The state of Michigan has so many fun spots to explore – especially in the summer and fall. One of these great spots is the Silver Lake Dunes. The Silver Lake Dunes are tucked away in Northwest Michigan about 80 miles northwest of Grand Rapids and 15 miles south of the popular tourist town of Pentwater. This recreational area 2,000 acres of sand dunes and water.

Things to Do in Silver Lake

Dune rides. Silver Lake is famous for its off-road dune riding activities. Whether you bring your own ORV or Jeep or want to rent one, or get a guided ride with the famous Mac Wood’s Dune Rides – there are several ways to experience the unique terrain of the Silver Lake Dunes. Thera are nearly 450 acres of designated “scramble” ORV riding.

Lake Michigan and Silver Lake

Part of the allure of the dunes area is all the water opportunities. The Silver Lake area is unique as people can enjoy the use of Silver Lake and then the shores of a great lake in Lake Michigan in one day! Visitors to the area can both access and enjoy the cool waters and sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. They can also visit and enjoy Silver Lake which offers many inland lake opportunities. Visitors can canoe, kayak, boat or also participate in some of the fun fishing opportunities that Silver Lake offers. Horse back riding and fat tire trails are also available within the Silver Lake State park within the winter months – which is a designated Michigan DNR state park. Please note that DNR Recreational Passport is require for entry into the park. There is a modern campground and a day use area.

Events

There are several events in the Silver Lake area throughout the course of the year. A great resource for these events is the Think Dunes Silver Lake Hart Visitors Bureau. On an ongoing basis, there are Farmers Markets around the area in Pentwater and Hart. Additionally, there are concerts throughout the summer and fall, including Music On the Commons in Hart as well at the White River Light Station. There is also the Oceana County Fair and the Shelby Fruit Festival. The fall season opens in September with the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple and BBQ Festival. At the end of September brings the Annual Fall Festival in Pentwater featuring arts, crafts, food and shopping.

Places to Stay in Silver Lake

There are many quality places to stay within the Silver Lake area. There are several motels, hotels and lodges to stay. There is also the Mears and Pentwater Michigan DNR state parks for those that are looking to camp. There are many cottage and cabin rental spots as well. One of the most convenient and affordable cottages to rent in the Silver Lake area are the Silver Lake Parasail Paradise and Silver Lake Woods Lodges. While summer bookings at this rental and many others in the area are typically booked ahead for summer – often times there are great fall bookings available while the weather in the area is still very pleasnt.