There are so many fun things to do near Silver Lake, Michigan. Silver Lake is a popular vacation spot in the summer for its beautiful views of Lake Michigan and incredible sand dunes.
I’m sharing more about the outdoor adventures and popular attractions to check out near Silver Lake during your visit to the area.
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Where is Silver Lake, Michigan?
Silver Lake is located along Lake Michigan, north of Muskegon and south of Ludington.
Explore Silver Lake State Park
9679 W. State Park Road, Mears, MI
Silver Lake State Park is located along 3 miles of the Lake Michigan Shoreline and also has access to a day-use area on Silver Lake which is inland.
There is also a playground and campground next to Silver Lake in the state park, with views of the sand dunes in the distance.
If you decide to swim at Silver Lake you reach the beach from the sand dune side. Be aware that you have to climb back up the sand dune afterward when you leave.
Unfortunately, the public can’t access the road by the beach because it’s surrounded by private property displaying several “No Trespassing.”
You’ll just want to mentally prepare for the hike back up the dunes when you’re done swimming because it’s really steep.
Rentals available from Wave Club Water Sports:
If you want to play on the water there are several fun rentals you can use at Silver Lake from Wave Club Water Sports including:
- Sailboats
- Stand up paddleboards
- Pontoon Boats
- Wave Runners
- Ski Boats
- Swim Platforms
- Sand Boards
Play on Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Of course, the big attraction at Silver Lake State Park is the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
With 2,000 acres of sand dunes, Silver Lake State Park offers an ever-changing landscape and a unique experience with every visit.
Climb the Sand Dunes at Silver Lake
The sand dunes provide a great challenge and workout.
Just remember…what goes down…must go back up…and going down is WAY more fun!
The sand can also get really HOT in the summer. I recommend wearing shoes with a strap or water-type shoes vs. flip-flops, sunglasses, loading up on sunscreen, bringing lots of water that’s easy to carry, and wearing a sun hat or ball cap.
Try Sandboarding at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Did you know that Silver Lake Sand Dunes is one of the top 5 places to go sandboarding in the US?
We’ve previously visited Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina, another popular spot for sandboarding and hang gliding.
Where Can You Rent Sandboards Near Silver Lake, Michigan?
The Sand Box in Mears, Michigan rents Venomous sandboards and adult and youth sleds. The sandboard rental shop is conveniently located 1.3 miles away from Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
You Can Purchase a Sandboard Online
If you don’t want to rent a sandboard, you can purchase a sandboard online ahead of time and bring it to the park.
Drive on the Silver Lake ORV Area (Off-Road Vehicle)
You can rent a vehicle or bring your off-road vehicle to drive on the dunes at the Silver Lake ORV Area.
Silver Lake ORV Area is the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi.
The 450-acre sand dunes have been available to the public to ride on for almost 40 years.
Weekends are very popular so you will want to plan ahead and look into the parking lot voucher system before you go.
The system was designed to help reduce long lines on the weekends and holidays.
If you don’t have an off-road vehicle, don’t even think about it! It’s seriously not worth getting stuck in the sand.
Off-Road Vehicle Rentals Near Silver Lake Sand Dunes
There are a few options for off-road rentals near Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Keep in mind that the security deposits are pretty high and plan accordingly.
Drag racing is prohibited in the ORV area but you can watch drag races nearby at Silverback Off-Road Speedway.
When is the ORV Area Open at Silver Lake Sand Dunes?
The ORV area at Silver Lake Sand Dunes is open from April 1 – Oct. 31. each year.
- April 1 – 30, 9 AM – 8 PM
- May 1 – Sept. 15, 9 AM – 10 PM
- Sept. 16 – Oct. 31, 9 AM – 8 PM
Access to the ORV area and dunes is stopped 30 minutes before the closing time each evening.
Watch the Drivers on the Sand Dunes at Silver Lake
You can still climb the dunes to watch the off-road vehicles driving around on the dunes if you don’t have one of your own.
You need to stay alert and observe away from the marked sections where they’re driving.
You’ll see an assortment of sand buggies and off-road vehicles riding around in all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Motor Vehicle Requirements for Silver Lake State Park
All motor vehicles entering the Silver Lake State Park must display:
- Recreation Passport
- Michigan ORV license and trail permit
- Parking lot vouchers: Required on summer weekends and holidays.
Go on a Dune Tour With Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
629 N 18th Ave, Mears, MI 49436
If you don’t want to stress over a rental vehicle, you can leave the dune driving to the pros with a 40-minute dune tour. Mac Wood’s dune rides travel 7 miles over the dunes from mid-May through October.
During the tour, you’ll see incredible views of Lake Michigan and learn about the ecology of sand dunes as you experience the thrill of riding up and down the sand dunes.
This is a great multi-gen adventure for all ages, from babies to senior citizens.
If you’re traveling with a guest with special needs, they provide a ramp to assist with loading into the vehicle for people with disabilities.
They require all babies, young children, and pregnant mothers to ride up toward the front of the vehicle. Mac Wood’s Dune Rides also provides front-pack carriers for babies if you need one.
Take a Float Trip from Stony Lake to Lake Michigan
This is a fun and relaxing adventure. Start your float trip at Stony Lake and connect to Stony River by passing under the Stony Lake Bridge, continuing until you reach Lake Michigan.
