The change from "National Lakeshore" to "National Park" was strictly marketing. Calling it a park increased the number of visitors motivated to add to the list of parks they've seen. The result was they hired more rangers, but the place remained the same. These additional people show up, realize it's not Arches, Yosemite or Yellowstone, and then pan the place. It's a good place to enjoy the beach (but not on the weekends when it's godawful crowded), explore on bicycle, or go hiking. The important thing is it preserves a diverse ecosystem and the glacial geography. If you can appreciate something more subtle and less spectacular, and learn something in the process, please visit, if not leave it to the locals.
It being a “National Park” is exactly why we checked it out on our road trip between Chicago and Detroit. We did visit and enjoyed it, despite it not being as spectacular as a lot of other parks.
Been enjoying this series. Reminds me of watching Huell Howser's PBS show introducing spots up and down California.
Ha! I just need some footage of a dog eating an avacado 😁 (Thanks for the nice words.)
The change from "National Lakeshore" to "National Park" was strictly marketing. Calling it a park increased the number of visitors motivated to add to the list of parks they've seen. The result was they hired more rangers, but the place remained the same. These additional people show up, realize it's not Arches, Yosemite or Yellowstone, and then pan the place. It's a good place to enjoy the beach (but not on the weekends when it's godawful crowded), explore on bicycle, or go hiking. The important thing is it preserves a diverse ecosystem and the glacial geography. If you can appreciate something more subtle and less spectacular, and learn something in the process, please visit, if not leave it to the locals.
It being a “National Park” is exactly why we checked it out on our road trip between Chicago and Detroit. We did visit and enjoyed it, despite it not being as spectacular as a lot of other parks.