If your teenagers are always looking for their next adrenaline rush, point the car toward Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Nestled between Silver Lake and the shores of Lake Michigan, this one-of-a-kind destination offers nearly 2,000 acres of towering dunes, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Whether your family spends the day racing across the dunes in an off-road vehicle, carving down sandy hills on a sandboard, or hanging on during a thrilling guided dune ride, Silver Lake is the kind of place that turns a weekend getaway into stories your family will be telling for years.
Here are three adventures you won’t want to miss.
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Sand Surfing & Sand Sledding in Silver Lake
Imagine snowboarding—without the snow.
Sand surfing has become one of Silver Lake’s most popular activities for adventurous families, and it’s easy to see why. Climbers hike to the top of one of the massive dunes overlooking both Silver Lake and Lake Michigan before launching themselves downhill on specially designed sandboards.
The first few runs usually involve plenty of wipeouts, but once riders find their balance, it’s hard to stop going back for “just one more ride.”
Looking for something even easier?
Try sand sledding.
Waxed sand sleds require virtually no experience, making them a favorite for families with kids and teens of all ages. Before long, siblings—and parents—are racing each other down the dunes to see who can go the fastest or the farthest.
The hike back to the top is part of the adventure, so bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and plan to get a great workout.
Where to Rent Sandboards & Sand Sleds
- Offers sandboards, waxed sand sleds, and specialty sand wax.
- Staff members can recommend beginner-friendly hills and explain how to get the best glide.
- Rents sandboards and other outdoor recreation equipment.
- Convenient if your family also plans to spend time paddleboarding or kayaking on Silver Lake.
Travel Tip: Rent one sandboard and one sled if you’re visiting for the first time. Most families end up loving both experiences for completely different reasons.
Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
The Silver Lake State Park ORV Area is unlike anywhere else in Michigan. In fact, it’s the only place in the state where visitors can legally drive off-road vehicles on open sand dunes.
Picture climbing towering hills, cruising along ridgelines with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, and tackling miles of ever-changing sand terrain. It’s equal parts scenic drive, off-road adventure, and roller coaster.
Whether you’re behind the wheel of an ATV, UTV, Jeep, or four-wheel-drive vehicle, every trip onto the dunes feels different.
If you’re bringing your own vehicle, be sure to review the Michigan ORV regulations and required permits before arriving.
Where to Rent Off-Road Vehicles
- Offers a fleet of dune-ready side-by-sides (UTVs) built specifically for tackling the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
- Rentals include a safety orientation before you head into the ORV area, making it a great choice for first-time visitors and experienced riders alike.
- Conveniently located just minutes from the entrance to the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area.
- All rentals come with a 20-30 minute instructional tour of the dunes!
- Rental fee includes: Vehicle with required items to enter ORV park, Helmet, Gas, and Transportation to & from the dunes.
Travel Tip: Summer weekends book quickly. Reserve your rental several weeks in advance—especially if you’re visiting in July or August, when the most popular vehicles often sell out well before your trip.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
Not everyone wants to drive the dunes themselves—and that’s exactly why Mac Wood’s Dune Rides has been delighting families for generations.
Climb aboard one of the company’s custom-built vehicles and let experienced drivers do the work while you sit back (and hold on!).
The guided ride combines thrilling climbs, steep descents, and plenty of laughs with fascinating stories about the area’s history, geology, wildlife, and unique dune ecosystem. It’s an experience that’s just as entertaining as it is educational.
Because someone else is doing the driving, families can simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and snap incredible photos without worrying about navigating the shifting sand.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides are especially popular with multigenerational families, making them a great option if grandparents or younger siblings are traveling with you.
Travel Tip: Tickets often sell out during peak summer weekends, so purchasing them in advance is highly recommended.
Make It a Weekend
After your dune adventures, slow the pace by exploring everything else the Silver Lake area has to offer. Spend an afternoon swimming at Silver Lake State Park, climb the historic Little Sable Point Lighthouse, kayak or paddleboard on Silver Lake, or head into nearby Pentwater for locally owned shops, waterfront restaurants, and a well-earned scoop of ice cream.
Where to Stay in Silver Lake
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a week of dune adventures, Silver Lake offers accommodations for every style of traveler. Families looking for a full-service resort will love Dunes Waterfront Resort, where lakefront rooms, a private beach, an indoor pool, and easy access to the dunes make it an ideal home base. If you prefer a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, Sierra Sands Family Lodge offers comfortable accommodations, a seasonal pool, outdoor fire pits, and a welcoming family-friendly vibe just minutes from Silver Lake State Park. Vacation rentals, cottages, campgrounds, and RV parks are also plentiful throughout the area, making it easy to find the perfect place to unwind after a day of off-road adventures, sand surfing, and unforgettable sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Why Teens Love Silver Lake
Some vacations are relaxing. Others are chock full of adventure.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is both.
Instead of another day staring at screens, teens are climbing giant dunes, conquering new challenges, driving across one of Michigan’s most unique landscapes, and laughing with their families along the way.
Whether they’re racing across the ORV area, mastering a sandboard, or hanging on during a Mac Wood’s Dune Ride, Silver Lake delivers the kind of adventure that’s increasingly hard to find—and exactly the kind of family experience they’ll remember long after summer ends.
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