Fat Biking the Dunes

Beginning on December 15 the MDNR welcomes fat bikers for a dune takeover that will extend to March 15. This designated dune season provides fat bikers an opportunity for winter and spring riding that is truly unique to our region.

The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are the premier destination for ORV dune adventure from April 1^st through October 31st, attracting more than 1 million visitors per year. Previously, bikes were not allowed in the park. With the creation of this new season, and a season for horseback riding during the month of November, the  Silver Lake State Park and the MDNR have created expanded opportunities for users to enjoy the natural phenomenon of the dunes in all seasons of the year.

Recently, MI Playground came to take part in the Dune Fat Bike season. Read their blog and watch their video at the link below:

https://www.enjoymiplayground.com/blogs/news/fat-biking-on-silver-lake-sand-dunes 

Fat Biking Season Details:

• The ENTIRE dunes ARE NOT open for cycling activities, only the regularly designated 450-acre ORV scramble area is approved for these activities.
• The pedestrian portion and the portion Mac Woods uses is closed to bike use.
• Use of the state park pedestrian area parking lot for the bicycle riders to stage and enter the dunes using the down ramp of the ORV area.
• A valid Recreation Passport is required on the motor vehicle if using the parking lot.
• Vault toilets will be available for use.

Shoreline Cycling Club and Michigan’s Edge Mountain Biking Association have worked for the past several years in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to create this season that has quickly become a winter destination for fat biking.

Extend Your Stay

There are so many trails to explore that we are sure you’ll want to extend your stay. During the winter season we have numerous options for a cozy and relaxing getaway:

•  Dunes Express Inn and Suites
•  The Last Resort
• American Host Inn

These properties offer accommodations year round providing a perfect 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.

Restaurants Open in Winter Season:

• Hart Pizza 
• BC Pizza of Hart
• Big Hart Brewing Company
• La Fiesta
• La Probadita 
• Open Hearth
• Silver Pointe General Store
• Country Dairy
• Lakeside Bagel & Smoothie Bar 

Close by Provisions:

Duneland Off Road Center, right outside the entrance to the ORV area 1951 N 24th Ave, Mears (231)873-4047  Located next to the ORV parking area, Duneland offers tire maintenance, goggles, gloves, clothing, bottled water, ice, soft drinks, and snacks.

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.

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