From the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center guests can easily access the park's Lake Michigan Trail. This short 0.5-mile walk transverses the sheltered backdune forest leading visitors out into the grassy foredune with a sweeping view of the beach and Lake Michigan below. The Lake Michigan Trail also offers hikers the option of viewing the dunes from the Dune Climb Stairway, a 193-step structure including an upper and lower observation platform perched atop one of the park's largest parabolic sand dunes.

Directions: From Fruitport, MI, Take US-31 to the Pontaluna Road exit and head west on Pontaluna Road two miles. From the park entrance, follow signs to the visitor center, where the trail begins.

Elevation: 750 feet

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information