On This Day in Hiking History: The Pageant of the Dunes

Surprisingly, several hiking clubs have held talent shows, skits and plays over the years, some of which were/are fairly major productions. For example, in order to raise awareness of

the damage that was being inflicted on Lake Michigan’s sand dunes, the Prairie Club of Chicago hosted the “Pageant of the Dunes” beginning on this date in 1917. After the club's founding in 1908, the dunes area quickly became a popular hiking destination for many of its members. However, at that time, large portions of dune habitat were being spoiled by industrial sand mining, which was used to make concrete for construction projects in Chicago. Through the use of music, dancing, and roughly one thousand period actors, the pageant recounted the history of the dunes from pre-European contact through French, British and American governance. The two-day event drew between 25,000 and 50,000 spectators, and eventually led to the establishment of Indiana Dunes State Park in 1925 and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966, which was upgraded to a national park in 2019.

Learn more about the pioneers of hiking in Ramble On: A History of Hiking.


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Virtually no one went hiking before the 19th century. What occurred that inspired ordinary people to take a walk through the woods for pleasure? Ramble On: A History of Hiking explores the rich history of hiking, and how it evolved into one of the most popular pastimes in the world.

Bear attack reported in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park spokesperson Autumn Sifuentes confirmed to SFGATE earlier today that “a surprise encounter involving a hiker and a bear occurred on the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park” yesterday. The Grinnell Glacier Trail and the North Shore Josephine Lake Trail, which connect to each other, are currently closed, and no further information is being made available at this time. You can read more about the somewhat chaotic encounter here.

Additionally, two hikers recorded a close encounter with two grizzly bears on the South Shore Trail on Monday. Here's a video clip of an interview the couple recorded with Good Morning America yesterday.



Apparently, all trails past the Many Glacier Hotel are currently closed. I'll post more information once it becomes available.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

• Ramble On: A History of Hiking

The First Hiking Club

Most writers and historians point to the Alpine Club of London as being the first mountaineering or “walking club” in the world, and the Alpine Club of Williamstown as being the first hiking club in America. However, it should be noted that the U.S. National Park Service recognizes the Exploring Circle as preceding both of those organizations by several years. The Exploring Circle was founded by Cyrus M. Tracy (or Tracey) and three other men

from Lynn, Massachusetts in 1850. These four men, all mechanics, formed the club to advance their knowledge of the natural sciences as they pertained to the forested areas adjacent to their town. This included zoology, topography, mapping, mineralogy and meteorology, as well as documenting botanical specimens and unusual geological formations. They also participated in other educational pursuits that would enhance their understanding of the natural sciences, such as the study of language. Although not a true hiking club in the same sense as the clubs that would emerge over the next several decades, the National Park Service does recognize the Exploring Circle as “the first hiking club in New England.” In addition to their pursuit of knowledge, the club held periodic outings, and built trails and camps in Lynn Woods, some of which still survive today. Throughout the years the group added several new members, and is documented as having existed until at least 1881. Tracy’s greatest legacy was securing funds to save the woods around Lynn, which became known as the “Free Public Forest,” and is now the second-largest municipal park in America. The forest is now part of the Lynn Woods Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Learn more about the pioneers of hiking in Ramble On: A History of Hiking.


                *******************************************************************************

Virtually no one went hiking before the 19th century. What occurred that inspired ordinary people to take a walk through the woods for pleasure? Ramble On: A History of Hiking explores the rich history of hiking, and how it evolved into one of the most popular pastimes in the world.

Upper Mesa Falls will close August 10 for the 2026 season

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest will begin renovation operations at the popular Mesa Falls Recreation Area beginning Aug. 10, 2026. During construction, the entire Upper Mesa Falls area will be closed. The project is scheduled to continue into winter.

Although fall is a beautiful time to visit Mesa Falls, it also provides the window needed to complete this necessary renovation project, which includes road repairs and chip sealing.

“The timeline was chosen to minimize the impact to the public while still offering environmental conditions needed for success of the project,” said Steve Jenkins, Forest Engineer. “We want to get the word out early so visitors aren’t surprised at the end of summer.”

During the closure, visitors can still explore the nearby Lower Mesa Falls area, located just under a mile to the south along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, which includes hiking trails and scenic overlooks.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

• Ramble On: A History of Hiking

Grand Teton National Park announces major infrastructure enhancements beginning in 2026

Grand Teton National Park will open its 2026 summer season with a series of significant infrastructure improvement projects that may impact road and trail access in some areas through mid-November. Please check current conditions and plan alternate routes before visiting the park.

“This work represents an important investment in the future of Grand Teton National Park as we approach the park’s 2029 centennial,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “The improvements underway over the next several years will help ensure visitors can safely access and enjoy this landscape while we continue to protect the resources that make it so special.”

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Moose-Wilson Road, Death Canyon Road and Death Canyon Trailhead
Phase 2 of the multi-year Moose-Wilson Road rehabilitation will improve Death Canyon Road and Trailhead and construct a road realignment near Moose.

Key dates and access information:

* Moose-Wilson Road between the Granite Canyon Entrance Station and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is open. The northern segment between the preserve and Moose will open June 20. From June 20 to September 7 (Labor Day), visitors should expect intermittent delays of up to 45 minutes or longer as materials and equipment move through the corridor.

* Death Canyon Road and Death Canyon Trailhead (accessed via Moose-Wilson Road) will be fully closed through mid-November, with a delayed reopening anticipated in 2027.

* Initial construction for a roundabout near the Moose Entrance Station will begin this summer, affecting Teton Park Road near Moose. Visitors should expect delays while crews construct a temporary bypass ahead of construction in 2027. The multi-use pathway will remain open, and bicycling north from Moose is a good alternative for reaching destinations like Jenny Lake.

Taggart Lake Trail
The northern segment of Taggart Lake Trail, between the first junction and Bradley Lake Trail, will be closed through November 15, 2026 for trail rehabilitation. Work includes repairs, regrading, and accessibility improvements to enhance the visitor experience, particularly for families and visitors with mobility needs. The Taggart Lake Trailhead and parking area will remain open. Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area will remain open through late summer. Taggart and Bradley lakes will still be accessible via alternate marked trails.

This renewal effort is supported by Grand Teton National Park Foundation in partnership with Grand Teton National Park.

Mormon Row Historic District
Mormon Row will remain open throughout the season. Construction is scheduled from mid-June through mid-November. Visitors should expect construction equipment, noise, and localized disruptions. The project expands pedestrian and cyclist access and includes accessibility improvements. This is the final phase of a multiyear project funded by Grand Teton National Park Foundation in partnership with Grand Teton National Park.

North Park Road (Highway 89/191/287)
Construction between Leeks Marina and Lizard Creek Campground will result in nighttime delays of up to one hour between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Daytime travelers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes due to one-lane alternating traffic.

TRIP PLANNING AND INFORMATION
2025 was the park’s second-busiest year on record, and visitation is expected to remain high in 2026.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

• My new edition on hiking history is available on Amazon