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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.
Absolutely gorgeous place with great hiking. We took the beach trail. I have no idea how long it is, but I'm guessing it took us about 20 minutes to get to the beach. I'm sure during warm weather, it's probably teeming with people. But we were there on a chillier day so we saw maybe a dozen people total on the trail during our round trip. I believe the entry/parking fee is between $10 and $15. At least when we were there, payment was on an honor system. No cash accepted and the payment machine kept erroring out so it took forever to pay. That was really the only negative part of our visit. Beyond that, it's a gorgeous area for a hike or a visit to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Loved our second visit to this state park just as much as our first. From the sweeping views of the beach and lake to the rolling trails that lead up to it, this park is so peaceful and beautiful. We've visited the park at different times of year and it's equally beautiful each time. Luckily, there aren't too many people so it really feels like you have the space to yourself. This is a great spot for packing a picnic and making a morning of it. Located just a 10 minute drive from downtown Saugatuck. The only reason we're holding off on the fifth star is the really clunky and antiquated payment system when you enter the park. They have folks use an envelope and fill out all sorts of questions - it was the most complicated park entry payment system I've ever seen.
We love hiking these trails! There's so many options available, well marked, and option to get to the beach. There is also a good portion that has the disc golf course on, but the people playing are good about watching for hikers.
Very nice park, an easy trail to hike to the beach. There are several trails, and they are well marked and super easy to follow. When you get to the beach you can walk for miles along the water. Dog friendly! We saw lots of dogs on this beautiful day. There is even a very clean restroom. Nice!
What an amazing walk to Lake Michigan. Great parking, trails are well marked. Th Al you for keeping the trails labeled
My family and I did the Saugatuck Dunes North Trail. It led directly to the beach. It was about 1.9 miles total (there and back). It was an easy hike and mostly shaded. My toddler was able to walk it without problem. It was a beautiful trail and we hope to do it again this summer!
If you're in the Grand Rapids area and looking to escape the city for some serene views of Lake Michigan then Saugatuck Dunes State Park is definitely the spot to go to. We recently visited Grand Rapids for a friends wedding in early October. While in town, we wanted to see if there was an area we could conveniently travel to in order to see one of the Great Lakes. After asking a few locals where to go, one local recommended this park and I'm so glad she did. The drive from Grand Rapids was smooth-about 45 minutes at the most due to traffic congestion here and there. The parking lot is easy to find and there seemed to be plenty of open spots no matter what time of day it was. From the lot we hiked a bit through marked trails in the woods until we reached Lake Michigan. The views were spectacular and I really enjoyed our time out there, even though it was a bit chilly at times when those cool fall breezes would come through. All in all though I was so happy that we got to checkout Lake Michigan and Saugatuck Dunes State Park on our trip. I promise you'll fall in love with nature over and over again if you visit this lovely park.
Lovely state park, I thoroughly enjoyed our hike here but the trail markers were a little confusing so we did get a bit lost at one point as to where to rejoin the trail back up the dunes off of the beach. The dunes are a bit too much for my perspective as well compared to other state parks in the area (I'm a baby and hate climbing dunes even though I know that is the entire makeup of the west side of our beautiful state). But this could also be because we did get lost and had to forge a bit of our own path for a bit climbing up the dunes as well, so not entirely sure about that. Either way, it is also not a crazy trafficked area so we were able to have the whole beach to ourselves during our hike but we also went when I would consider "off season". There was still quite a line of ice/snow at the edge of the shoreline between the water and the beach, we went end of March, so that could also be why no one was there. All in all, our hike was close to 5 miles and definitely challenging as there was a fair amount of dune climbing. I wouldn't recommend this for all skill levels, but for the more adventurous hikers. It's very dog-friendly though and my dog and I definitely did have a blast here, especially along the beach. It's not too far from Grand Rapids, so it's a perfect getaway to the beach if you want to get out of the city for a bit. There's also quite a bit of cute stuff to do in Saugatuck as well if you want to check out that city. Very cute, very fun!
