(Munising, MICH.) Join a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park Ranger for the 2013 Fireside Chat speaker series. Enjoy new information, discussion and refreshments. All programs are at 7 p.m. at the Munising Falls Interpretive Center located at 1505 Sand Point Road in Munising, across from the Munising Memorial Hospital.

Wednesday, February 13 – Matt Zika from the National Weather Service (NOAA) presents “A Superior Forecast.” Matt will discuss how Lake Superior influences our weather and the challenges of marine forecasts.

Wednesday, February 20 – Lindsay Bean from Switchback Gear Exchange presents” There Are No Tests, Only Lessons: Canoeing Lake Superior.” Join Lindsay for an evening of stories and reflections from her 2011 canoe trip around Lake Superior.

Wednesday, February 27 – Tim Baker from the U.S. Forest Service presents “ Beech Bark Disease in Alger County.” Join Tim to learn how this disease is effecting our forest communities.

The Fireside Chat series is sponsored by Eastern National and your National Lakeshore. For more information, please contact Park Ranger Pam Baker at 906-387-3700.

Family fun, rock bands, Polka music, wiener dog racing, pumpkin carving, seasonal beers on tap and German-style food headline this event!

MUNISING, MICHIGAN – September 22, 2012 is the start of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, but on October 5th 2012, there will be a similar celebration in MUNISING, MI. The 1st annual MUNISING ROCKTOBERFEST will entertain and delight your entire family, and is a whole lot easier on the budget than a flight to Germany. The event takes place in the Moose Lodge parking lot, corner of Lynn St. and Superior Ave; from 3pm to 12 Midnight. Munising Visitors Bureau and the Moose Lodge host the MUNISING ROCKTOBERFEST sponsored by Peoples State Bank, Hiawatha Telephone Co. and Radio Results Network.  A percentage of the proceeds will benefit a local Alger county charity; as well as, supporting community projects throughout the county.

People of all ages will enjoy ROCKTOBERFEST, as it features non-stop live music, polka dancing, wiener dog racing, a beer stein endurance contest, drinking games, bounce houses, games for the kids and of course plenty of German-style food from Johnny Dogs, soda and seasonal beer on tap.

The day begins at 3pm with the ceremonial tapping of the keg, followed by the ever-famous wiener dog race. Pre-registration is encouraged for the wiener dog race.

Take a spin on the dance floor with our own polka inspired DJ before and in-between all of the many live bands.  Back-to-back live entertainment starting at 5pm with WICKER (Featuring Heather McNally), FLITCH, STUMBLE OUT and local favorites GATOR & THE RIVER BOYS and NUDGE.

Tickets for Rocktoberfest are FREE.  Parking is conveniently found near the festival site.

GRAND MARAIS, Mich.  Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore invites you to their annual Au Sable Day, Saturday, September 29.  This special event includes free disabled accessible bus shuttle service to the lighthouse from the lower Hurricane River Campground, tours of the light station and fog signal building, and refreshments.

Au Sable Day celebrations run from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m.  Visitors wishing to take the free ALTRAN shuttle bus should board at the Hurricane River bridge or lower campground parking lots.  Hurricane River Campground is 12 miles west of Grand Marais, Michigan, on Alger County H-58.

The Au Sable Light Station was constructed in 1874, and has shone its light to guide mariners for over 138 years.  Its location on the Au Sable reef of Jacobsville Sandstone, was an important aid to navigation before maritime electronics became commonplace.

Au Sable Day also celebrates Public Lands Day, an annual appreciation of federal lands open to all for a variety of recreation, renewal, and education.  Join us for a beautiful fall color day looking out over Lake Superior!

For additional information, please contact Gregg Bruff at 906-387-2607 x208.

MUNISING, Mich. – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has received several “Best of the Lake” Awards from the readers of Lake Superior Magazine. The National Lakeshore is included in the awards for “Best Parks”, “Best Places to Paddle” and “Best Views from an Overlook”.

“We are honored to receive recognition from the readers of Lake SuperiorMagazine,” said Jim Northup, superintendent of the National Lakeshore. “This is indeed a very special place, and it is nice to know that people appreciate all the park has to offer.”

Lake Superior Magazine is published six times per year.  The Best of the Lake Awards are profiled in the August/September 2012 edition of the magazine.

Stop by our Tourist Visitor Center to pick up a copy of the magazine and read the article!

Saturday, July 14th -  11am – 1pm

Author, John Walker

• Stories from A Game Warden
• A Deer Gets Revenge
• Remember! Someone’s Watching U.

Retired Game Warden, John Walker, shares humorous tales of his experiences over the years as a game warden in the U.P.

Tuesday, July 17th – 10am – 1pm

Author, Mara MacKay

• Haylee’s Treasure

Discover Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore through the eyes of a young girl.  Haylee’s Treasure is a delight and a wonderful read for all ages.

“CPR –  Cultivate  • Preserve • Read”