Kick Off the 2026 Silver Lake Sand Dunes Season

• Think Dunes - Silver Lake Sand Dunes
• 5 months ago
• Categories: General News, From Atop the Dunes

The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are the perfect destination for dune and ATV enthusiasts. With three designated areas, the Pedestrian Area, ORV Area, and the area leased by Mac Woods Dune Rides, there’s something for everyone.

Plan Your Silver Lake Sand Dune Trip, Today!

Start planning your escape to Silver Lake now! Enjoy sun and sand on the dunes, relax on the beach, or take part in some of the many recreational activities available. Book your stay and find out what makes this destination so special.

• Dunes Express Inn & Suites Open year round
• The Last Resort – Open year round
• Sierra Sands Family Lodge– Opens April 4 weekends and daily May-October
• Dunes Waterfront Resort– Opens May 1st
• Silver Sands Resort + Hotel  – Open year round
• American Host Inn-Open Year round

2026 Season Opening Information

Get ready to experience the thrill of the dunes! Silver Lake State Park opens for ORV use on April 1st, so start planning your adventure now. Early season is the perfect time to explore and take in all that Silver Lake has to offer. For a guided tour, don’t forget about Mac Wood’s Dune Ride – their first day starts on May 15th.

Silver Lake State Park ORV Hours

Silver Lake State Park ORV area is open April 1 – Oct. 31 each year.

• April 1 – April 30 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• May 1 – Sept. 15 (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Sept. 16 – Oct. 31 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Please note: Access to the ORV area and dunes is stopped ½ hour before closing each evening.

To be “Dune Ready” this 2026 season, follow this checklist:

• You are either one of the following:
  • 16 or older with a valid driver’s license.
  • 12 or older with an ORV Safety Training Certificate obtained through the Michigan DNR (these individuals may only operate ATVs and motorcycles and must be under parental supervision). Please note, children under 12 years old may not operate an ORV/ATV in Silver Lake State Park. Children under 12 may be passengers in ORV’s. Only one person is allowed to ride on an ATV-Quad wheel vehicle or dirt bike.
• You have an ORV Permit.
• You have an ORV Trails Permit.
• You have a Recreation Passport.
• If you have an off-road vehicle, it is 4-wheel drive.
• Your vehicle tires are filled to a maximum of 15 PSI.
• You have an international orange safety flag on your vehicle.
• If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, your safety flag is mounted to the front bumper of your vehicle, 10 feet off the ground.
• If you have an ATV or motorcycle, your safety flag is mounted to the rear of the vehicle, 10 feet off the ground.
• Your vehicle meets the sound level rules and testing requirements.
• Your vehicle has seat belts (occupants must be belted at all times).
• If your vehicle does not have a metal roof or a roll bar, occupants are wearing American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certified helmets or the equivalent at all times.
• If your vehicle does not have a windshield, occupants are wearing eye protection at all times.
• View all rules and requirements the Silver Lake State Park DNR lists directly on their website.

ORV Rentals

• Silverback Offroad ORV Rental – Opens April 1
• Silver Lake Buggy Rentals – Opens May 22
• Silver Lake Adventure – Opens May 20

Whether you arrive already prepared or not, DuneLand Off-Road Center has everything you need to make the most out of your trip. You can easily find them just off of the dunes, ready and waiting with dune flags, riding gear, parts, and more.

 

Something To Do All Summer Long

The busy season at Silver Lake & Hart Area starts on June 1st and continues until September 15th. Don’t miss out on the fun – there are plenty of exciting events happening throughout the summer! Check out our 2026 Calendar of Events!

• April 4th: Community Easter Egg Hunt
• May 28 – May 31: Silver Lake Sand Dunes Jeep Invasion
• June 12 – 14:  National Asparagus Festival 
• July 4: Thunder Over the Dunes Fireworks
• August 7 – 8: Bronco Takeover
• August 25 – 29: Oceana County Fair
• September 8 – 9: Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival

 

Food & Shopping

• Silver Lake Whippy Dip (opening May 2nd)
• Golden Sands Golf Course & Bucket Bar  (Opening April 3rd)
• Pleasant Valley Winery
• Fox Barn Winery
• Hart Pizza
• Annabelle Acres Vineyard & Winery
• Birch & Blossom (gift & flower shop in Downtown Hart offering a variety of DIY workshops and activities)
• Oceana Soap Company
• Michigan Basecamp
• Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill-Opens April 3 and open on weekends Thursday-Saturday
• Silver Scoops-Opens April 5 and open on weekends

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Opening Day kicks off April 1st, 2026! Be among the first to hit the dunes and jumpstart your riding season with an unforgettable opening weekend. Book your stay early and make it a weekend escape, more time to ride, relax, and soak in everything Silver Lake has to offer.

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