Plan a Winter Getaway to Silver Lake-Hart

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Blog

Wintertime in Silver Lake

Although the Silver Lake & Hart Area is well-known for summertime fun on the dunes, winter is also a great time to plan a visit. Slow down your pace with a silent sport and give cross-country skiing a try on over 15 miles of groomed trails or be one of the first to try fat biking on the dunes during the inaugural fat tire season on the dunes. There is still plenty of adventure to be had….let’s start planning!

Fat Bike the Dunes!

December 15 until March 15th, Silver Lake State Park has opened the 450-acre ORV area of the dunes for fat biking enthusiasts. Previously, bikes were not allowed in the park, but now they have their own season. The State Park and the MDNR have created this unique opportunity to explore the dunes in a whole new way. Read all about fat biking on the dunes and learn about the places that are open in winter to stay and grab a bite while visiting the area.

Pentwater Pathway Map

Pentwater Pathway

It’s time to hit the trails! Located between Silver Lake and Pentwater in the Pere Marquette State Forest, the Pentwater Pathway welcomes cross-country skiers and snowshoers to explore over 7 miles of trails divided into 4 loops. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers from the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association and Michigan DNR, these trails are well maintained throughout the winter months.

Crystal Valley Map

Crystal Valley Trails

For even more trail adventure, head to the Huron-Manistee National Forest, where you’ll find Crystal Valley Ski Trail offering trails for all skill levels. Nine miles of trails offer 5 loops for all levels of hiking and groomed XC skiing during the winter months. Snowshoers are welcome but are asked to stay off the groomed path. Bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail, so this is a trail system that is typically quieter than the Pentwater Pathways. And like the Pathway, cared for by the same group of volunteers, it is always in great shape!

Download Crystal Valley Trails: MAP

End your day the Big Hart Way!

After a day on the trails, you will be sure to have an appetite and we have just the place for you! Hart has a spot for great eats, no matter what your flavor. Big Hart Brewing Co. is a favorite local gathering spot for a mix of New and Old-World styles craft brews paired with fresh local food and excellent service.

Extend Your Stay

There are so many trails to explore that we are sure you’ll want to extend you stay. Because you are already in Hart, you’re only moments away from Dunes Express Inn and Suites and Gateway Motel and both are open year round providing a cozy spot to warm up and rest for another day of trail adventure.

Businesses & Resources Open in Winter

Although some businesses close for the winter and early spring seasons, there are several places to stay and to eat in the Silver Lake & Hart area while visiting in the cooler weather months. Year Round business are listed below. Be sure to check for seasonal hours before heading out.

Hotels: 

Restaurants/Coffee Shops Open in Winter Season:

Hospitals: 

  • Minor injuries go to Mercy Lakeshore 72 S State St, Shelby, (231)861-2165
  • All other needs go to Mercy Health 1500 E Sherman Blvd, Muskegon (231)672-2000

Free Wifi:

  • Hart Public Library 415 S. State Street, Hart, public Wi-Fi available in the parking lot.
  • McDonald’s 4256 W Polk Rd, Hart, public Wi-Fi available in the parking lot.

It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning for Sand Season

Silver Lake State Park opens the dunes for ORV use April 1st, and it will be here before you know it. Those in the know have already started making plans. Early season is a great time to a first exploration of the dunes for newcomers before the busy summer season. If you are a MacWood’s dune rider, their first day of the 2026 season will be May 15.

Then comes peak season, which begins June 1st and extends through September 15th. If this is the time you have in mind, then now is the time to take a look at our Lodging page to secure the best spot on choice dates at our local campgrounds and hotels. Don’t delay! Spots are filling daily!

Need help planning for on and off the dunes? Check out the Dunes section of our website for all of the dune information you will need. And for your time off the dunes we have created an itinerary of ideas to guide your planning for a memorable vacation that your family will be talking about for years!

The Best Beaches in the Grand Haven Area for Your Favorite Activities

Grand Haven Blog

The Grand Haven Area is home to many sandy beaches to make memories on. Whether you’re looking for a game of volleyball, a nice hike, some deep relaxation, or family trip with the pup, Grand Haven has the beach for you! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite beaches to go to for sports, relaxation, hiking, dogs, and group gatherings.

