From backyard to free tours, Felt Estate a busy place this weekend

The Felt Estate and surrounding state park will be busy places this weekend with a first-ever conservation event, invasive species removal and free tours of the mansion.

The Felt’s first “Conservation in Your Own Backyard” event from 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at 6597 138^th Ave. It’s a free, family-friendly evening celebrating the small steps that make a big difference.

“We’ll have hands-on ideas for pollinator-friendly planting, natives and invasives, and hosting butterflies, plus take-home resources from local conservation partners,” Felt Executive Director Elizabeth McEwen wrote in the estate’s newsletter. “We’ll wrap up the night with an outdoor movie at the Carriage House (bring a blanket or lawn chairs!), proving that learning about stewardship can be simple, joyful, and fun.”

The event features interactive activity stations, informational booths and handouts, conservation-themed crafts for kids and nature walks and demonstrations.

A special outdoor screening of “Disney-Pixar’s A Bug’s Life” is at dusk, and for the night owls, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” will play afterwards.

An RSVP is appreciated at the mansion’s Facebook Page.

For more information, visit feltmansion.org.

Saturday invasives removal

Volunteers are needed to help remove unwanted invasive species in the dry sand prairie at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 6575 138^th Ave., on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The 1,000-acre park, once part of the Dorr Felt estate, surrounds the Felt Estate and Shore Acres Township Park.

Participants will be hand-pulling spotted knapweed, which threatens the open dune ecosystem. Gloves, bags and tools are provided. Volunteers will be working in the direct sun, so be sure to dress appropriately and bring water. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

Meet at the small parking area adjacent to the Felt Mansion.

For more information, visit the state Department of Natural Resources website here.

Register by emailing Natural Resource Steward Tyler Lidgard at LidgardT@Michigan.gov.

Dates occasionally change and events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons. Please call the park to confirm dates/times prior to your arrival. Lidgard can be reached at (517) 388-8517.

Sunday free tour day

The Felt Mansion’s last free-for-all tour event is Sunday, Sept. 7, from 1-4 p.m.

Admission is at no cost. Explore the Felt Mansion, Carriage House, Water Garden, and Chapel. No reservations are needed.

Donations are appreciated.

The “Free-For-All” events started in the spring of 2024 as a way to share local history and thank the community for its support in the restoration process.

Normally, self-guided tours are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (60+), $5 for children 8 and older, and children 7 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased upon arrival. No advance reservations are required.

A self-guided tour generally lasts about an hour guided by a booklet including architectural and historical details about the estate. Tour times vary by season and are listed on the event calendar.

The Felt Mansion is handicap-accessible on the first floor only. Visitors must be able to navigate stairs to view the upper levels.

Construction of the mansion began in 1925.

Felt’s wife Agnes died in 1928 after the house was complete. Dorr died a year-and-a-half later.

After his death, the estate became a seminary for the Augustinian order that was attended by Pope Leo XIV. After the seminary closed, the land became a state prison and Michigan State Police post before the property was purchased by Laketown Township.

The mansion has been restored and is a top historical and educational site as well as a wedding and event destination.