Lake shore at Saugatuck Dunes

Visit This Overlooked State Park For Stunning Lake Michigan Views

By Jenna Busch

VACATIONS

Saugatuck Dunes State Park along Lake Michigan has some of the best views you can find. It features dunes, forests, 13 miles of hiking trails, and 2.5 miles of shoreline.
The day-use Saugatuck Dunes State Park is open all year. To get in, you must have a Michigan State Parks recreation pass, which you can purchase on the state's website.
Right near the parking area, you'll find the trailheads for two hikes that take you to the beach. Here you can see the sand dunes, which can be 200 feet tall.
Bring a towel so you can relax on the sand, but if you see a red flag, know that the water isn't safe for swimming. You can also explore parts of the park with a metal detector.
Don't forget to bring water, put on sunscreen, and wear your best hiking gear. If you visit in the winter, you can use many of the trails as ungroomed cross-country skiing paths.