This was a 2hr 43min drive for me and my friend basically had the same distance from other direction but it was worth it. We had perfect weather and we gotten there before the crowd - most people really want to go to beach so if thats your objective you need to get a spot quick. I highly suggest you wear some comfortable shoes because the beach isn't around the corner and you're unable to get motor vehicle access due to the sand - a lot of parents tugging on wagons. (No thank you!) Bring someone easy to carry and bug spray - dogs are welcome but I've seen a few off leash at the beach. I doubt it's super policed so be mindful if you're afraid. The view is breathtaking and if you go down a trail away from the beach it's super peaceful. Happy hiking!!!
This place is just beautiful. If you want somewhere to walk around and look at nature or decide to go for a swim in the summer months. About a 1 mile trek to the water. Bring a blanket or hammock and relax. Or better yet bring a picnic with you as well. Great place to take some really amazing photos. A lot of Beach front all the way down the dunes. Right now things weren't that packed so you can find some secluded areas with great views. We were just out for a drive so we didn't plan already. We will next time. Now that we know what to expect
This place is a gem. A crowded gem on two of the first warm days in early spring, but a gem nonetheless. On our first visit we arrived around 1:30, found lots of people in the parking lot but still plenty of open spaces. Hiked some of the north trails down to the lake then looping back through the woods. There was still ice in a few spots that we needed to walk around, but otherwise the trail was very easy to navigate, wide open and well marked. (Wide open enough we saw someone in a wheelchair navigating it--don't know if that's possible everywhere in the park, but it's nice to see accessibility in a place like this). High, steep dunes line the lakeshore, with openings that allow you to walk to the water easily. You can see the piers of Holland and Saugatuck in the distance, as well as a few lakeside homes, but otherwise the beach is wild and undeveloped. We have too little of that in Michigan. The woods are fairly open there--especially seeing as we were there before trees came into leaf--with the result that there is always a long view, even when in cover. Trails can be flat for a long time, but steep climbs or drops occur, especially as you get closer to the lake. You will definitely stretch your muscles here, The next day it was about 10 degrees warmer, and about three times as many people were out, if the parking lot was any indication. We had to park on the grass adjoining the parking lot, actually on one of the last patches of that available. People kept rolling in anyway. Not sure I'd like to return in the summer (as I assume it's even more crowded) but we will back. I want to hike out to the lake on the south trail, follow the lakeshore all the way to the north trail and return on that. Would be a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Beautiful state park with a few different trails to take you to the beach. Parking is $12 for a day for non-Michigan residents. The kiosk is easy enough to navigate. On to the hike! We did the yellow trail. Difficulty level in my opinion was easy but on our way back, we took the adventurous route which was more of a medium difficulty because you had to be on an uphill climb for quite a bit. Overall, I would classify the hike as easy. It's way too cold so neither of us swam. Because it is a longer hike, we didn't take our dog with us but we saw several while on the trail. If your dog is older than ours (8 months, super slow due to being easily distracted) I highly recommend taking them on the trail. The beach is dog friendly as well. Just make sure to pick up after them. Beautiful view of the lake and overall. I would definitely come back again (and hopefully with Miss Birdie next time)! read more
3 months ago
This is a beautiful state park with tree covered trails to hike. If hiking sand dunes is not your thing there are other trails. If it is, it could be a training pre-curser to bigger dunes. In any regard, it is rustically beautiful. There are porta-potties and picnic tables near the parking lot. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
1 year ago
6 months ago
If you like walking trails the Saugatuck Dunes Park is a great place to do so. The trails are easy with a few hills here and there. A lot of nature that's been undisturbed. The trail leads to lake michigan. read more
3 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous place with great hiking. We took the beach trail. I have no idea how long it is, but I'm guessing it took us about 20 minutes to get to the beach. I'm sure during warm weather, it's probably teeming with people. But we were there on a chillier day so we saw maybe a dozen people total on the trail during our round trip. I believe the entry/parking fee is between $10 and $15. At least when we were there, payment was on an honor system. No cash accepted and the payment machine kept erroring out so it took forever to pay. That was really the only negative part of our visit. Beyond that, it's a gorgeous area for a hike or a visit to the shores of Lake Michigan. read more
4 years ago
Loved our second visit to this state park just as much as our first. From the sweeping views of the beach and lake to the rolling trails that lead up to it, this park is so peaceful and beautiful. We've visited the park at different times of year and it's equally beautiful each time. Luckily, there aren't too many people so it really feels like you have the space to yourself. This is a great spot for packing a picnic and making a morning of it. Located just a 10 minute drive from downtown Saugatuck. The only reason we're holding off on the fifth star is the really clunky and antiquated payment system when you enter the park. They have folks use an envelope and fill out all sorts of questions - it was the most complicated park entry payment system I've ever seen. read more
We love hiking these trails! There's so many options available, well marked, and option to get to the beach. There is also a good portion that has the disc golf course on, but the people playing are good about watching for hikers. read more
Very nice park, an easy trail to hike to the beach. There are several trails, and they are well marked and super easy to follow. When you get to the beach you can walk for miles along the water. Dog friendly! We saw lots of dogs on this beautiful day. There is even a very clean restroom. Nice! read more
2 years ago
What an amazing walk to Lake Michigan. Great parking, trails are well marked. Th Al you for keeping the trails labeled read more
My family and I did the Saugatuck Dunes North Trail. It led directly to the beach. It was about 1.9 miles total (there and back). It was an easy hike and mostly shaded. My toddler was able to walk it without problem. It was a beautiful trail and we hope to do it again this summer! read more
6 years ago
If you're in the Grand Rapids area and looking to escape the city for some serene views of Lake Michigan then Saugatuck Dunes State Park is definitely the spot to go to. We recently visited Grand Rapids for a friends wedding in early October. While in town, we wanted to see if there was an area we could conveniently travel to in order to see one of the Great Lakes. After asking a few locals where to go, one local recommended this park and I'm so glad she did. The drive from Grand Rapids was smooth-about 45 minutes at the most due to traffic congestion here and there. The parking lot is easy to find and there seemed to be plenty of open spots no matter what time of day it was. From the lot we hiked a bit through marked trails in the woods until we reached Lake Michigan. The views were spectacular and I really enjoyed our time out there, even though it was a bit chilly at times when those cool fall breezes would come through. All in all though I was so happy that we got to checkout Lake Michigan and Saugatuck Dunes State Park on our trip. I promise you'll fall in love with nature over and over again if you visit this lovely park. read more
Lovely state park, I thoroughly enjoyed our hike here but the trail markers were a little confusing so we did get a bit lost at one point as to where to rejoin the trail back up the dunes off of the beach. The dunes are a bit too much for my perspective as well compared to other state parks in the area (I'm a baby and hate climbing dunes even though I know that is the entire makeup of the west side of our beautiful state). But this could also be because we did get lost and had to forge a bit of our own path for a bit climbing up the dunes as well, so not entirely sure about that. Either way, it is also not a crazy trafficked area so we were able to have the whole beach to ourselves during our hike but we also went when I would consider "off season". There was still quite a line of ice/snow at the edge of the shoreline between the water and the beach, we went end of March, so that could also be why no one was there. All in all, our hike was close to 5 miles and definitely challenging as there was a fair amount of dune climbing. I wouldn't recommend this for all skill levels, but for the more adventurous hikers. It's very dog-friendly though and my dog and I definitely did have a blast here, especially along the beach. It's not too far from Grand Rapids, so it's a perfect getaway to the beach if you want to get out of the city for a bit. There's also quite a bit of cute stuff to do in Saugatuck as well if you want to check out that city. Very cute, very fun! read more
This was a 2hr 43min drive for me and my friend basically had the same distance from other direction but it was worth it. We had perfect weather and we gotten there before the crowd - most people really want to go to beach so if thats your objective you need to get a spot quick. I highly suggest you wear some comfortable shoes because the beach isn't around the corner and you're unable to get motor vehicle access due to the sand - a lot of parents tugging on wagons. (No thank you!) Bring someone easy to carry and bug spray - dogs are welcome but I've seen a few off leash at the beach. I doubt it's super policed so be mindful if you're afraid. The view is breathtaking and if you go down a trail away from the beach it's super peaceful. Happy hiking!!! read more
6 years ago
This place is just beautiful. If you want somewhere to walk around and look at nature or decide to go for a swim in the summer months. About a 1 mile trek to the water. Bring a blanket or hammock and relax. Or better yet bring a picnic with you as well. Great place to take some really amazing photos. A lot of Beach front all the way down the dunes. Right now things weren't that packed so you can find some secluded areas with great views. We were just out for a drive so we didn't plan already. We will next time. Now that we know what to expect read more
