This Summer’s Epic Silver Lake Bucket List
Summer days are here again, and there aren’t many places we’d rather be than Silver Lake!
Sun, beach, sand (lots of sand) … What more could you ask for!
Take a moment to peruse our top picks for summer activities you won’t want to miss this year!
1. Camp near the dunes
Michigan summers were made for camping, and nowhere is this truer than in the Silver Lake area. Besides being a cost-effective way to spend your vacation, it’s also the perfect time to bond with your family and appreciate the beauty of nature.
With a range of camping experiences available — from rustic tent sites to modern RV resorts — you’ll be sure to find a campground that fits your needs.
2. Swim in Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is clean, breathtaking, salt-free, not full of sharks, and has the perfect amount of waves.
Is it the ideal body of water? Probably.
Should you go swimming in it? Definitely!
Our area coastline features several public beaches that are great for swimming or just stretching out on a warm beach towel in the sun.
3. Explore Little Sable Point Lighthouse
Add some history to your trip, and make Silver Lake State Park part of your beach list. This stretch of sand features a great place to play in the sand and enjoy the waves — plus Little Sable Point Lighthouse, a historic area landmark.
Tours of the lighthouse allow you to climb to the top of the tower and see out along the coastline for miles. You can tour Little Sable Point Lighthouse:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
(May 28th – September 19th, 2021)
4. Hit the waves on Silver Lake
Take a break from Lake Michigan to spend some time on Silver Lake! Here, you’ll find Wave Club Watersports — your one-stop-shop for all things water sports.
At Wave Club, you can rent:
- Hydrobikes
- Sailboats
- Standup Paddle Boards
- Pontoon Boats
- Wave Runners
- Ski Boats
- Sandboards
5. Take a thrilling dune ride
There’s nothing quite like riding the Silver Lake Sand Dunes — especially for the first time. That feeling of cresting a dune and seeing the spectacular horizon of Lake Michigan before you is like nothing else.
Whether you’re a seasoned dune-rider or a newbie, there are plenty of ways to experience the dunes:
- Bring your dune-ready ORV from home
- Rent an ORV right here in Silver Lake
- Take a toured ride on Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
Head to our dunes page to learn more about the dunes, ORV rentals, and tours.
6. Play a round of golf on a scenic Silver Lake course
Golf enthusiasts rejoice! The Silver Lake area features several local golf courses for a perfect day out on the green.
Get a group together, set your tee time, and head out for a relaxing golfing experience with wonderful views. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking for advanced play, golfing in Silver Lake is an excellent way to improve your game, reduce stress, and enjoy nature.
7. Spend a day at a local farm or family adventure park
Once you’ve hit the dunes and beaches more times than you can count, these local farms and adventure parks make perfect day trips for kids of all ages:
Lewis Adventure Farms: Kids’ games, rides, and activities, plus a petting zoo and market store
Country Dairy: Farm tours, a market & café, play area for the kids, and udderly-delicious ice cream
Craig’s Cruisers: Kiddie Karts, Bumper Boats, Go-Karts, mini golf, an arcade, and more
Book the Perfect Silver Lake Vacation
If you’re like us, your summer calendar is filling up fast. Don’t let it all go by without reserving your trip to Silver Lake!
Silver Lake lodging comes in all shapes and sizes — from tent sites and RV hookups, to cabins and resorts. When choosing where to eat, select from a range of family-friendly and casual dining spots, pubs, wineries, ice cream shops, and more!
This year, make your summer unforgettable with a trip to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes!