How to Play in Michigan’s Sand Dunes

Most are scattered along the edge of Lake Michigan, and their stories began millions of years ago with the massive ice sheets that once blanketed the land — as glaciers left sand and sediment in their wakes. Wind and waves continue the tradition, sorting heavier sand to settle by the shore while finer particles are carried out into the water. 

With a silky texture mostly from smoothed quartz grains, Michigan’s sand dunes are like an oversized playground. While Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is arguably the most famous in the state, Michigan has several notable dune parks where you can chase your next adventure.

          Start your adventure! Find six places to discover amazing sand dunes in Michigan. 

In the West Michigan town of Mears, Silver Lake State Park was made for adrenaline-seekers. Among the 2,000 acres of sloping sand dunes between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, 450 acres are an ORV area set aside for off-road vehicles. Let loose as you crest steep hills, race down valleys and speed across flat stretches, with breezes rolling off the surrounding water. Rent a vehicle or bring your own (with the proper license and permit). 

          Before you go, check out our Safety Series: Off-Road Vehicles and Safety Series: Sand Dunes.

Just like how the Great Lakes inspired a dedicated surfing scene, sandboarding is another unique outdoor adventure that makes Michigan so special. Available at both Silver Lake State Park and Warren Dunes State Park, sandboards are tailor-made to skim down the sandy slopes at thrilling speeds. No experience is necessary (even if you’ve never been on a skateboard or snowboard), but the climb up the steep hill and fast-paced descent are not for the fainthearted. 
Guided rides are a more gentle entry into the world of dune exploration. In charming Saugatuck, climb aboard a dune buggy as a local expert points out vegetation and elusive wildlife, and learn about the ghost town of Singapore that was lost beneath the sand. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is just a few miles away, where the easy Beach Trail takes you over rolling terrain.

In the Upper Peninsula, the Log Slide Overlook is a local gem at Grand Sable Banks and Dunes — part of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Lumberjacks once built a long wooden chute on the dune slope to slide logs down into Lake Superior, making it earlier to float them toward the saw mills of Grand Marais. While the chute itself no longer exists, this scenic site offers inspirational views of the Au Sable Light Station. 

          Find more photo-worthy lighthouses on Michigan’s waterways. ;

At Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserves, Lake Michigan’s stunning shades of blue are on display from Old Baldy, a dune that rises 356 feet above the water. On the west side, the Overlook Trail is a universally accessible half-mile path crossing through forests and colorful spring wildflowers. Mountain bikers and trail runners can head to Dry Hill Trail, a moderately challenging, 10.7-mile single-track loop. 

A strenuous, windblown dune climb that rewards you with extraordinary views. A winter snowshoe adventure. A ferry ride to the North and South Manitou islands. There’s no end to the adventures you’ll find at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire, Michigan. The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive traverses a beech-maple forest, a dune overlook and a pine plantation, among other points of interest. Ranger-led programs engage explorers of all ages with interpretative activities like twilight talks, surf rescue drills, star parties and candlelight hikes. 
 

What will be your favorite way to do the dunes? Get inspired by these Michigan sand dune activities.