This place is a gem. A crowded gem on two of the first warm days in early spring, but a gem nonetheless. On our first visit we arrived around 1:30, found lots of people in the parking lot but still plenty of open spaces. Hiked some of the north trails down to the lake then looping back through the woods. There was still ice in a few spots that we needed to walk around, but otherwise the trail was very easy to navigate, wide open and well marked. (Wide open enough we saw someone in a wheelchair navigating it--don't know if that's possible everywhere in the park, but it's nice to see accessibility in a place like this). High, steep dunes line the lakeshore, with openings that allow you to walk to the water easily. You can see the piers of Holland and Saugatuck in the distance, as well as a few lakeside homes, but otherwise the beach is wild and undeveloped. We have too little of that in Michigan. The woods are fairly open there--especially seeing as we were there before trees came into leaf--with the result that there is always a long view, even when in cover. Trails can be flat for a long time, but steep climbs or drops occur, especially as you get closer to the lake. You will definitely stretch your muscles here, The next day it was about 10 degrees warmer, and about three times as many people were out, if the parking lot was any indication. We had to park on the grass adjoining the parking lot, actually on one of the last patches of that available. People kept rolling in anyway. Not sure I'd like to return in the summer (as I assume it's even more crowded) but we will back. I want to hike out to the lake on the south trail, follow the lakeshore all the way to the north trail and return on that. Would be a lovely way to spend an afternoon. read more
9 years ago
Still one of my favorite places to explore on the western coast of Michigan. Venture off the beaten path for some of the lesser known explored trails and enjoy all the beauty the dunes have to offer. My husband recently picked up a hand held GPS so on our most recent visit we had a great time exploring a bit more remote areas without fear of getting lost. But if you're not as adventurous, there are plenty of easy, well marked trails to enjoy. Ready your glutes and climb some of those sand hills to check out all the gnarled trees, whose roots have been exposed over time as the dunes have shifted. Walk along the ridges and get a birds eye view of the lake. Pack a lunch or a snack and take it all in. It's so peaceful. read more
Thought we'd explore a few spots while in the area. This was the third stop of the day and admittedly a bit tired. To get to the beach it's a walk- not an entirely easy one and the end you begin to get into the sand. I don't even know what footwear to recommend- lots of different stuff. Facilities are in the parking lot so get that out of the way for sure! Dogs are allowed on leashes. It's quite hilly on the "beach" area so think of that and consider who you'll be with. Gorgeous views with some shady spots to be had as well. read more
6 years ago
3 years ago
Wow, lived in Michigan for almost 12 years and this was our first time visiting this park. Went on the 4th July and it wasn't as packed as I expected. We decided to hike on the north trail (to the beach) and it really was quite the nice wooded, shaded little trek! I would say medium level of ruggedness or difficulty lol mainly because my husband and I are old and out of shape!!! I sadly only got one photo before my crappy phone died. But right as we started out we saw a very friendly deer that didn't seem to be phased by our presence. It's about 2 1/2 mile hike that ends hiking up a steep dune overlooking to a gorgeous trees framing the lake! Then you walked down another steep dune down to the water. This is a much less crowed part of the beach. Which if you're willing to trek the trail with all your beach necessities you would be set for the day! (Other than I saw no bathrooms, unless you're like *cough* my disgusting son who says just pee in the lake)! Overall a great experience and hope to return! read more
Beautiful Beach and surrounding area! To enter the State Park, there is a $10 fee for non-residents for the day. It is collected at the gate via an honor system. We arrived around 10:00am and parking was not an issue. When we left just after noon, it seemed to be packed. Be aware, from the car to the beach, it is a little over 3/4 mile hike. The path leads through a beautiful wooded area, but it does have some up and down hill to it. We just had ourselves and some towels, so it was nice for us. However, the Park and Beach are dog friendly, and we had our senior dog Watson with us. He made it like a champ, but if it was a hotter day (only 70 degrees when we went), the hike might have been too much for him. Once you reach the beach, it is clean and beautiful. Even as more people arrived, we did not feel too crowded and very much enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing morning. However, there is not much in the way of restroom facilities once past the parking lot. read more
One of my favorite beaches in all of Michigan! So private and secluded because there is a nice long trail to get the beach. I could spend days here! The water is so calm and the views are stunning! This is the beach to see if you are near Saugatuck read more
6 years ago
Pet-friendly Beach, Trail - beautiful, enjoyable. Lots of pets playing on the beach in this location. Great place to stop for a break during travel! read more
