The shoreline of Lake Michigan, the Great Lake found on the west side of the state, will take your breath away with its beauty and expansive panoramic views. These views are even more superb from an elevation. This driving tour takes you to multiple locations where you can find towering sand dunes
Mileage: 70 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Stop #1: Warren Dunes
Warren Dunes, located within the state park of the same name, is impressive, to say the least. Located just 12 miles north of the border shared with Indiana, Warren Dunes has three miles of sandy beach, six miles of trails, and of course, sand dunes. If you feel like a lengthier hike, a moderate to challenging path to take – but one of the most popular – is the Mount Randall Loop, which takes a couple hours to complete. One of its most stunning features is Mount Randall, a sand dune towering more than 200 feet. However, it’s not the tallest dune in the state park. Tower Hill is the tallest, rising 240 feet above Lake Michigan. Get your leg workout by climbing the steep slope to the summit, bask in the views, and then walk or run back down. It’s also a popular choice for sandboarders. If you prefer to have the sand dunes as a backdrop, then take the lengthier Warren Dunes Trail, which shows off the variety of landscapes found in the park, or the Warren Dunes Beach Trail, which mainly follows the pristine sandy beach.
Stop #2: Weko Beach & Bridgman
Not all dunes are sand or as well known. Not too far up the coast from Warren Dunes – and actually, you can take a hike between the two locations – is Weko Beach near the town of Bridgman. This small beach is cradled by Lake Michigan on one side and wooded dunes on the other. You’ll need to take a network of stairs up and down to reach this destination, which seems to make it all the more special. There are also a couple of dune overlooks built in. If you happen to be in the area in early June, the Makers Trail Festival is a beach party with craft beverages, music, and local food. During the summer, you might hear “Taps” playing in the evening. Visit the town of Bridgman for a glass of vino from Tabor Hill Winery or Transient Artisan Ales for a craft beer.
Stop #3: Grand Mere State Park & St. Joseph
The dunes continue north up the coastline toward the romantic town of St. Joseph. The pier and lighthouses in St. Joseph are iconic, as well as Silver Beach, a wide sandy beach walkable from the town, and the carousel,. But first, take a stop at another state park, Grand Mere State Park. It’s so ecologically diverse that it’s been designated a National Natural Landmark. To see the park’s tallest dune, take the moderately difficult Baldtop Loop. It’s a two-mile hike with exceptional views of these magnificent dunes. This is definitely worth a stop as it’s not nearly as popular as Warren Dunes, so you can enjoy the landscape with fewer distractions.
Stop #4: Mount Baldhead Park & Oval Beach
Mount Baldhead is really a large sand dune that rises 200 feet above the Kalamazoo River. Climb 300 steps to the observation deck. There is a parking lot, restrooms, and a picnic pavilion where the stairs begin. Once you’ve had your fill of the scenery and take some photos, walk back down and take the one-mile Mount Baldhead Trail to Oval Beach, noted as the most beautiful beach in the state and recognized with multiple awards from around the world. The sand dunes, of course, give it the perfect backdrop. In the winter, Oval Beach is visited often by adventurous sledders, who use the sand dunes to their advantage for some winter fun.
Stop #5: Saugatuck Dunes North Outer Loop
Continue your drive north to Saugatuck Dunes State Park. It’s a small parking lot, so it’s best to bring a smaller vehicle here. There are three main trails you can take. Follow the signs for the North Trail, which starts in a wooded area on dirt paths. You’ll reach an intersection giving you the choice between the Inner Loop and the Outer Loop. The Outer Loop will take you to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The landscape is a mix of grassy dunes and loose sand, with elevation and terrain changes along the way.
You will need a Recreation Passport to get into the various state parks, or there is a cash fee per car if you are not a resident.
Nearby campgrounds: