Approximately four miles of Lake Michigan shoreline has been impacted by consistent westerly winds, resulting in the formation of this vast, nearly 2,000-acre expanse of sandy terrain. The Silver Lake Dunes are an incredibly picturesque spectacle, and due to their ever-shifting nature caused by the wind, each visit guarantees a sense of wonder and unpredictability.
The Silver Lake area has attracted millions of visitors for years now, and many will come back over and over again, along with future generations of their families. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is home to the prevailing westerly Lake Michigan wind and the abundance of outdoor adventures that it blows in. There is a go-kart track, bumper boats, hiking trails, jet skiing, miniature golf, horseback riding, golf, water sport rentals, jeep tours, and dune rides, to name but a few.
Best Things to Do at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Aside from lakes and dunes, there are a great many other activities to enjoy in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area.
- Rent a raft, tube, kayak, or canoe at Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery.
- In West Michigan, there is a kid-friendly destination known as Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, where you can see unique animals like kangaroos, tortoises, lemurs, and sloths.
- The Fox Barn Winery is a great way to experience the west Michigan wine scene.
- The Colonial Golf Course is around seven acres of lush green wonderland for anyone wanting to play some golf after a day in the dunes.
- Intrepid Helicopters offers a bird’s eye view of the dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This is a much more unique way to explore a dune or two than via traditional jeep tours.
Craig’s Cruisers
Here you will find a zipline, arcade, miniature golf, fair rides, bumper boats, go-karts, and your very own swan boat to ride. There are concessions during lunch and dinner times and an array of restaurants in the surrounding area.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
Mac Wood’s is great for visitors who are looking for something a bit safer than flitting about in an off-road vehicle. They offer a tour-style ride along the Silver Lake Sand Dunes for about seven miles. The ride is about 40 minutes, and your driver is knowledgeable about the area and can tell you about the local history.
The Lakes At Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes gives you access to Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, along with several public boat launches. You can bring your own boat along, or you can rent one from one of the many rental agencies in the area. The sandy beaches can be enjoyed without a boat as well.
Upcoming Events
Some of the annual events that visitors to Silver Lake can look forward to include:
- The Independence Day fireworks over the sand dunes.
- Five days of the Oceana County Fair in August.
- National Asparagus Festival.
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival.
Keep an eye on the State Park website for more upcoming events in the park and a few miles around it.
Beaches and Parks in the Silver Lake Area
There are various parks in the area worth visiting aside from Silver Lake State Park. The Silver Lake and Lake Michigan beaches are also a must-see.
Activities and Attractions
There are some paved stretches in the park, including an old railroad corridor that a local citizen bought and then donated to the State for trail use in 1991. Today it is known as the Hart-Montague Bike Trail.
The Hart Historic District is a great way to escape today’s hectic world. There is an old church whose basement houses a vast collection of Indian Artifacts known as the Seymour Rider Collection.
Silver Lake State Park
When visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, you might be surprised to learn that the stretch set out for off-road vehicles is actually within the Silver Lake State Park. There are about 450 acres of state park land designated for riding. You can reach both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake as an added benefit, and about 15 minutes drive inland, you can also see Hart Lake. In Silver Lake State Park, you can find tours at the Little Sable Point Lighthouse between May and late September. You will also find a veritable vacation paradise here in the park with acres of lush forest around both Silver Lake and Lake Michigan that allows for fishing, hiking, camping, and access to the rolling Sand Dunes.
When to Visit Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Hart, Michigan)
The Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes area is open between April and October. While visiting, remember that there are a number of more relaxing activities than riding. Play some miniature golf, relax on the beaches, or have brunch at one of the many restaurants in surrounding towns.
Off-Road Vehicle Thrills
There are not many areas left in the United States where visitors can enjoy riding freely on sand dunes; in fact, Silver Lake Sand Dunes is one of the very few areas where you still can. Here you can cultivate exciting memories with your family and friends while enjoying spectacular mountains all around. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes have provided families with an abundance of desert-like sand to enjoy in a safe state park environment. The Sand Dunes are open for ORVs between the beginning of April and the end of October. You will require a recreation passport for Michigan state and an ORV sticker to gain access to Sand Dunes in this manner.
About Silver Lake Michigan
You will find these magnificent dunes between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake in an area that spans almost 2,000 acres. The deposit of sand here remains a “living” thing in that the formation is ever-changing, and the surrounding Lake Michigan area is thriving because of it. In the ORV area, you can rent a dirt bike or other vehicle if you do not have your own ORV. There are many things to do in this part of Lake Michigan, and if ORVs are not your thing, you can rent boards or simply enjoy the sun.
Discover Silver Lake’s Splendor
Whether you are planning to visit for the first time or you are looking into a return trip, this West Michigan State Park should be on top of your to-do list. Silver Lake’s sun and summer vibes are a fantastic family fun vacation paradise in Michigan. This Oceana County beach is quite unique. The shoreline is beautiful, and many of the activities are not permitted on any other dunes in the state. Off-roaders love this stretch of Lake Michigan, and the beach near Little Sable Point Lighthouse is an equally enchanting outdoor wonderland.
ORV and Boat Rentals Near Silver Lake
Here is a list of places to rent kayaks, boats, and off-road vehicles near Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
- You can find just about any sports rental at Wave Club Water Sports in Silver Lake. They rent out speed boats, pontoons, jet skis, sailboats, paddle boards, and sandboards.
- Rent a dune buggy, side-by-side, or ATV at Silver Lake Buggy Rentals.
Where to Eat Near Silver Lake Sand Dunes
- If you are in the mood for tasty cocktails and traditional American classics near Silver Lake Sand Dunes, then Open Hearth Grille & Bar is the place to be.
- The Silver Lake Country Dairy Farm Store is a great spot for some farm-fresh ice cream. Dune tours can be a hot business. The menu also has wraps and sandwiches.
- The Brown Bear in Silver Lake is the best place for a burger – a huge burger. It is a definite attraction on your trip to Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Accommodation at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
A vacation can be made or broken depending on whether you find the perfect place to stay or not.
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has more than 200 campsites varying between tent sites, cabins, duplexes, and RV hookups.
- The Dune Waterfront Resort is the pinnacle of a classic waterfront hotel that has something for the whole family. Enjoy access to the beach, sundeck, hot tub, and pool. The front desk also has contact numbers and information on all the wineries, restaurants, rentals, and attractions in the area.
- The Silver Lake Resort and Campground is a perfect place to experience the outdoors while still enjoying the lap of luxury. The campgrounds are fully equipped and have pristine bath buildings. There are several fun activities within the campground, like a store, cornhole, beach volleyball court, ball pit, basketball court, hammock area, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a heated swimming pool. So Silver Lake Resort is the perfect place to unwind after a day of riding on the dunes.
Don’t settle for life in the parking lot; get out there today and ride the dunes at Silver Lake!