*The starting point area for the float trip at Stony Lake is toward the west end of the lake. There’s a parking lot at the intersection of Scenic Drive and W Stony Lake Lane.
Our group brought an assortment of pool floats, inflatable kayaks, and inflatable stand-up paddleboards for the float trip.
You can save time by bringing a portable air pump to inflate everything quicker. A floating waterproof cell phone case is also helpful to keep your phone close.
If you prefer to stay a little dryer/warmer during your float I would recommend a tube with a bottom, an iKayak, or iSUP.
It took us about an hour to complete the float trip. We had a few paddles that were very helpful because we were moving super slow on the water that day.
The float trip on the river ends at Benoa Township Park on Lake Michigan. (9202 W Garfield Rd, Shelby, MI)
It has a parking lot and you’ll want to transfer a vehicle there for pickup when you’re finished on the water.
Where can you rent tubes near Silver Lake?
If the water is cold, a tube with a bottom can be a lifesaver. Lake Michigan temperatures can be pretty chilly.
You can rent tubes for float trips at:
- Stony Haven Campground -8079 W Stony Lake Rd, New Era, MI
- Stony Lake Market – 4724 Scenic Dr, Shelby, MI
Eat at Silver Lake Chicken Shack
8301 W. Hazel Road, Silver Lake, MI
Silver Lake Chicken Shack is THE place for fantastic wings or chicken!
They use their Original Rub on their chicken from Billy Bones brand BBQ, which is rotisserie seasoned and cooked to perfection.
There are a variety of dipping sauces that you can try with your wings:
- Honey BBQ
- Billy Bones BBQ Mild and Hot
- Caribbean Jerk
- Ranch
- Sweet Habanero
- Blue Cheese
You can choose the number of wings or a 1/2 chicken dinner. They have additional options if you aren’t in the mood for chicken including pulled pork, chicken nuggets, and hot dogs.
Play for Hours at the Craig’s Cruisers Silver Lake Location
8343 W. Hazel Road, Silver Lake, MI
Craig’s Cruisers is a great place for full-throttle fun for all ages. Silver Lake Chicken Shack and Craig’s Cruisers are right next to each other so you can easily eat before or after you play.
How to Save Money at Craig’s Cruisers
If you want to try multiple attractions during your visit, the best value is the High Five Special.
The High Five Special includes your choice of 5 Attractions for $30:
Your choice of 5 Attractions for $30 Includes:
- Outdoor Go-Karts
- Double Go-Karts
- Pearly Whirly Coaster
- Bumper Boats
- Double Bumper Boats
- Mini-Golf
- Swan Boat (2 Seats)
- Dune Drop Tower
Sweet Treat at the Silver Lake Whippy Dip
591 N 18th Ave, Mears, MI
After a fun day at Silver Lake, treat yourself to Silver Lake Whippy Dip.
You’ll find plenty of ice cream options including soft serve, hard serve, flurries, sundaes, and more.
Their “World Famous Turtle Sundae” is made with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, hot caramel, and pecans.
Adventures North of Silver Lake
While in the area you’ll want to check out Ludington, Michigan.
Visit Ludington State Park
8800 M-116, Ludington, MI
Ludington State Park is only about 45 minutes north of Silver Lake. If you have the time, I HIGHLY recommend planning a visit while you are in the area.
Ludington State Park has 5,300 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, marshes, beaches, and a lighthouse.
The state park is between 5.5 miles of shoreline at Lake Michigan and 5,000 acres on Hamlin Lake.
The park also includes a 1-mile section of the Big Sable River. This is another fun spot to take a tubing trip to Lake Michigan.
Looking for More Things to Do in Ludington, Michigan?
- The Best Things to Do in Ludington, MI on a Kid-Free Getaway
- The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Ludington, Michigan
Adventures South of Silver Lake, Michigan
Muskegon, Michigan is about 45 minutes south of Silver Lake.
Try the Luge at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI
If you are looking for a unique experience, try the luge in the summer on the wheel track at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
In addition to the summer luge track, there is archery, a dual zipline, outdoor games, hiking trails, and more.
Plan a Day at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park
4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI
Experience two parks in one!
Admission to Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park includes rides on the amusement park side and the waterpark at Wildwater Adventure Park.
You can find the lowest package prices for discounted tickets for admission to Michigan’s Adventure here.
This is a fun place to spend the day for families of all ages who enjoy a variety of thrill levels.
Watch the Sunset on Lake Michigan
No sunset on Lake Michigan is the same. Make sure you take time to appreciate the unique beauty of the sky over the water.
The more Lake Michigan sunsets you can watch during your visit, the better!
Where to Stay Near Silver Lake Michigan
If you want to stay at a cottage or a campground on Lake Michigan, you must plan for your desired date in advance.
Compare Hotels and Vacation Rentals Near Silver Lake Sand Dunes
You can click the map above to compare prices and check availability for both hotels and vacation rentals with Stay22.
Silver Lake State Park Campground is another option but you’ll want to make a reservation in advance.
Thank you Marcia! Did you visit Ludington while you were in the area as well?
I don’t know how you found this treasure, but it’s a wonderful place. I grew up near Grand Rapids, Michigan and we camped at the State Park there every summer with several other families. We had 7 kiddos in our family and it was an inexpensive vacation that was packed with fun…so much to do without spending $! I took my kids there several times years later. My son (West Chester fireman), goes up there with 4 wheelers, etc. He loves it too!
Great post!