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Events

Sunset over Katherine Lake in the Sylvania Wilderness

History of Sylvania Wilderness at the Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center

Event Location:
E23979 US 2 East
Watersmeet, MI 49969
A self-guided interpretive history display of the Sylvania Wilderness. This exhibit is on loan from the Northern Waters Museum & Land O Lakes…
Times: 8:00am - 9:00am
Dates: January 20 - September 4, 2026
Contact information: Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center, SM.FS.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov , 906-358-4724
Clark lake in Sylvania Wilderness

The Wilderness Social @ Sylvania Entrance Station

Event Location:
USDA Forest Service
E21100 County Rd 535 Thousand Island Lake Road
Watersmeet , MI 49969
Join our staff !  Every fee-free Thursday from 10:30-11:15 AM , July 2 – July 30th Naturalist & interpretive learning. Bring a cup of coffee and…
Times: 10:30am - 11:15am
Dates: July 2 - 30, 2026
Contact information: Sylvania Entrance Station Staff, 906-358-4404
A trail winding through the Ottawa National Forest in Fall.

Trail Opportunities with MI-TRALE

Event Location:
Ottawa National Forest
E23979 US Hwy 2 East
Watersmeet, MI 49969
Join the dedicated folks from MI-TRALE (Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment) for an inside look at the…
Times: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Dates: July 23, 2026
Contact information: Ottawa Visitor Center, SM.FS.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov , 906-358-4724
A man with a concertina in front of a wanigan on the river.

Lumberman’s Monument hosts Michael Deren as “Shanty Boy.”

Event Location:
5401 Monument Road
Oscoda, MI 48750
Journey into Michigan’s lumbering and immigrant past with Shanty Boy Jim Murphey as he recreates the great lumber boom of the 19th Century for an…
Times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Dates: July 24, 2026
Contact information: Lumberman's Monument, sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov , (989) 362-8961
two Virginia opossums

Painting and 'Possums

Event Location:
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
6464 Heltonville Rd
Heltonville, IN
Enjoy the morning painting and learning all about Virginia Opossums. Meet at the Forest Discovery Center in Hardin Ridge Recreation Area in Monroe…
Times: 10:00am - 11:30am
Dates: July 25, 2026
Contact information: 812-275-5987
promo for cave program

Science and Nature Cafe - Unearthing Indiana's Amazing Caves

Event Location:
Bedford Public Library
1323 K Street
Bedford, IN 47421
Dig into Indiana's fascinating cave systems with the Indiana Karst Conservancy.  Discover how they are formed and what we might find in them, from…
Times: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dates: July 30, 2026
Contact information: Bedford Public Library, 812.275.4471
A trailhead sign for the Headwaters Cedar Community Forest

Northwoods Alliance

Event Location:
Ottawa National Forest
E23979 US Hwy 2 East
Watersmeet, MI 49969
He’s back again! Conservationist Joe Hovel returns once more to discuss Northwoods Alliance – a humble, volunteer powered…
Times: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Dates: July 30, 2026
Contact information: Ottawa Visitor Center, SM.FS.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov , 906-358-4724
A log grappler grabs logs and moves them.

Lumberman's Monument presents Forester Antavius Mikazes

Event Location:
5401 Monument Drive
Oscoda`, MI 48750
Join us Friday July 31 at 1 p.m. at Lumberman’s Monument to learn from U.S. Forest Service Forester Antavius Mikazes about the importance of…
Times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Dates: July 31, 2026
Contact information: Lumberman's Monument, sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov , (989) 362-8961
a barn own looks around

Raptors Rise Live Bird Presentation

Event Location:
6464 Hardin Ridge Rd
Heltonville, IN
Raptors Rise Rehabilitation Center is a designated nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping injured and orphaned raptors, including…
Times: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Dates: August 1, 2026
Contact information: 812-275-5987
Woodsy Owl, Smokey Bear, and a person in a costume ride in a white truck in a parade.

2026 Spirit Valley Days Parade

Join Superior National Forest staff, Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear at the Spirit Valley Days Parade. Parade runs along Grand Avenue in Duluth, MN. 
Times: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Dates: August 6, 2026
Contact information: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
logo for cerulean warbler birdscape

Science and Nature Cafe - Conservation of the Cerulean Warbler

Event Location:
Bedford Public Library
1323 K Street
Bedford, IN 47421
The Southern Indiana Cerulean Warbler BirdScape was recently launched as a collaborative effort with experts from more than two dozen organizations…
Times: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dates: August 6, 2026
Contact information: 812-275-4471
An unusual yellow frog.

