Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Discover miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, towering coastal dunes, and serene wooded trails in this natural Michigan gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, towering coastal dunes, and serene wooded trails in this natural Michigan gem.
"A hidden gem with a secluded beach, worth the hike through dunes and woods for breathtaking views."
🚗 Michigan Recreation Passport
Essential for parking! Buy it at the gate or online to avoid hassle.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are sandy and can be hilly. Good footwear is a must for the hike to the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Lake Michigan Beach
Miles of pristine, secluded beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and sunset viewing.
Coastal Dunes
Dune Trails
Majestic sand dunes rise from the forest, offering a unique landscape and panoramic views.
Wooded Hiking Trails
Various Trailheads
Explore diverse ecosystems on well-maintained trails winding through forests and leading to the dunes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park Pass & Parking
Trail to the Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Michigan Recreation Passport
Essential for parking! Buy it at the gate or online to avoid hassle.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are sandy and can be hilly. Good footwear is a must for the hike to the beach.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities on the beach, so bring your own refreshments for a comfortable visit.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers stunning sunset vistas over Lake Michigan. Don't miss it!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Michigan Recreation Passport
Essential for parking! Buy it at the gate or online to avoid hassle.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are sandy and can be hilly. Good footwear is a must for the hike to the beach.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities on the beach, so bring your own refreshments for a comfortable visit.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers stunning sunset vistas over Lake Michigan. Don't miss it!
🐶 Leashed Pets Welcome
Bring your furry friends along, but they must be kept on a leash.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the park's beautiful, secluded beach and the rewarding hike through wooded trails and dunes. Many appreciate the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere, especially compared to more crowded beach destinations. Some note the lack of facilities on the beach and the sandy, hilly terrain as minor considerations.
"Hiking to the beach is much more satisfying than driving next to it. First about parking, since it is a state park, you need to have a state park pass or you can buy it at the gate.
There are 4 trails, north trail about 1.25mi (one way), not too bad. The trail will turn away some families so it is more private.
Not too many people even in the summer."
FriedChicken
"Wow, what a gem of a place in Saugatuck. We were staying very near at the Fern Valley Cottage just 5 minutes away. Our Airbnb host highly recommended Saugatuck Dunes State Park and we were very happy we visited. Well-marked trails to this beautiful, secluded beach after a 10-minute walk out of the State Park parking lot. Not overcrowded and plenty of beach line to explore. No bathroom facilities on or near beach, only ones available are at the parking lot when coming into the park, so plan accordingly.
Entrance fee collected at the entrance to the park. We just loved this quiet secluded beach and the walk to get there."
Richard Sauter
"It's about a 10 minute walk through the trees to the beach from the parking lot. There are other trails as well. People around but not crowded. The water is a little cooler than in town. Perfect for a walk down the beach, climb up the dune, and then cool off in the lake."
Lewis Lefteroff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is located in Holland, Michigan. The main entrance is at 6575 138th Ave, Holland, MI 49423. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Chicago.
Yes, there are parking lots available. However, they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry and parking. You can purchase it at the park entrance or online.
Public transportation options to Saugatuck Dunes State Park are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park.
While the main parking lot is accessible, the trails leading to the beach and dunes are sandy and can be challenging for wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, which covers parking fees. You can purchase this at the park entrance or online.
The park is generally open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. It's always a good idea to check the official Michigan DNR website for any seasonal changes or updates.
You can purchase the Michigan Recreation Passport online in advance to save time at the entrance.
The Michigan Recreation Passport is a state-wide pass that provides access to all Michigan State Parks. There are no additional discounts for individual park entry.
The fee is for park entry and parking, which includes access to the beach. There is no separate fee for the beach itself once you have your Recreation Passport.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the beach is about a 10-20 minute walk through wooded trails and sandy paths. It can be hilly and sandy, so wear appropriate footwear.
There are no bathroom facilities directly on the beach. Restrooms are available at the main parking lot.
While popular, it's often less crowded than other beach areas, especially on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons. The longer hike to the beach also deters some visitors.
You can hike the trails, climb the dunes, swim in Lake Michigan, bird-watch, and enjoy the secluded beach. It's also a great spot for photography and sunset viewing. +1
Yes, pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastal dunes, the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the wooded trails offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Sunsets here are particularly stunning. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Michigan DNR for current rules regarding drone operation in state parks.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the unique dune formations are always photogenic.
Climbing the larger dunes offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape, making for dramatic shots.
Landscape, nature, sunset, and wildlife photography are popular. Many visitors also capture family moments and scenic hikes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The sandy trails and dunes provide a fun, natural playground for kids to explore. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as facilities on the beach are limited.🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🌅 Sunset Chasers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Dunes
These trails wind through diverse landscapes, from dense forests with towering trees Climbing the coastal dunes is a signature experience here. These aren't just small sand hills; they are significant geological formations that offer a unique hiking challenge and rewarding vistas. The sandy terrain can be demanding, so wearing sturdy footwear is crucial.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, the longer trails tend to thin out the crowds.
The Secluded Lake Michigan Beach
This beach is an ideal spot for sunset viewing. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky often ignites with vibrant colors, casting a golden glow over the sand and water.
Photography Opportunities
The Lake Michigan shoreline is another prime location for photography. From wide-angle shots of the vast expanse of water to intimate details of the sand and waves, there's plenty to capture. Sunsets here are particularly renowned, painting the sky with breathtaking colors that are a favorite among visitors and photographers alike.
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the natural beauty of the park provides endless inspiration. Many visitors share their stunning shots on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcasing the park's photogenic qualities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit