Veterans Connect Through Fly-Fishing at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A day of learning, fishing, and connection along the Platte River.

Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan, surrounded by towering dunes, clear rivers, and hardwood forests, sits Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan – an ideal backdrop for a day on the water.

On September 22, 2026, National Park Trust partnered with our longtime partner, Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit that connects veterans and service members through fly-fishing. Together, they welcomed 20 veterans to Sleeping Bear Dunes for a day of fly-fishing the Platte River during its annual fall salmon run, just upstream from where the river flows into Lake Michigan.

The morning began with warm welcomes from Ivan Levin of National Park Trust and Ranger Tony Paladino of the National Park Service (NPS). An NPS biologist then led a 30-minute talk on the fish species found in the Platte River, the history of the salmon run, and ongoing conservation efforts in the watershed. The veterans came with plenty of questions, eager to learn more about the river and the ecosystem they were about to experience firsthand.

Visiting in the middle of the salmon run added an extra layer of excitement to the outing. Coho salmon were returning to the river from Lake Michigan, and the group also spotted king (Chinook) salmon moving upstream. Several salmon were caught throughout the day, and every catch drew cheers from along the riverbank.

The weather offered a little bit of everything. The morning started chilly, with temperatures in the 40s, before the sun broke through and warmed the day into the 60s. By the afternoon, conditions were almost too beautiful for fishing – a reminder that sometimes the best part of a day outdoors is simply being outside. A riverside lunch gave everyone a chance to take a break, share stories, and enjoy one another’s company.

Before the day came to a close, every veteran received a free lifetime America the Beautiful Military/Veteran Pass from the National Park Service, giving them continued access to national parks and federal recreational lands across the country. National Park Trust also presented each participant with a National Park Trust Challenge Coin as a thank-you for their service.

This event was designed to give veterans an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes while experiencing the restorative power of time on the water. Research consistently shows that time in nature can positively impact mental well-being, and for this group, a clear Michigan river, a run of salmon, and good company made for a day well spent.

What Are National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?

National Park Trust is proud to partner with organizations like Project Healing Waters to provide meaningful outlets for military communities and to honor their service by connecting them to the public lands they’ve helped protect. Through outings like this, we help veterans and military families strengthen community connections while experiencing the physical and mental benefits of spending time in parks, public lands, and waters across the country.

In 2025 alone, National Park Trust partnered with military installations and military-focused nonprofits to engage over 1,200 individuals representing 350 families through 50 outdoor adventures nationwide.

Learn more about our Military Family Programs.

How Can You Support National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?

At National Park Trust, we believe parks have the power to connect us with one another. Your support helps create impactful outdoor experiences that inspire wellness, strengthen community, and give veterans and military families opportunities to make lasting memories together.

Learn about ways to support our mission.

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has protected national park land since 1983, acquiring missing pieces of our national parks and benefiting 58 national park sites nationwide. Our mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.

Our youth education and family initiatives — Buddy Bison School Programs, College Ambassador Program, and Military Family Programs, along with National Kids to Parks Day — connect tens of thousands of people to the outdoors each year.

We believe public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all, for current and future generations. Learn more at parktrust.org.