Location — Sleeping Bear Forever

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Hosting a folk school inside a national park is rare, but extraordinary. We are thrilled to utilize this space for preserving and teaching traditional skills, and offering field courses.

The national park is renowned for its natural features – dunes, lakes, and wildlife – and is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. But its secret is the significant history that pulses in every corner of this unique place.

The park boasts 366 historic buildings and landscapes that tell the story of indigenous peoples and settlers that made their life from the woods and waters. What better place to immerse yourself in traditional trades than the historic setting of Sleeping Bear. Your participation is helping to preserve the history of the Lakeshore and bring life back to these buildings as all proceeds go back into Sleeping Bear Forever’s project and program funds.

The Facilities

Class facilities are located at Thoreson farm, and Olsen farm, home to the Port Oneida Heritage Center, both in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic community of farmsteads are surrounded by the hills, fields, and freshwater beaches of Lake Michigan. A farmhouse, restored barn, and granary are the modest classroom spaces being utilized as we begin this new adventure.

These rustic, humble spaces are being made functional again and used much like the people that had lived here and crafted these trades for years. The peace of the restored farmstead is your base for instruction. Some classes can be held outside when weather conditions permit to take advantage of the setting.

Both farms are within a short distance to Lake Michigan where you can end your day with a dip in the lake; catch a sunset sinking into the horizon; enjoy the Bayview trail and Pyramid Point for a view you won’t forget; or explore by bike other historic park sites.

Explore the Trails!

Port Oneida Map

All Sleeping Bear Dunes Maps