Last updated: October 5, 2024
Thing to Do
ParkPuzzler
NPS Photo
Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes in a new way!
No matter where you are in the Lakeshore, you can solve puzzles using your phone, web browser, and the NPS app.Expected time to complete is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, but you can take as long as you like.
There are five puzzles for you to solve. All puzzles can be solved from your phone, however if you want to explore the park three of the puzzles have physical locations, one of the locations is hidden in the puzzle (#4).
Keep track of your answers on a note or a piece of paper, you will need them later.
Still not sure how to play?
A. How do I play? 🧩In the Park:
This is a game with a series of puzzles, available to be played while in the park. If unable to visit the location or visit the park, there is an online-only option. Puzzles will take you to locations either around the park or virtually within the NPS App. In-Park clues will help direct you to the answer’s location. You might need to use your GPS, search within the NPS app within Sleeping Bear Dunes’ park page, visit a website, or search something on the web. You never know where an answer might be hidden!
Online-only clues will direct you to search within the NPS app, visit a website, or search something on the web.
B. Will I need to use my phone? 📳
Regardless of where you are playing the ParkPuzzler, yes! Both the puzzles and some of the answers to the puzzles will be within the NPS App. For those in the park, some areas will not have much cell coverage. It would be best to download Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for offline use. To do so, select the cloud button when you open the park’s page. No account is needed to solve the puzzles.
C. How long does it take to play? ⏰
Gameplay typically lasts about 30 minutes! However, the ParkPuzzler is not timed, and you can take as long as you need. It does not matter the order of the puzzles, so you can read through them
D. What if I need help? 🤔
Below each puzzle there are two hints, click on them to reveal them should you need it. If participating in the online-only, your clues are also found below the In-park clue.
E. What if I will not be going to the location the puzzle is leading me?
Puzzles with a location in the park have an online-only clue available below the question. So you can still solve the puzzle!
F. Do I need to complete the puzzles in order?
No, there are no puzzles that are connected. You can complete the puzzles in any order you want.
Puzzle 1
Location: Visitor Center
Clue: Anishinabek are the first peoples that lived here, they traveled Lake Michigan by canoe. One landmark that helped them navigate the shore, is the dune known as Sleeping Bear. They have an oral history that explains how this dune and the islands came to be.Find the story here - GPS Coordinates: 44.811474, -86.056063
What is the name of the Great Spirit in the legend?
HINTS
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Hint 1: Plug the GPS coordinates into a map app or use the compass on your phone to locate the Legend.
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Hint 2: The Islands share the Great Spirit's name.
Puzzle 2
Location: Virtual Location
Clue: Should you find one along the shore - leave it alone for others to find*. A fossilized coral, smoothed over time is miss named as the State Stone (Picture at the top).
What is the name of this stone?
*It is illegal to remove anything but fruiting bodies from the Lakeshore, see the Superintendent's Compendium.
HINTS
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Hint 1: The same state names the Mastodon as the State Fossil.
- Hint 2: Use a search engine and include the State Sleeping Bear Dunes is located.
Puzzle 3
Location: Empire Bluff Trail
Clue: The sand of the dune rests, like a bird on a branch. It is what makes Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore unique. Take a TOUR of this trail, all the way to the Overlook.
What kind of dune is Empire Bluff?
HINTS
- Hint 1: Have you noticed those numbered posts? Each number has information found in the NPS App.
- Hint 2: Check out the Self-Guided Tours, all the way to the top of the bluff.
Puzzle 4
Location: ??? & Virtual
Clue: Although it is not the biggest Dune in the park, it is still quite the Climb.
What is the Name of this location? How quickly does the dune move?
Puzzle 5
Location: Virtual
Clue: Within the Manitou Passage, the two cubs rest. As ships tried to SEARCH their way through at night. A beacon helped to shine a LIGHT through the COMPLEX passage.
Who recognized the need for this beacon?
HINTS
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Hint 1: There are INSTRUCTIONS in the clue.
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Hint 2: Search “Light Complex” under Sleeping Bear Dunes in the NPS App
Submitting your Answers:
1. Photograph your answers
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Screenshot or take a picture of your answers.
2. Make a Postcard!
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Select the Postcard button under the Lakeshore in the NPS App.
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Pick up to 3 of your favorite photos from your trip, and include the photo/screenshot with your answers!
3. Email your photo
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To SLBE_Programs@nps.gov, titled ParkPuzzler. Within the email, include your name to be added to the list of completed challengers!
Puzzle Masters 2024
Currently, there are no Puzzle Masters to the ParkPuzzler.
Answers - (no peeking!)
Details
Duration
30-90 Minutes
Expected time to complete is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, but you can take as long as you would like. Puzzles with a physical location also have virtual option.
Activity
Hands-On
Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes in a new way! Solve puzzles using your phone, the NPS app and your favorite search engine. .
Age(s)
6-99
All Ages are welcome! Explore the shore during your stay, find the physical locations or explore solo on your phone.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
If you are here at the shore - you will need a park pass. This activity is free.
Location
Starting Point
See any of the Puzzles to get started.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
All locations used are open and available year-round no matter what time of day you arrive.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
This is an activity that can be used to visit a few location in the park or be done from the comfort of your seat.
If visiting the park, puzzles #1, #4 are fully accessible locations. Puzzle #3 at Empire Bluff is a wide trail, with a heavy incline and a few stairs at the top. If unable to physically to get to the locations listed in the clues, there are online-only options so that all puzzles can still be completed.
If visiting the park, puzzles #1, #4 are fully accessible locations. Puzzle #3 at Empire Bluff is a wide trail, with a heavy incline and a few stairs at the top. If unable to physically to get to the locations listed in the clues, there are online-only options so that all puzzles can still be completed.