Sports:

Grand Haven State Park Beach

Whether playing volleyball with friends or dribbling a basketball around, Grand Haven State Beach has plenty of room and the beachgoers to strike up a game. This is one of the Grand Haven area’s most popular beaches; there is no shortage of friendly visitors who will start a game. The volleyball courts are set up by Memorial Day and stay through summer. For little kids, there is a playground to climb and swings to catch a breeze. Head to the Beach Shop for toys, towels, Grand Haven souvenirs, and camping supplies, or to rent a beach chair. The Shop is open daily from 10AM to 8PM. The Grand Haven State Park Beach is the destination for many sporting events, including Soccer in the Sand and the Grand Haven Beach Vault.

City Beach

The City Beach, located next to the State Park, is also a great place to play. You can always count on someone to bring a spike or soccer ball to kick around. If you don’t want to bring too much, the Surf Shak is conveniently located next to the parking lot and has rentable surf, paddle, and boogie boards. You can also find some beach accessories or a quick bite to eat there. City Beach is home to exciting events like the annual Sand Sculpture Contest, and is a great spot for a friendly game!

Relaxation:

Windsnest Park

This warm, secluded beach is the perfect spot for some relaxation. This sandy escape is just a short walk away from the parking lot, making it an easily accessible hidden gem. The playground and restrooms make it ideal for a family day with the kids. Bring a book and a beach chair to soak in the rays, or enjoy a nice sunset walk. In the off-season, (Labor Day to Memorial Day) leashed dogs are allowed at the beach! Park hours are 9am to 10pm.

Hike:

Olive Shores

This woodsy beach has the perfect trail for you with three routes to choose from.

  1. Take the Beach Access Route straight to the shore.
  2. Hike the Dune Ridge Loop to explore some natural dune formations.
  3. Olive Shores’ Dune Meadow Loop is open to all as a barrier-free trail.

The Lake Michigan shoreline at the end of your hike is the perfect view. Olive Shores opens on April 1 and closes after the first snowfall. Due to the narrow paths, dogs are not allowed at Olive Shores. Fun Fact: Olive Shores was the site of a scene from a Tom Hanks film, “Road to Perdition”!

Rosy Mound Natural Area

The Rosy Mound 0.7-mile-long trail is great for stair lovers! With over 1,000 feet of stairs taking you up and down a classic dune system, you’ll see some beautiful views while getting your steps in. Four trails split and reconnect to take you through forested dunes before arriving at a final Blowout Dune Lookout, where the Lake Michigan coastline stretches as far as the eye can see. Park hours are 7am to 10pm from March through October.

Pups:

Kirk Park

From May to the end of September, your dog can enjoy all the amenities of Kirk Park’s south beach area off-leash! While on-trail they must stay leashed, but the 1.2-mile loop trail offers lots of area to sniff around. Whether in the mood for a beach day or a nature walk, this park and beach offer incredible views. In the off-season, dogs are allowed off-leash on the north and south beaches. Bring a friend for a doggy playdate or the kids to give your dog the time of their life!

Grand Haven City Beach

The Grand Haven City Beach is available to your four-legged friend on-leash before 11am and after 5pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the off season, dogs are allowed on-leash at all times. This beautiful beach has a perfect view of the pier and lighthouses. Your dog will have a great time running with you on-leash at this beach! Our favorite way to enjoy the City Beach is by an early morning walk with the sunrise.

Groups:

North Beach Park

North Beach Park has the perfect picnic shelter for your next cookout or get-together. With a large group grill, electrical outlets, and picnic table seating, the covered shelter is a great spot to meet with friends. If you’re looking to meet on a specific date, you can reserve the shelter through the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department. Nearby, the North Ottawa Dunes have a stairway to the top that offers a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. The dunes, sand volleyball court, and the beach ensure there’ll always be something to do. Dogs are not allowed from May 1 to September 30.

Kouw Park

With a picnic area and shelter, grills, a playground, restrooms, hiking areas, and a beach, Kouw Park is a hidden gem in Port Sheldon that is great for hosting people. Let the kids run free on the play equipment while you start grilling, or plan a nature hike and sit for a picnic afterward. The reservable picnic shelter is the perfect place to hang out while you take a quick break from the beach. Dogs are not permitted from May 1 through September 30. Park hours are March 1 through October 15 – 7am to 10pm; October 16 through February 28 – 7am to 8pm.