November Is Equestrian Season at Silver Lake State Park

The first northerly wind of the season nips at the dune grass and sends whitecaps dashing forward across the face of Lake Michigan. Undaunted, you steer your horse closer to the rolling surf. Hooves leave crescents in damp sand. A set of ears pricks toward the surf. Wind-carved dunes of golden sand stretch into the distance. For a few perfect hours, you and your horse share an unforgettable time along the shore of Lake Michigan.

From November 1–30, riders can claim a rare chance to experience the beauty of Michigan's coast at Silver Lake State Park from the saddle, with sprawling sand dunes, a vast freshwater shoreline and blazing fall trees as the backdrop.

A Landscape Made for Riding

Silver Lake State Park offers 3,000 acres of diverse terrain along the shore of Lake Michigan. While much of the park is covered in sugar-sand dunes, it also features a 4-mile beach on Lake Michigan, the inland Silver Lake, wooded trails, a campground, and even the historical Little Sable Point Lighthouse.

This varied geography provides an idyllic setting for horseback riding in autumn. Michigan is known for more than 1,000 miles of equestrian trails statewide, but few experiences compare to riding a horse on the lakeshore.

The designated equestrian route at Silver Lake spans approximately 1.1 miles of dunes and 3 miles of Lake Michigan beach, an invigorating out-and-back trek.

"Splashing or cantering through the surf, listening to the waves roll in, watching the sunrise or evening light fall along the shoreline's backdrop is magical. Riders may even see an eagle that frequents the shoreline," said Amy Scharmen, the Chair and Southeast Michigan representative of the Equine Trails Subcommittee to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the creator of the Michigan Horse Trails Directory. "The beauty and freedom of riding a vast, freshwater shoreline is many horseback riders’ dream come true."

It took years of advocacy by local equestrians and partnership with the DNR to make this dream a reality. Pilot rides began in 2019, and after a successful trial, the first official shoreline riding season launched in 2021, lasting two weeks. By 2022, it had expanded to the entire month of November. Now, a permanent shoreline riding season, held each November, is written into the park's management plan.

Planning Your Silver Lake Shoreline Ride

Silver Lake State Park's permit system is well-organized and easy to navigate. Keep these dates and requirements in mind when planning your dream ride:

• The Michigan DNR manages the shoreline riding season through its MiDNRReservations system, which requires riders to register in advance.

• Registration opens on September 1 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time every year.

• Each day, up to 125 horses are permitted on the dunes, and the daily fee is $10 per horse.

• A valid Michigan Recreation Passport is also required for vehicles entering the park.

"If you would like to get reservations for the first two weekends and even some of the weekdays during this time, it's a great idea to be ready to go at 8:00 a.m. on September 1 when registration opens,"advises Scharmen.

Don't be discouraged if you don't snag your ideal date right away. Plans change, and slots occasionally open up later in the season. Riders often communicate on the Michigan Shoreline Horse Friends Facebook group to exchange information about cancellations or extra openings.

Riders must bring their own horse – there are no rentals on-site – and follow the marked route across the dunes to the beach. The park provides a designated equestrian staging area with trailer parking, vault toilets and a manure dumpster.

Once a spot has been secured, many riders hire a local equine photographer to capture moments from this one-of-a-kind experience – the Michigan Shoreline Horse Friends Facebook group specifically recommends Lauren DeBoer Photography.

Tips for an Unforgettable Ride

Heading out to ride the dunes and shoreline at Silver Lake is exhilarating, but it also requires preparation to keep you and your horse safe and happy. First and foremost, these rides are recommended for experienced riders or those accompanied by an experienced mentor.

If you're new to trail riding, Scharmen suggests connecting with riders on Facebook where there are plenty of experienced riders willing to mentor you on your journey.

"Beginner trail riders will undoubtedly always find riders who are willing to include them at the events – just be sure to make your needs known," Scharmen said.

If you're completely new to the saddle, she recommends investing in lessons with a trainer near you first.

"For beginners to riding, please look into taking lessons from your local horse trainers. There is a lot to learn from brushing, tacking, handling, horse behavior, trailering, riding and more and that is best done prior to exploring any trail," she said.

Educational clinics and association events across the state are a friendly entry point. The Michigan Horse Trails Association collaborates with the DNR to host educational events for beginner trail riders, which can be found on the Michigan Horse Trails Association's Facebook page.

Shoreline riding at Silver Lake requires that you bring your own horse. You can experience a taste of Michigan trail riding at public riding stables throughout the state, offering guided rides that are often suitable for first-time riders and families. The Michigan Horse Trails Directory of Public Riding Stables has a list of stables throughout the state that can help you get on the trails.

You'll want to dress in layers for the late-fall (or early-winter) weather. Scharmen recommends warm layers of flannel, fleece and wool, in addition to wind and waterproof jackets.

Where to Stay 

After a day in the saddle, a comfortable place for both you and your horse is part of the experience. The Silver Lake region offers several horse-friendly campgrounds and facilities. A comprehensive list of local horse-friendly accommodations is maintained by the Michigan Horse Trails Association, including campgrounds, fairground stabling and even some Airbnb rentals that welcome horses.

One popular choice is the Oceana County Fairgrounds in Hart, which opens its barns for horse boarding and has both electric and non-electric campsites available during November. Another great option is the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury. Double JJ is a ranch resort that features modern campsites with electric hookups, rustic cabins and suites, and on-site stables and paddocks for your horse, in addition to 15 miles of trails.

Pure Michigan on Horseback

The shoreline season at Silver Lake is extraordinary, but it's far from all Michigan has to offer.

"Our vast system of forest roads and pathways, in addition to our designated horse trails, allows for seemingly limitless exploration of our Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula countryside," Scharmen said. "In the Southern Lower Peninsula, designated horse trails within parks and recreation areas or along linear greenways provide opportunity for nature's therapy and destination riding, and the volunteer associations hold many trail events throughout the riding season."

From the 420-mile-long Shore-to-Shore trail to countless other trails across the state, Michigan is rich with abundant opportunities for riders of all experience levels.

 Whether you’re dreaming of shoreline gallops or forested trails that wind for miles, Michigan is packed with beauty for riders to discover.