EMPIRE, Mich. (AP) — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan has welcomed its 50 millionth visitor.
The National Park Service says other visitors applauded when Meghan Boertman entered Sleeping Bear's visitor center in Empire, west of Traverse City. She was joined by her husband, Spencer, and their children, Jacoby and Levi.
It was the first visit for the Boertmans, who live in Norton Shores, near Muskegon. They received an annual park pass, along with a plush black bear, souvenir books and a DVD.
Officials say the milestone comes a year ahead of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore's 50th anniversary. Visitor statistics are culled from road, visitor center and campground counters as well as North and South Manitou islands.
Other stories on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
- Deputies in Allegan County wrangle a loose cow off US-131
- How to help shelters, rescue groups inundated with cats
- Police: Bear getting 'sick of city life' and moving out of Walker
- Company apologizes for spilling cyanide and ammonia in Lake Michigan
- Holland man will attempt to swim in Lake Michigan for 24 straight hours
- Raccoon breaks into vending machine but can't break back out
- Kayakers escape injury as cliff collapses into Lake Superior
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.