Sagatuck dunes
Visitor Information
A parking area, picnic tables, and trailheads are located at the terminate of 138th Avenue. Trails lead from here south into the dedicated Organic Area and west 0.6 miles to the Lake Michigan beach.
What to See
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a favorite of both resident and tourist character enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and hikers. In the winter, visitors can enjoy the cross country ski trails. It is a day-use park with an expansive and quiet 2.5 mile strip of Lake Michigan shoreline and coastal dunes that vary from steep slopes to rolling hills.
Conservation Value
Saugatuck Dunes State Park stretches for 2.5 miles along the pristine Lake Michigan coastline. The 300 acre spontaneous area contains a sensitive coastal dune system and three endangered plant species.
What’s New
In 2010, the nearly 300-acre natural area at Saugatuck Dunes State Park was renamed as the Patricia Birkholz Natural Area, in honor of the former state senator and long-time champion of conservation, particularly the Lake Michigan shoreline.
History
In the 1970s, a community coalition of concerned citizens came together with a goal of protecting this property that was once a seminary
Saugatuck Dunes
A 10.3 mile paddle from Oval Beach (Saugatuck/Douglas) to Tunnel Park (near Holland). Camping available at Holland State Park.
This is a 10.3 mile paddle from Oval Beach (Saugatuck/Douglas) to Tunnel Park (near Holland). There are 2 resting stops along this stretch. One resting cease is Saugatuck Dunes Express Park which is a day use park with 2.5 miles of secluded shoreline and several dunes over 200 feet lofty. Camping is available at Holland State Park and Campground. There are also many lodging, dining and shopping options in Saugatuck/Douglas and Holland. Scroll down to the map for access locations.
Contact: Southwest Michigan Planning Commission
This project was funded, in part, by the Michigan Coastal Zone Organization Program, Department of Environmental Quality Office of the Great Lakes and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Sponsored by:
A Local’s Guide to Saugatuck Dunes Express Park
Trails, lake views, and how to fit it into a perfect Saugatuck day
Spend a several minutes sailing down the Kalamazoo River with us and, as we slip out onto Lake Michigan, you will notice a drawn-out ridge of trees and pale sand stretching north. That is Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Ten minutes by ride from downtown, a gravel pull-in and a simple mark map are all that separate engaged Butler Street from 1,000 acres of hardwood forest, shifting dunes, and 2.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
When you are planning a elongated weekend that includes gallery strolls, excellent meals, and maybe a sail, this park is the built-in reset button. Here is how to make the most of it.
Fast Facts
Drive from downtown: about 10 minutes (6575 138th Ave)
Parking: gravel lot, Michigan Recreation Passport or 11-dollar day pass
Facilities: rustic restrooms at the lot, none on the beach
Trails: roughly 13 miles in total, shortest hike to the lake is 0.75 mile one way
Shoreline: 2.5 miles of quiet Lake Michigan beach
Best seasons: belated spring through descend, with especially underrated autumn colors
Picking the Right Trail
Trail | Saugatuck Dunes South TrailThis trail was mostly as advertised and what I was looking for- a challenging trail (for a more novice hiker at least) with diverse terrain and some elevation gain to craft it challenging. However, I suspect it is at least 5.5 miles, given what my survey said and what the map says. I also started later than I intended (12pm in the summer) and paid for it with the blazing sand of the dunes and the sun/heat intensity making those scrambles up loose sand even harder. (Also forgot my refueling snack for the halfway point, which is not ideal for my blood sugar issues, especially as a novice not in great shape to scramble up those dunes!) I'm glad I went counterclockwise on the route, as I think I got the harder parts out of the way on the first half. I made a incorrect turn somewhere towards the end and ended up at the Felt Mansion instead of the parking lot I arrived at. I ended up asking my ride to meet me there. I would repay as I proceed to get in better hiking shape to see if it is easier, to experience it before the mid-day heat, and/or to experience it during different seasons. We now require a signed waiver. One form may be used for the entire family. All adults over 18 must write . Also, a signature is needed of a parent or guardian for the minors. You can download and print the establish here:One of West Michigan's premier attractions!! Our goal is to provide you with 40 minutes of entertainment, enjoyable and excitement. We now offer online ticket sales for our rides. We will also sell tickets over the phone if seats are available the day of.
|
|---|