Sleeping Bear Dunes Course — May 25-30, 2026
John & Ann Mahan, Instructors
Long-time lifelong learning course instructors John and Ann Mahan are now offering a Sleeping Bear Dunes course. The dunes that drift along Lake Michigan's eastern and southern shores form the largest expanse of freshwater dunes in the world. Established in 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore covers 105 square miles, including North and South Manitou Islands and more than 60 miles of shoreline. Great dunes tower as high as 460 feet above the water, and trails lead to overlooks that reveal stunning panoramas of islands and sea, forests and sand.
The Mahans have been exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes for much of their lives: hiking, camping, canoeing and sea kayaking. Immersed in the beauty of Northwoods spring, we will experience open dunes, forested dunes, a variety of overlooks, spring wildflowers, virgin white cedars, canoeing on the gentle lower Platte River, and crossing the Manitou Passage to South Manitou Island. The course will include a multi-media presentation and talks on geology, dunes, island biogeography, ecology, and maritime history.
Lodging, meals, and meeting space will be provided by The Homestead Resort, surrounded by the National Lakeshore, with the Manitou Islands on the horizon. We have reserved all lakeview rooms at the resort’s original beachfront inn, where the Crystal River flows into Lake Michigan. Lodging at The Inn is limited, so this will be a small group — 13 participants.
Please Note: All rooms have 1 King bed. Solo travelers can sign up with a roommate they feel comfortable with, or request a private room. Because prices are based on double occupancy, the cost for a private room adds $640 to the course price.
Tentative Itinerary
Monday — 5:00PM Check-in at The Homestead Resort, then Orientation, Dinner and a multi-media presentation in the Alva Bradley Room at The Inn.
Tuesday — morning talks by John & Ann, followed by a guided Sleeping Bear Dunes bus tour, including a picnic lunch and a number of picturesque stops in the National Lakeshore, featuring Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive. Dinner and program at The Inn.
Wednesday — travel to Leland to board Manitou Island Transit’s passenger ferry for a day-trip to South Manitou Island. On the island, we will have a picnic lunch & take a guided tour that includes hiking to “Valley of the Giants” (white cedars over 500 years old), views of the Francisco Morazon shipwreck offshore, & the historic South Manitou Island Lighthouse. Dinner on return to the mainland.
Thursday — morning talks, followed by a guided hike on the Empire Bluff Trail, which has been described as having the “best view anywhere on the shoreline.” The trail leads to an observation deck on a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, with an expansive view of the national lakeshore.
(Photo shows Empire Bluff Trail view in winter.)
Friday — following morning talks, we will canoe on the peaceful lower Platte River, ending just before the river enters Lake Michigan.
Saturday — free time in the morning for packing and checking out of your room. Following 11AM checkout, we will gather in the Alva Bradley Room for a farewell luncheon and final ceremony.
This is a very tentative schedule, and free time will be included, to allow for wandering the beach or other forms of relaxation and re-creation.
Total course price = $3,237.00
$400 non-refundable Deposit due at Enrollment
Price includes all lodging, meals (except alcoholic drinks), bus transportation during the course, entrance fees, lectures and programs, South Manitou Island Ferry, guided day hikes and canoeing. This is a small group — maximum 13 participants.
(We give a 40% discount on our book,
Lake Superior: Story and Spirit,
to participants in our courses. )
Final payment due March 26, 2026 (60 days before course start date)
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation on or before April 25, 2026 (30 days or more prior to course start date) — all refunded except $400 non-refundable deposit
Cancellation April 26–May 14, 2026 (11-29 days prior to course start date) — 50% refunded (except $400 non-refundable deposit)
Cancellation May 15, 2026 or later (10 days or less prior to course start date) — no refund
To enroll: Enrollment Deposit
Do feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Note: From 2002 to 2019, John and Ann were leaders/instructors for 40 "Isle Royale, Lake Superior, and the Keweenaw Peninsula" Road Scholar (Elderhostel) courses until the courses were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. John and Ann are now offering lifelong learning courses (Isle Royale, Apostle Islands, Sleeping Bear Dunes) through Sweetwater Visions. Please contact Sweetwater Visions to be put on a list for updates.