MI Bucket List: Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Lilly DeLano

| 3 min read

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Key Takeaways
  • The Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Mears, Mich., is a top bucket-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering 2,000 acres of open sand dunes, beaches, hiking trails and water activities.
  • Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding in the area, as well as take a tour of the Little Sable Point Lighthouse or explore the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park.
  • The Silver Lake State Park has a 200-lot campground with designated swimming areas, boat launches and access to a playground, small beach and restaurants, and offers a range of activities and tours, including farm tours and historical visits.
Whether it's your first trip or your 20th, Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan is a major bucket list item and a great place to spend your time in the summer. 
The sand dunes have something for everyone. With nearly 2,000 acres of open sand dunes, there are many opportunities for fun and movement in this beautiful spot in the Mitten State.
Here's what to know about the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Mears, just south of Ludington along the coast of Lake Michigan. 

Beaches at Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Why go to Florida when you have access to pristine beaches right here in Michigan? The Silver Lake Sand Dunes covers the shoreline of Lake Michigan for miles with plenty of beaches for you and your family to enjoy. Freshwater offers swimming, boating, fishing and more.
At one of the beaches lies the Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Visitors can climb 100 feet to the top of the tower for 360-degree views of the beach and surrounding areas. 
More family-friendly activities include boating, kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals are available in the area. Fishing in this area is another great option. Silver Lake has bass, northern pike, walleye and crappie, making the fishing experience one to remember. 

Parks and trails near Silver Lake Sand Dunes

One of the main pulls to the area is the parks and trails that will lead you to a variety of locations including rivers, wetlands, memorials, beaches, and of course the sand dunes. 
A great place to go is the William Field Memorial Hart-Montaque Trail State Park. Covering 22 miles, trail-goers can bike, walk and see bridges, picnic areas, forests and farmland along their path while also saying hello to the native wildlife. 

Camping near Silver Lake Sand Dunes

In the Silver Lake State Park, there is a 200-lot campground. There is a designated swimming area, and registered campers can launch boats on the lake adjacent to the campground. There is also immediate access to a playground, a small beach and a boat launch. Restaurants and shopping areas are within walking distance of the campground. 
To enter the campground with a vehicle, you must have a park pass. For state park rates, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

More things to do in the area

Along with trail and beach fun, there are more activities to explore.
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are known for their numerous tours including farm tours, charter fishing excursions, historical visits and sand dunes. More information is listed on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes website if you are looking to book a trip. 
The dunes are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily April 1 to Oct. 31. Remember to bring sunscreen and comfy clothes to your next bucket list trip at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes for a trip filled with nature, freshwater, adventure, relaxation and fun. 
Photo credit: Getty Images
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