We learned what goes into a rescue at the Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, what situations require a rescue, and how to not need one yourself. Plus, a secret hack if you want to experience the "dune drop" in a less intense way.
See pictures of the old and new signage here
Check out our handy travel map here
Learn more about the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive (and #9 Overlook) here
Learn more about the Dune Climb here

GUEST: Mike Kohl, preventative search and rescue ranger

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:


Online Submission Form


Call us: 734-764-7840


Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

We learned what goes into a rescue at the Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, what situations require a rescue, and how to not need one yourself. Plus, a secret hack if you want to experience the "dune drop" in a less intense way.
<ul>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-09-08/why-do-tourists-get-rescued-at-the-sleeping-bear-dunes%20(Michigan%20Public%20-%20Permalink)">See pictures of the old and new signage here</a></li>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-09-08/why-do-tourists-get-rescued-at-the-sleeping-bear-dunes%20(Michigan%20Public%20-%20Permalink)">Check out our handy travel map here</a></li>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/pierce-stocking-scenic-drive.htm">Learn more about the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive (and #9 Overlook) here</a></li>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dune_climb.htm">Learn more about the Dune Climb here</a></li>
</ul>
GUEST: Mike Kohl, preventative search and rescue ranger
<hr>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
</li>
<li>
Call us: 734-764-7840
</li>
<li>
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Advertisement