Weird & Wonderful Things We See in the Woods

Event Location:
Ottawa National Forest
E23949 US Hwy 2 East
Watersmeet, MI 49969
Ottawa National Forest employees love working outside and caring for the land. Sometimes we find and photograph interesting…
Times: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Dates: August 6, 2026
Contact information: Ottawa Visitor Center, SM.FS.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov , 906-358-4724
Smokey Bear waves to the audience with a cupcake and a balloon. Words read Happy Birthday Smokey Bear

Kid’s Day! Smokey Bear Fire Prevention Anniversary and Party

Event Location:
5401 Monument Road
Oscoda, MI 48750
Friday August 7 is Kid’s Day at Lumberman’s Monument. Join us at 1 p.m. to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 82nd Birthday. You will have a chance to…
Times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Dates: August 7, 2026
Contact information: Lumberman's Monument, sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov , (989) 362-8961
Reconstruction of the D Trail. – Belle the mule with co-workers Summer McDuffee

Morning with the Mules

Event Location:
6464 Hardin Ridge Rd
Heltonville, IN
Meet the Hoosier National Forest’s Mule team! We are the only National Forest east of the Mississippi River to have a stock program. Learn how…
Times: 10:00am - 11:30am
Dates: August 8, 2026
Contact information: 812-275-5987
A row of oak seedlings growing at the J.W. Toumey Nursery.

The J.W. Toumey Nursery

Event Location:
Ottawa National Forest
E23949 US Hwy 2 East
Watersmeet, MI 49969
The J.W. Toumey Nursery is one of only six U.S. Forest Service tree nurseries located across the country, and is one of the most unique features on…
Times: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Dates: August 13, 2026
Contact information: Ottawa Visitor Center, SM.FS.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov , 906-358-4724
A Civilian Conservation Corps Actor poses with his props.

Lumberman's Presents Michael Deren as Civilian Conservation Corps Enrollee 1941

Event Location:
5401 Monument Road
Oscoda, MI 48750
Lumberman’s Monument will be hosting Michael Deren  on Friday, August 14 at 1 p.m. as he presents “Civilian Conservation Corps Enrollee 1941.”…
Times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Dates: August 14, 2026
Contact information: Lumberman's Monument, sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov , (989) 362-8961
hikers climb the rocky trail

Hemlock Cliffs Nature Hike

Event Location:
Hatfield Rd
English, IN
Come explore the sandstone rock formations, learn to identify trees and plants, and hike the tranquil 1-mile trail at Hemlock Cliffs. Parts of the…
Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dates: August 15, 2026
Contact information: 812547-7051
flyer for Snake Road Sentinel workshop

Snake Road Sentinel Fall Workshop

Shawnee National Forest is seeking volunteers to assist with data collection on Snake Road during the fall season road closure. Snake Road Sentinels…
Times: 10:00am - 12:30pm
Dates: August 22, 2026
Contact information: Alyssa Macuiba, alyssa.macuiba@usda.gov , 618-658-2111
Smokey Bear waves

Open House - Tell City Ranger Station

Event Location:
248 15th St
Tell City, IN 47586
✓  Meet your Forest staff and discover their roles✓  Take a tour of our district office✓  Celebrate 90 years of Forest history✓  “Touch…
Times: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Dates: August 29, 2026
Contact information: 812-547-7051
trash blast flyer with details

Trash Blast | Bean Ridge

Shawnee National Forest, Friends of the Shawnee, and the Illinois Extension will be partnering to host our annual fall Trash Blasts! They will happen…
Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dates: September 4, 2026
Contact information: Illinois Extension, cupquake@illinois.edu , 217-333-5900
A graphic of a lumberjack's Silhouette and words that read Lumberjack and Logging Museum

Labor Day Weekend with the Lumberjack and Logging Museum!

Event Location:
5401 Monument Road
OScoda, MI 48750
Join us at Lumberman’s Monument Saturday September 5 & Sunday September 6 as we welcome back the Lumberjack & Logging Museum for the last event of…
Times: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Dates: September 5 - 6, 2026
Contact information: Lumberman's Monument, sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov , (989) 362-8961
Bedford Office

Open House - Brownstown Ranger Station/Supervisor's Office

Event Location:
811 Constitution Ave
Bedford, IN 47562
✓  Meet your Forest staff and discover their roles✓  Take a tour of our district office✓  Celebrate 90 years of Forest history✓  “Touch…
Times: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Dates: September 12, 2026
Contact information: 812-275-5987
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Constitution Day

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 
Times: All Day
Dates: September 17, 2026
Contact information: (573) 364-4621
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Constitution Day

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: September 17, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428-5800
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 
Times: All Day
Dates: September 26, 2026
Contact information: (573) 364-4621
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: September 26, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428-5800
trash blast flyer with details

Trash Blast | Turkey Bayou

Shawnee National Forest Service, Friends of the Shawnee, and the Illinois Extension will be partnering to host our annual Fall Trash Blasts! They…
Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dates: October 2, 2026
Contact information: Illinois Extension, cupquake@illinois.edu , 217-333-5900
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: October 27, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428- 5800
trash blast flyer with details

Trash Blast | Iron Furnace (Forest Service Road 1901)

Shawnee National Forest, Friends of the Shawnee, and the Illinois Extension will be partnering to host our annual fall Trash Blasts! They will happen…
Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dates: November 6, 2026
Contact information: Illinois Extension, cupquake@illinois.edu , 217-333-5900
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Veteran’s Day

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 
Times: All Day
Dates: November 11, 2026
Contact information: (573) 364-4621
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Veterans Day

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: November 11, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428-5800
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