, the Visitor Center offers several naturalist-led snowshoe hikes (weather permitting) for guests to enjoy winter along the Lakeshore. The Visitor Center provides 42 sets of snowshoes during these hikes to allow everyone to join. While the hike is free to attend, a small donation is appreciated to help us maintain these snowshoes for future use.
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Snowshoe Hike during a weekly program at Gillette Nature Association
Box turtle walking towards a of young kids at Gillette Nature Association

Species Programming

The Visitor Center’s species spotlights and programs are a fan favorite! They host a number of different species programs that focus on turtles, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects. Set either inside the Visitor Center or as part of a dune hike, guests have the opportunity to learn about Lake Sturgeon, Piping Plovers, Sea Lamprey, Bats, Eastern Box Turtles, worms, spiders, and more. Explore, ask questions, and gain a new appreciation for Michigan’s diverse wildlife!
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Dune Hikes

Learn about Hoffmaster State Park, the native species found along trails, and what you can do to help keep the park healthy. The Visitor Center offers a variety of hikes throughout the year (weather dependent), including Signs of Spring Hike, Earth Day Hike, Explore the Sand Dunes Hike, Wildflower Walk, and Birds & Blooms Walk.

Photo by Tyler Leiprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC.

Dune Hike with kids climbing up the dune as a weekly program
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Image of kids participating in the Archery program

Archery Programs

Arrows Away! This class is for beginner and first-time archers. Learn how to use the bow and arrow to hit the target. Must be 8 years and older to register. Stay tuned for class updates.

click below for Additional Park Information & Weekly Program Offerings

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