Spend a Day at Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Numerous hiking trails, sandy dunes and a stunning Lake Michigan shoreline are what draws people to explore Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

If you enjoy less crowded trails and beaches you need to spend a day exploring Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Earn your spot at this gorgeous beach by hiking to it. This Michigan State Park is a day use only park, so there is no camping or boat launch. Only a 25 minute drive from Holland, it’s a fun day trip. When standing on the beach, you can even see Holland’s Big Red Lighthouse far in the distance.

COST

Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Residents yearly pass is $13.00 with their vehicle registration. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.

HIKING

The biggest draw to this park is the beautiful trail system. It offers four different trail loops at varying lengths (from 2.5 to 5.0 miles). Tons of options to add additional miles by simply combining the two longer loops to make an 8 mile hike. Shady wooded foredunes and sandy trails makes for a beautiful and interesting hike.

If you’re planning to swim at the beach or watch the sunset the Beach Trail is the shortest route, albeit a steeper incline (0.6miles).

TIPS

Definitely grab a map at the entrance or check out this online map.

I’d advise bring less (skip the sand toys, beach chairs and rafts) and make it a hiking adventure that leads you out to the sandy dunes and the sparkling Lake Michigan shore.  We hiked with 4 children ages 3-10, who were all able to handle the hike. If hiking with littles, a child carrier would be useful due to the hills, exposed roots, sand, and elevation changes. On the way there, when we all had energy, we opted to take the Inner North Trail  to connect to the beach. This trail exits out to a dune, where you earn a more secluded beach area. On the return trip, we hiked the shorter Beach Trail (0.6 miles yellow markers).

Diving into Lake Michigan waves are a refreshing reward after your hike. The soft sandy beach is perfect for making drip castles. The dunes will beckon anyone adventurous enough to scale them and run full tilt down. 

AMENITIES
The Felt Estate and Shore Acres Township Park is next to the state park and includes mountain bike trails and an 18 hole disc golf course through the woods, a fun activity for older children and adults.

No public restrooms, but there are porta johns available.

Required $9.00 daily entrance fee or $34.00 yearly Michigan Recreation Passport.

Camping: There is no camping at the state park in Saugatuck, but there are private campgrounds, along with Airbnb nearby. If you're interested in camping nearby, we stayed at Holland State Park, only a 25 minute drive from Holland.

NEARBY ACCOMODATIONS

Holland State Park: A beautiful beach town state park.

Sandy Pines :Large Kid- friendly private campgrounds with 6 pools, RV style amenities.

Triponds: Private family campground in Fennville.

Hotel Saugatuck: A beautiful bed and breakfast, perfect for a romantic getaway, only a short walk from downtown.

Vrbo makes it so simple to find the perfect rental property for your next vacation.

RESTAURANTS

Saugatuck Brewing Company: Relaxed Brewery with craft beers, Pub style food, Outdoor patio and live music.

Round Barn Winery: Take your drinks and wander through the wooded Mount Tabor Trails that connect with Tabor Hill Winery. A little over 3.5 miles of beautiful trails meandering through the woods and vineyards.

Southern: Flavorful Southern food

The Butler: Delicious food, especially lobster mac-n- cheese.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Mount Baldhead: A one mile loop trail, with 302 stair climb for views of Saugatuck.

Saugatuck Dunes Rides : A fun-filled dune ride that will thrill the whole family

Saugatuck Chain Ferry: This hand-pulled chain ferry travels the Kalamazoo River and connects downtown Saugatuck to Mount Baldhead Park and Oval Beach.

Star of Saugatuck: See Saugatuck from the water, as you sit back and glide down the Kalamazoo River. They offer both daytime & sunset cruises.

Head to Downtown Saugatuck where there are so many unique shops and restaurants.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck, MI 49453