Nothing says summer like a day on Lake Michigan dunes, and one of the best ways to enjoy the dunes in Silver Lake is to go off-roading. That's right... a dune buggy ride is something you'll definitely want to add to your summer Michigan bucket list!
At Silver Lake State Park, the sand dunes have a dedicated section for off-road vehicles. You can bring your own dune-ready ORV or rent one from a nearby business — such as Silver Lake Buggy Rentals or Wild Bill’s ATV’s. Here’s more information about permits, dune rules, and safety.
Located in Mears next to Silver Lake and Silver Lake State Park, Mac Wood’s Dune Rides offers one-of-a-kind tours of the sand dunes at Silver Lake. The dunes cover about 2,000 acres along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, and the area is divided into three sections for hikers, off-road vehicles, and Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. That’s right! The company leases part of the land in order to provide a unique, family-friendly experience without large crowds.
More to Do in Silver Lake
In addition to riding the dunes, the area has miles of shoreline with beaches, scenic parks and trails, lush farmland, and historic sites. For instance, you can find great beaches at Charles Mears State Park and Claybanks Township Park.
East of Silver Lake, the Hart-Montague Bike Trail State Park-William Field Memorial Bike Trail is a 22-mile paved trail that passes through rural forests and has picnic areas and scenic overlooks. To the northeast, the Pentwater Pathways Trail consists of four trail loops that total 15 miles and are ideal for hiking and mountain biking all year and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Also, you can’t visit the area without going to Little Sable Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest working light towers on Lake Michigan at 115 feet. Ships that pass the Silver Lake sand dunes can see it from 19 miles away. Tours of the lighthouse are available from mid-May to mid-September.
If you’re looking for more adventure, check out the Craig’s Cruisers family fun park. Along with Go-Karts, kiddie karts, and a slick track, the property has miniature golf, a large arcade, bumper boats, and paddle boats. It even has a zip line with a view of Silver Lake and the sand dunes.
To see a working dairy farm, visit Country Dairy, Inc., which milks more than 1,000 cows every day! The milk is bottled on-site, and some of it is turned into butter, cheese, and ice cream. You can taste the ice cream in the Country Dairy parlor. For more animal fun, the Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo offers unique animal encounters, has more than 75 unusual animals, and entertains with 46-plus farm attractions and family-friendly activities.
Restaurants Near Lake Michigan Dunes in Silver Lake
Silver Lake and the surrounding communities of Mears and Hart offer many unique dining opportunities. Whether you want quick or sit-down service, the restaurants will keep you fueled during your sand dunes adventures.
Silver Lake Chicken Shack has some of the best-seasoned rotisserie chicken and touts having the “Best Ever Wings.” The family-friendly Mears restaurant has a full bar and live music too. At Silver Scoops Cafe and Creamery, you can get a gourmet sandwich and follow it with one of 20 hand-dipped ice cream flavors. On the other hand, you can enjoy sandwiches, subs, coney dogs, and burgers at Silver Lake Whippy Dip, which also serves soft and hard ice cream.
If you want table service in Mears, you can get amazing pizza at Silver Lake Pizza Factory. The menu includes gluten-free pizza, beer, and wine as well. Or, you could go to Open Hearth Grille & Bar for a hearty American meal. The restaurant is known for its deep-fried onion rings and asparagus, prime rib and lake perch, and decadent volcano cake for dessert.
A little farther east, you can have homemade pizza, breadsticks, and subs at Hart Pizza in downtown Hart. The restaurant has an espresso bar too. On the other hand, you could visit the hidden gem La Probadita, which is located in the back of a grocery store and serves authentic Mexican cuisine.