Two-Day Fall Getaway to Silver Lake
When we think of Silver Lake, we often think of summer days full of sun and sand. As we reach the end of the summer season, the days grow shorter and the weather a bit cooler, but there is still plenty of great things to see and do during the fall season at Silver Lake. Let our 2-day fall getaway be your guide for planning the perfect escape for two, or even invite a couple friends to come along on your adventure.
Before you head to Silver Lake, you will want to plan your stay. Silver Lake has accommodations of every sort, but it is always best to plan ahead and reserve your perfect spot.
Day One
Your first day is full of exploration as you wind through roads dressed in fall color throughout Oceana & Mason Counties following a trail of popular beer and wine stops, as well as local orchards featuring fall harvest favorites.
Following this trail of great spots, you’ll find multiple vineyards and orchards that thrive from the unique climate of the coastal region, and creative brews made locally by brew masters dedicated to their craft. Choose a few, or stop by all, to enjoy a true taste of the region with hand-crafted beverages, fall harvest produce, and fine local fare.
Big Hart Brewery – Located in Hart, Big Hart Brewery offers an eclectic mix of craft brews and wines for every thirsty traveler. Their selection is sure to inspire Michigan wine connoisseurs and craft beer fans to keep coming back for more.
Pleasant Valley Farm & Vineyard Family-owned for over 50 years, this farm and vineyard offers Michigan-made wine tastings, vineyard tours, and foods such as fudge and maple syrup. Their authentic regional flavors will keep you coming back for more.
Up North Market A great spot for lunch, this market offers homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads. Beer, wine, local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, Michigan-made gifts, and so much more!
Birch & Blossom When in Hart, stop by Birch & Blossom and pick up a beautiful fall floral arrangement for someone special. They also have a variety of workshops and activities throughout the season.
Rennhack Orchard Market – This orchard and market grows and hand-harvests flavorful fruits and vegetables and feature pantry products made in Michigan, including award-winning maple syrup, raw honey, jams, salsa, toppings, and more.
The Fox Barn Marketplace & Winery – Just 1.5 miles from the sand dune area, The Fox Barn produces quality wines and ciders made from the fruits of their own orchards. Enjoy their unique setting within a restored antique barn where you can enjoy wines and ‘Barn Bites’ on the outdoor patio.
Woodland Farm Market – May through December, Woodland Farm Market is a “must stop” on your way to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Come in and experience the aroma of homemade goodness and our award-winning pies and famous apple fritters, made from scratch.
The Brown Bear Located on the main strip in Pentwater, The Brown Bear is a friendly sports bar that serves a variety of 11 burgers, pub fare, and Michigan beers on tap. If you dare, try the one- pound Bear Burger!
The Antler Bar – Another Pentwater local favorite, The Antler Bar welcomes you to enjoy their second-floor outdoor deck that overlooks the Pentwater village Green. You will feel right at home while you snack on a big plate of nachos, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more.
Ludington Bay – A little further north are several stops, starting with Ludington Bay. Share a memorable dining experience over a well-poured pint. The taproom has 24 beers on tap, brewed right in Ludington, add great food and live music, and you have a fantastic blend of amenities to make your stop at Ludington Bay unforgettable.
Jamesport Brewing Co. – Located in Downtown Ludington, Jamesport Brewing Co. offers a destination and culture that celebrates craft beer, as well as artisan wine and fine spirits from all around Michigan. Also enjoy live music and special events each week.
The Mitten Bar – With 12 Michigan’s legendary beers and spirits on tap, The Mitten Bar celebrates our community and the great state of Michigan. Live music and special, weekly events are what makes the Mitten a not to miss Ludington destination.
Love Wine – Ludington is home to an urban, custom crush winery, producing award-winning Michigan wines on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Visit the tasting room and winery to learn about the winemaking process from harvest to fermenting and hand-crafted bottling.
Day Two
Today is all about experiencing the rich fall color from a different perspective, from the sand, the trails or high above the water. No matter which viewpoint you choose, you are sure to experience a purely Silver Lake fall adventure.
For the first timer, or even those with a bit of dune experience, Silver Lake is home to experienced dune rental outfitters that will make your day on the sand both a safe and memorable experience. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is open until October 31st and the rental businesses listed below, are here to serve you during the fall season:
Silverback Off-Road ORV Rental Hourly rental of ATVs, UTVs, and Jeeps (Open through Oct. 31st)
Silver Lake Buggy Rentals Offering both off-road rentals and guided tours
Silver Lake Adventures Rent Polaris off-road and street legal UTVs, e-bikes, and sandboards
Not ready to take on the dunes for a solo ride? MacWood Dune Ride (open through September 30th) is one of Silver Lake’s most popular attractions, delivering a fun-filled dune ride over our beautiful sand dunes. You won’t soon forget breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of the dune area.
View from Atop a Lighthouse The coastline of our region boasts numerous iconic lighthouses. Choose one or go see them all.
The Little Sable Point Lighthouse celebrates its 150th year at Silver Lake State Park. Built in 1874, burrowed in the sand, it stands over 100 feet tall and welcomes you to climb all the way to the top (through Sept. 8th). You won’t want to miss this icon light.
White River Light Station (Open until October 27) In 1870, a channel was dug between Lake Michigan and White Lake to allow lake access for lumber schooners. This beautiful brick light station that was built serve mariners and travelers to the area, opened as a museum in 1970. You can climb to the top of the tower or wander the museum and grounds.
Silver Lake is home to 30+ miles of regional trail network and county parks for reconnecting with nature on hiking and biking trails. Just a short drive from the dunes, you will find our parks and trails that lead you to sandy Lake Michigan beaches, inland lakes and rivers, a 22-mile paved rail trail, a mountain bike trail, wetlands for bird watching, and handicap-accessible nature preserves.
No worries if you didn’t bring along bikes, Oceana Bike & Boat has you covered. Located in Hart, they can outfit you with a bike to explore the trails, or paddle sport rentals to experience our waterways. You can pick up the Hart-Montague Trail just a short distance from the shop.
Pentwater Pathways Explore this 15-mile trail network with varied loop difficulty with mostly slow-rolling hills offering a fall color view from beneath the trees.
Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail is an accessible, paved, 22.5-mile trail covering 225 acres that passes through rural, forested lands, featuring scenic overlooks and picnic areas located along the route.
Gale’s Pond County Park is located 5 miles southeast of Hart. If you have just an hour or so, this is a great spot to enjoy the sight of sandhill cranes, ducks, and other wildlife on well-marked nature trails.
Ruckel’s Bridge This 2.3-mile looped trail is found near the base of the sand dunes in Mears. It is a perfect spot for hiking, biking, and birding. The northern end of the loop provides a spectacular view of the dunes.
Crystal Valley Pathway-Trails This 9.6-mile trail system offers 4 looped trails to choose from at varying challenge levels. You will find Crystal Valley to be a colorful walk through the woods during the fall season. These well-maintained trails are also a popular destination in the winter months for XC skiing.
Otto Nature Preserve Located in Shelby, this 80-acre preserve provides access to a serene, forested area equipped with natural trails for hiking, birding, snowshoeing, owl prowls, and forestry education. This location provides a perfect location for learning about and interacting with the natural beauty of our region.
The time is now to start planning your visit to the Silver Lake & Hart area for a costal fall color tour experience. Whether you come for two days, or have time to stay a bit longer, you will find our region full of ways to enjoy Michigan’s colorful fall season.
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