Sand Dunes
Sand dunes are a scenic part of the Michigan landscape, and can be found close to the present and past shoreline of the Great Lakes. To camp among the dunes, check out Lake Michigan Campground.
Passersby on the highway are treated to a view of Lake Michigan on one side, and tall sand dunes on the other side. As you admire the enormous dunes, imagine what the area looked like when lake levels were that high!
One particularly attractive dune area is found on the Hiawatha National Forest in the St. Ignace Ranger District, 8 miles west on US 2, from Pte. Aux Chenes to beyond the National Forest boundary.
Where to Park?
For your safety and the safety of other drivers, park only on the water-side of the highway.
Be Safe in the Water:
On a hot summer day hundreds of people use these beautiful sandy beaches, but please know there are no lifeguards and swimming is at your own risk.
- Children must be accompanied at all times.
- Please be aware of dangerous rip currents along the beaches.
- There are educational signs on numerous access trails leading to the beach and lifesaving stations located along a 6 mile stretch of the beach equipped with life jackets, throw ropes and lifesaving rings.
- Never swim alone.
- The Great Lakes can be very cold, even in late summer; beware of hypothermia.
- Check the weather often, it can change fast.
Important Reminders:
- Stay on marked paths. Do not walk on sensitive plants.
- Pack it in, pack it out, leave nothing behind.
- Remove all trash from shore.
- Glass of any kind is prohibited.
- All pets must be on a leash.
- Maintain control of your pet at all times.
- Clean up after your pet.
Points of Interest
Location |
---|
Sand Dunes |
St Ignace District Native Plant Gardens |
Nearby Camping
Location | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lake Michigan | 34 | 601 ft | |||
Soldier Lake Rec Area | 43 | 908 ft | |||
Three Lakes | 28 | 877 ft | |||
Andrus Lake - State Forest | 25 | 637 ft | |||
Little Brevoort Lake (South) - State Forest | 12 | 651 ft | |||
Trout Lake City Park | 83 | 830 ft | |||
Cecil Lakeview City Park | Numerous | 579 ft | |||
Shelldrake Dam - State Forest | 18 | 648 ft | |||
Petoskey State Park | 165 | 600 ft | |||
Magnus Park | Numerous | 595 ft | |||
Little Brevoort Lake (North) - State Forest | 20 | 636 ft | |||
Goose Creek Trail Camp - State Forest | 12 | 1,150 ft | |||
Brevort Lake | 84 | 632 ft | |||
Wilderness State Park | 250 | 594 ft | |||
Upper Manistee River - State Forest | 40 | 1,145 ft | |||
Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) - State Forest | 13 | 1,232 ft | |||
Whiting County Park | 58 | 593 ft | |||
Graves Crossing - State Forest | 10 | 668 ft | |||
Young State Park | 240 | 630 ft | |||
Tahquamenon Falls 1 State Park | 275 | 616 ft | |||
Pinney Bridge - State Forest | 15 | 755 ft |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gauge | Streamflow |
---|---|
Black River Near Garnet
USGS 04046000 |
35 cfs |
Pigeon R At Sturgeon Valley Rd Near Vanderbilt
USGS 04128990 |
71 cfs |
Sturgeon River At Wolverine
USGS 04127997 |
204 cfs |
Pine River Near Rudyard
USGS 04127918 |
87 cfs |
East Branch Pine River Near Tustin
USGS 04124500 |
26 cfs |
Tahquamenon River Near Paradise
USGS 04045500 |
2,120 cfs |
Jordan River Near East Jordan
USGS 04127800 |
182 cfs |