Visit Saugatuck Dunes State Park! | Hiking Trails MAP, Photos, Beach, Fun Things To Do Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline and Sand Dunes! West Michigan Family Activities
Saugatuck Dunes State Park | Hiking Trails MAP, Photos, Beach, Fun Things To Do! West Michigan Family Activities!
By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Last updated: August 3, 2023
Are you ready for a day of hiking, exploring, playing on the sand dunes and wandering sparkling Lake Michigan's shoreline in West Michigan?
Saugatuck Dunes State Park's major attractions include 2.5 miles of lovely shoreline, 1000 acres of tree lined property to explore and the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area (see our map below). This lovely region contains the Coastal Dune system and is home to several endangered plant species.
The Patty Birkholz Natural Area is a great place to relax and enjoy nature or bring your binoculars for birdwatching!
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Entrance Fee; How Much Does it Cost to Enter a Michigan state Park?
Address: 6575 138th Ave, Holland MI 49423
You will need a Michigan recreation passport or simply pay the daily Michigan park fee with the park ranger at the entrance to the park. It's affordable (under $10 for a day pass) for a great day of hiking, playing in the sand, and splashing in the waves of Lake Michigan.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Parking
Parking can get tricky by late morning on a warm summer day so we recommend arriving in the morning. Chris and I like to hike before the heat hits anyway so an early arrival works great for us.
- The parking area is paved.
- Amenities include a lovely shaded picnic area and vault toilets in the parking area.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Map: Saugatuck Hiking Trails
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Trail Map:
Saugatuck Dunes has 13 miles of sandy hiking trails.
The red stars are trail beginning points and it's also the parking lot. Take the yellow trail to the beach as it's the shortest route.
- The North Trail, white is 2.5 miles
- Beach Trail, yellow is 1.5 miles
- Livingston Trail, red is 2.5 miles
- South Trail, blue is 5.5 miles - Patty Birkholz Natural Area
The southern portion of the park is dedicated to the Patty Birkholz Natural Area and perfect for birdwatchers and hikers. So bring your hiking boots and explore miles of trails at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park!
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Trails and FUN Things To Do!
You will find the Beach Trail right on the edge of the parking lot. It's a pretty short walk. Even though the hike to the beach is lovely, be sure to bring your towels, sunscreen, snacks, water and everything you need as it's time consuming to walk back and forth.
- Lake Michigan is not visible from the parking area. You will have to walk to the beach with some hills and sand.
- The distance from the parking lot to the Saugatuck beach is .6 miles (one way).
- Bicycles are not allowed on the Saugatuck trails.
Since there are several miles of walking trails through mature trees, we recommend bringing the map provided at the entrance by the park ranger so you can find your way around. We loved the serenity and peacefulness of the woods, ravines and the songs of the birds!
Shore Acres Disc Golf Course is also very close to the walking trails.
Enjoy the Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach and Magnificent Lake Michigan Shoreline!
Chris and I LOVE walking along the Saugatuck Dunes State Park beach. This particular day, we had lots of fog which actually added to the alure and mysterious nature of the area.
Fires, glass bottles and camping are not allowed at the park or along the Lake Michigan beach.
Regardless of the fog, it's always a great day to play in the sand at the Saugatuck beach!
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Dogs
Feel free to bring your dogs (on a leash) to Saugatuck Dunes State Park! TONS of people had their dogs at the beach so they could play in the water with their humans!
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