See the Light: A Guide to Little Point Sable and Beyond
Sightseeing
Iconic lighthouse (5-minute walk!) with daily tours late May to mid-September. Amazing view from the top is not to be missed. Please note: climb to the top requires many stairs and is not for anyone with a fear of heights.
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Φάρος Little Sable Point
287 N Lighthouse DrIconic lighthouse (5-minute walk!) with daily tours late May to mid-September. Amazing view from the top is not to be missed. Please note: climb to the top requires many stairs and is not for anyone with a fear of heights.
Quirky local museum open weekends 1-4pm in June, July and August. Swift Lathers was a local journalist in the mid 20th century who published the nation's smallest newspaper and built a miniature village on the Silver Lake sand dunes.
5809 W Fox Rd
5809 West Fox RoadQuirky local museum open weekends 1-4pm in June, July and August. Swift Lathers was a local journalist in the mid 20th century who published the nation's smallest newspaper and built a miniature village on the Silver Lake sand dunes.
Natural wonder featuring 3 miles of shifting sand dunes that can be experienced on foot or in a off-road vehicle (ORV).
On Foot
Hiking the dunes offers both high dunes reminiscent of desert landscapes and access to quiet woodlands and hidden ponds. Most visitors rarely venture beyond the park entrances, so the interior sections are quiet and secluded. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day hike! Note that dune hiking can be more physically challenging than other surfaces due to the shifting nature of sand, and make sure to bring water and sun protection. Trails are not always clearly marked, and cell service is spotty.
Dune access points:
- Parking is available at Silver Lake State Park for pedestrian access (requires Recreation Passport sticker).
- Alternatively, the dunes can be accessed from See the Light on foot walking east on Lighthouse Drive to the State Park Ruckel's Bridge Day Use area (15-20m walk). Use caution when walking along Lighthouse Drive, as the road is narrow at points and there is no sidewalk.
- Walking north on the beach in front of the cottage past the lighthouse and across Silver Creek will lead to the State park and you can hike into the dunes by heading east. Note that under Michigan law you may walk at the waterline on privately owned beaches, but please be respectful of our neighbors.
ORV Access
Companies like Mac Woods (see below) offer guided dune rides, or you can rent an ORV or use an appropriate personal vehicle to drive on a section of the dunes.
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Silver Lake Sand Dunes
1765 North Lakeview DriveNatural wonder featuring 3 miles of shifting sand dunes that can be experienced on foot or in a off-road vehicle (ORV).
On Foot
Hiking the dunes offers both high dunes reminiscent of desert landscapes and access to quiet woodlands and hidden ponds. Most visitors rarely venture beyond the park entrances, so the interior sections are quiet and secluded. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day hike! Note that dune hiking can be more physically challenging than other surfaces due to the shifting nature of sand, and make sure to bring water and sun protection. Trails are not always clearly marked, and cell service is spotty.
Dune access points:
- Parking is available at Silver Lake State Park for pedestrian access (requires Recreation Passport sticker).
- Alternatively, the dunes can be accessed from See the Light on foot walking east on Lighthouse Drive to the State Park Ruckel's Bridge Day Use area (15-20m walk). Use caution when walking along Lighthouse Drive, as the road is narrow at points and there is no sidewalk.
- Walking north on the beach in front of the cottage past the lighthouse and across Silver Creek will lead to the State park and you can hike into the dunes by heading east. Note that under Michigan law you may walk at the waterline on privately owned beaches, but please be respectful of our neighbors.
ORV Access
Companies like Mac Woods (see below) offer guided dune rides, or you can rent an ORV or use an appropriate personal vehicle to drive on a section of the dunes.
Trails located a 30m drive from See the Light. Well-groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter accessible for hiking in the summer. Our winter favorite! No ski rental is available, so you'll need to bring your own equipment.
Crystal Valley XC Ski Area
1801 East River RoadTrails located a 30m drive from See the Light. Well-groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter accessible for hiking in the summer. Our winter favorite! No ski rental is available, so you'll need to bring your own equipment.
Paved 22-mile bicycle trail. Trailhead in Hart is a 20m drive, you can also pick up the trail in Mears (15m drive). Bicycles are available for rent seasonally in Silver Lake. In winter you can cross-country ski on the trail if there's adequate snow cover, bring your own skis.
North end of William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail
Paved 22-mile bicycle trail. Trailhead in Hart is a 20m drive, you can also pick up the trail in Mears (15m drive). Bicycles are available for rent seasonally in Silver Lake. In winter you can cross-country ski on the trail if there's adequate snow cover, bring your own skis.
Claybanks Pottery
7060 S Scenic DrPottery studio in New Era.
Iconic dune rides are a great way to experience the dunes without hiking!
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Mac Wood's Dune Rides
629 N 18th AveIconic dune rides are a great way to experience the dunes without hiking!
Craig's Cruisers
8343 W Hazel RdGo carts, bumper boats, and mini-golf.
Ranch in Rothbury offers horseback riding, a waterpark and mini-golf.
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Double JJ Resort
5900 S Water RdRanch in Rothbury offers horseback riding, a waterpark and mini-golf.
Lots of fun for younger kids, a favorite of our family! Animals, carnival games and obstacle course/play equipment.
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Ζωολογικός κήπος Lewis Farms & Petting
4180 M-20Lots of fun for younger kids, a favorite of our family! Animals, carnival games and obstacle course/play equipment.
Food scene
Perennial family favorite open in the summer season serving ice cream and sandwiches. Next to Mac Woods dune rides, outdoor seating only.
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Whippy Dip
591 N 18th AvePerennial family favorite open in the summer season serving ice cream and sandwiches. Next to Mac Woods dune rides, outdoor seating only.
Golden Bakery Coffee and Donuts
8438 Silver Lake RoadCoffee and doughnuts in Mears.
Fox Barn
500 18th AveSilver Lake winery offers food and seasonal live music.
Silver Lake market sells local produce and gifts. Seasonal fish boils and tea service. Free lavender labyrinth can be walked during business hours.
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Cherry Point Farm And Market
9600 W Buchanan RdSilver Lake market sells local produce and gifts. Seasonal fish boils and tea service. Free lavender labyrinth can be walked during business hours.
Orchards in Hart with local produce, baked goods and gifts. We love to stop here for the best local apples!
Rennhack Orchards Market
3731 W Polk RdOrchards in Hart with local produce, baked goods and gifts. We love to stop here for the best local apples!
Delicious pies and baked goods in Shelby-- we can't resist stopping on the way from US 31 to the cottage to pick up dessert!
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Woodland Farm Market
5393 W Shelby RdDelicious pies and baked goods in Shelby-- we can't resist stopping on the way from US 31 to the cottage to pick up dessert!
Up North Farm Market
3890 Monroe RdFarm market in Pentwater that also has a petting zoo.
Hansen Foods
3750 W Polk RdExcellent grocery store in Hart selling many local products.
Excellent takeout Mexican food! Cute park across the street overlooking Hart lake is a great place to eat outside. Available for lunch and dinner in the summer and lunch in Fall, Winter and Spring.
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La Probadita Market & Cafe
19 S State StExcellent takeout Mexican food! Cute park across the street overlooking Hart lake is a great place to eat outside. Available for lunch and dinner in the summer and lunch in Fall, Winter and Spring.
Silver Lake Pizza Factory
7854 West Hazel RoadClosest local pizza, open in the summer season. Delicious!