Last Updated on August 28, 2023
The state of Michigan is home to many incredible sand dune systems and national parks which are especially popular with trail hikers.
From small hills covered in bright golden dunes to huge expanses of bluish gray cliffs, Michigan has some of the most beautiful sand dunes in North America.
There are over 300,000 acres of sand dunes in the state, mostly in the sandy beaches around Lake Michigan, and most of them are worth a visit.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore site offers some of the most beautiful dunes in North America and attracts thousands dune climbing enthusiasts every year, while the Silver Lake sand dunes and Warren dunes are two of the best spots for sand surfing in Michigan.
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List of Sand Dunes in Michigan
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes – Empire
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a United States National Lakeshore Park located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Leelanau and Benzie counties near Empire, Michigan.
The Dune Climb is a main tourist attraction, with people attempting to climb the dune in order to reach a spectacular view of Glen Lake.
Unfortunately, sandboarding is not allowed at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, but you can sled down the dunes in winter when they are covered in snow.
Access to the park costs $8 for a day pass.
Silver Lake Dunes – Mears
Silver Lake State Park is a public recreation area covering 2,936 acres (1,188 ha) that bordesr Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, four miles (6.4 km) west of Mears in Oceana County, Michigan.
It is a popular spot for hiking, camping, sand duning and sandboarding.
Read more: Sandboarding at Silver Lake State Park
North Ottawa Dunes
North Ottawa Dunes is a 593-acre property located in Ottawa County, Michigan.
It is a unique natural area that features sand dunes, forests, and wetlands.
The dunes are covered in vegetation and get covered in snow in winter.
Sure, here is some more information about North Ottawa Dunes:
North Ottawa Dunes is a 593-acre property located in Ottawa County, Michigan. It is a unique natural area that features sand dunes, forests, and wetlands. The dunes are covered in vegetation and get covered in snow in winter.
Opens in a new windowOttawa County
North Ottawa Dunes hiking trail in Michigan
There are several hiking trails in North Ottawa Dunes, ranging from easy to moderate.
The trails offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and camping in the park.
Warren Dunes State Park – Sawyer
Warren Dunes State Park is a 1,952-acre (7.90 km2) Michigan state park, located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Berrien County.
The park’s large sand dunes and lakeshore beaches make it one of the most popular of Michigan’s state parks with an average of about one million visitors annually.
It is a popular destination for adventure sport seekers thanks to the easy access to its dunes.
Read more: Sandboarding at Warren Dunes
Saugatuck Dunes – Saugatuck
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a public recreation area covering 1,000 acres (400 ha) on the shore of Lake Michigan between Saugatuck and Holland in Allegan County, Michigan.
The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping and fishing.
Grand Sable Banks and Dunes – Munising
These Michigan dunes are an example of what is known as a perched dune system, which are dunes formed atop an existing bluff (the Grand Sable Banks).
The best place to view the Grand Sable Dunes is from the trail that begins at the west end of the Sable Falls parking area.
This trail leads through an old field, then crosses a bridge over Sable Creek.
It then ventures into the forest and dunes transition area for approximately 1/4 mile. Wayside exhibits are located along the trail.
Arcadia Dunes – Arcadia
Part of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Arcadia Dunes, GTRLC’s largest preserve, includes over 15 miles of trail to explore dunes, forests and many other landscapes.
Visitors will find countless varieties of plants and animals, as well as spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Sand Dunes Beach – Moran
The Moran Township is located in the Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan, where Sand Dunes Beach is located.
The public beach is suitable for swimming and spans approximately 1 mile along Lake Michigan’s northern coast.
There are no facilities nor parking available at the site.
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