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 organic 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
We now require a signed waiver. One form may be used for the entire family. All adults over 18 must sign. Also, a signature is needed of a parent or guardian for the minors. You can download and print the form here:
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Saugatuck Dunes South Trail
This route 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 make it challenging. However, I suspect it is at least 5.5 miles, given what my see said and what the map says. I also started later than I intended (12pm in the summer) and paid for it with the scorching 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 wrong twist somewhere towards the conclude 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 go back as I continue 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 alternative seasons.
A Local’s Guide to Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Trails, lake views, and how to fit it into a perfect Saugatuck day
Spend a few minutes sailing down the Kalamazoo River with us and, as we slip out onto Lake Michigan, you will observe a long ridge of trees and pale sand stretching north. That is Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Ten minutes by auto from downtown, a gravel pull-in and a basic trail map are all that separate busy Butler Street from 1,000 acres of hardwood forest, shifting dunes, and 2.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
When you are planning a distant weekend that includes gallery strolls, good 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 time 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: late spring through fall, with especially underrated autumn colors
Picking the Right Trail
Trail | Saugatuck DunesA 10.3 mile paddle from Oval Beach (Saugatuck/Douglas) to Tunnel Park (near Holland). Camping obtainable at Holland Declare 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 stop is Saugatuck Dunes Declare Park which is a day employ park with 2.5 miles of secluded shoreline and several dunes over 200 feet tall. 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 plan was funded, in part, by the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program, Department of Environmental Quality Office of the Great Lakes and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Sponsored by: |
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