6 years ago
The trails are horribly marked so make sure that you know where you are going and coming from. Would suggest getting a map beforehand. The beach was a nice area, the water was quiteeee cold. But dog friendly. I hope they improve the trail markings, what was one mile turned into five. read more
13 years ago
It's a short one mile hike to the beach. Had a lovely stroll with my family. We were there in April 2014 for spring break and ice and snow covering the beach...of course. It was a beautiful sight. My husband and father both received a soaked foot a-piece from climbing the mini glaciers and plunging through the ice. There was a family with four children and two of them were barefoot. The sun was shining and we can't wait to go back this summer, when evidently this beach is very quiet. read more
This nice, compact state park was a great afternoon excursion for my family and I while vacationing in western Michigan. Being from NW Indiana, we are a little spoiled by Lake Michigan dunes. But, this park though small is a pleasant nature getaway for those spending time in the area. We found the various trails well-marked and clean being both wide and compacted. The wooden scenery is very peaceful, and the beach area is one of the best I've been to in the Midwest. The amenities were kinda scarce--there wasn't much as far as restroom access, no camping, and limited shelters. But what it lacks in facilities, the park makes up for in natural beauty. The one complaint we had surrounded the confusing entry fees. Signs at the entrance indicated that access was by permit only (Michigan residents receive one through their vehicle registration). There were procedures for non-residents to pay for a $9 day pass but these were not very clear and there was no attendant on duty. We found out later that passes can be purchased on the DNR website. The weird entry setup notwithstanding, this state park is a nice day trip for anyone staying along America's Third Coast. read more
We make it up to Michigan several times each summer to visit the different parks with sand dunes. We've been to all of them and each is different in its own way. The best part of Saugatuck Dunes is the forested area located between the parking lot and beach. There are several trails back here that range between a mile to get from the parking lot to the beach, up to maybe two miles. Depending on which way you go, one could spend a couple hours trekking all of the trails offered. The trails themselves are wide and well packed, each taking you through a serene forested area filled with giant pines and Aspen tree's. The land contours depending on which trails you hike, some offer more vertical than others. Most are on easy walk. The beach itself is small and littered. At least, that's what we saw today. Although the beach had no more than 10 people in a mile's space, the sand was littered with every imaginable piece of debris. The depth of the beach is also really compact, although this has become true of most beaches on Lake Michigan over the past two years. I liked SDSP but wouldn't choose it over several others in the vicinity. Cheers. read more
Went for a day hike to check out the frozen lake in late February. The parking lot was almost full with a bunch of people getting ready to, or packing up from, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Definately wasn't expecting so many people to be there when it's below freezing outside. The trek to the beach was pretty easy even though I only had hiking boots. All the trails, though snow covered, were very well trodden, perfect for waking or cross-country skiing. The lake was very beautiful with a bunch of different ice formations to explore. It was cool seeing the different phases that the lake froze in and being able to walk and climb it all. Highly recommend checking out Lake Michigan when it's frozen, just make sure to bundle up! The wind picks up when you get to the lake. Next time I'll definately remember to bring a sled: the people sledging seemed to be having a lot of fun, along with all the doggies running around with booties in their feet! So cute! read more
8 years ago
6 years ago
We did the south trail which was about 5.5 miles. On the way to the lake view point it was great, not a lot of people on that trail and in the woods. HOWEVER.. once you leave the beach and continue on the trail it is awful. Straight up sand dunes for over an hour. We were not expecting it and that part was not a good time, maybe our fault for not being prepared for that. Overall, it was a good time but I'm probably not in a rush to go back. read more
16 years ago
Nice, strenuous .6 mile wooded hike to the beach from the parking lot. Because of the hike, the beach is much less occupied than Oval Beach, though still being used by a dozen or so families while we were there. The beach, dunes, and forest are all beautiful, and a great break from downtown Saugatuck. Besides, the direct hike to the beach, the park also has about 13 miles of additional trails. read more
15 years ago
6 years ago
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Ask the Community - Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Do they have restrooms?
This being a state park is there a cost for out of staters?other Than the parking?
No! Just to park and the couple times I've been there this year, no one has been working the parking lot so I haven't had to pay to park either!
Review Highlights - Saugatuck Dunes State Park
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