Two-Day Fall Getaway at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
When we think of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, we often think of summer days full of sun and sand. As the summer season winds down, the days grow shorter and the weather cools, but there is still plenty to see and do during fall at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Let our two-day fall getaway be your guide for planning the perfect escape for two, or invite a couple friends along for the adventure.
Before you head to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, plan your stay. Silver Lake has accommodations for every style of getaway, but booking early is the best way to secure your perfect stay. Whether you dream of waking up to breathtaking views of Silver Lake and stunning sunsets or prefer a peaceful retreat in the countryside, you’ll find the right home base for your adventure.
Download Your Fall Color Routes Map
Download the fall color routes map (PDF)
Day One: Fall Color Tour and Local Tastings
Your first day is full of exploration as you wind through roads dressed in fall color throughout Oceana and Mason Counties, following a trail of popular beer and wine stops, plus local orchards featuring fall harvest favorites.
Along this trail you’ll find vineyards and orchards that thrive in the unique coastal climate, plus 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.
Enhance your fall getaway with a Fall Sip Tour from Dunes Waterfront Resort or Silver Sands Resort. This experience takes guests on a relaxing journey to three wineries in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area, so you can enjoy local wines, beautiful fall colors, and scenic countryside views without worrying about transportation. The tour bus handles the driving, so you can sit back, sip, and savor. Guests who book the Sip Tour can receive up to 50% off their stay. Call either hotel to book your tour or weekend stay.
Breweries and Wineries
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 lovers and craft beer fans to keep coming back for more.
Annabelle Acres Vineyard & Winery. New in Hart this year, this family-owned vineyard offers hand-crafted wines and stunning views. Relax on the patio, where a ridge-to-ridge view unfolds over a serene pond and lush vineyard. Annabelle Acres specializes in cold-climate grape wines made in small batches with care, from hand-crushing and fermenting to aging on-site.
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.
The Fox Barn Marketplace & Winery. Just 1.5 miles from the sand dune area, The Fox Barn produces quality wines and ciders made from fruit grown in their own orchards. Enjoy their unique setting inside a restored antique barn where you can sample wines and ‘Barn Bites’ on the outdoor patio.
Markets and Food Stops
Up North Market. A great spot for lunch, this market offers homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads, along with beer, wine, local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, Michigan-made gifts, and much more.
Birch & Blossom. When in Hart, stop by Birch & Blossom to pick up a fall floral arrangement for someone special. They also host 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 features pantry products made in Michigan, including award-winning maple syrup, raw honey, jams, salsa, and toppings.
Woodland Farm Market. Open 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, award-winning pies, and famous apple fritters made from scratch.
Pentwater Dining
The Brown Bear. Located on the main strip in Pentwater, The Brown Bear is a friendly sports bar that serves 11 different burgers, pub fare, and Michigan beers on tap. If you dare, try the one-pound Bear Burger.
The Antler Bar. Another Pentwater favorite, The Antler Bar welcomes you to enjoy a second-floor outdoor deck that overlooks the Pentwater Village Green. You’ll feel right at home while you snack on nachos, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more.
Ludington Stops
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, along with artisan wine and fine spirits from around Michigan. Enjoy live music and special events each week.
The Mitten Bar. With 12 Michigan legendary beers and spirits on tap, The Mitten Bar celebrates our community and the great state of Michigan. Live music and special weekly events make 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: Sand Dunes, Lighthouses, and Nature Trails
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’re sure to have a purely Silver Lake fall adventure.
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Adventures on the Sand
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 safe and memorable. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV area is open until October 31, and the rental businesses below are here to serve you during the fall season.
Silverback Off-Road ORV Rental. Hourly rental of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), and Jeeps. Open through October 31.
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. Open through September 20.
Not ready to take on the dunes for a solo ride? MacWood Dune Ride (open through September 30) 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 the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
Historic Lighthouse Views
The coastline of our region boasts several iconic lighthouses. Choose one or see them all.
The Little Sable Point Lighthouse at Silver Lake State Park was built in 1874. Burrowed in the sand, it stands over 100 feet tall and welcomes you to climb all the way to the top. Fall season: September 10 to September 27, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
White River Light Station (open until October 25). In 1870, a channel was dug between Lake Michigan and White Lake to allow lake access for lumber schooners. This beautiful brick light station, built to 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.
Hiking and Biking Trails
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’ll find parks and trails that lead 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.
Ridges Hiking & Ski Tours. Hiking at Ridges offers private, guided hikes through vibrant fall colors and wildlife sightings. Tours are customized to your group’s pace, from peaceful nature walks to more challenging hikes with elevation changes. Each 2 to 3 hour experience includes access to ridges, valleys, meadows, streams, and ponds in a quiet, crowd-free setting perfect for photos, reflection, or simply unplugging from everyday life.
Pentwater Pathways. Explore this 15-mile trail network with varied loop difficulty and mostly slow-rolling hills offering a fall color view from beneath the trees.
Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail. An accessible, paved, 22.5-mile trail covering 225 acres that passes through rural, forested lands, featuring scenic overlooks and picnic areas along the route.
Gale’s Pond County Park. Located 5 miles southeast of Hart. If you have 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 sits near the base of the sand dunes in Mears. It’s 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’ll find Crystal Valley to be a colorful walk through the woods during the fall season. These well-maintained trails are also a popular destination for cross-country skiing in the winter months.
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 is a perfect place for learning about and interacting with the natural beauty of our region.
Perfect Fall Sunset Views
After a full day of exploration, great flavors, and shoreline fun, the best way to wind down is to make your way to the lakeshore to watch the sun dip below the horizon right on the water. Nature’s spectacular light show is the perfect end to a memorable Silver Lake Sand Dunes day.
Plan Your Silver Lake Fall Visit
The time is now to start planning your visit to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Hart area for a coastal fall color tour. Whether you come for two days or stay a bit longer, you’ll find our region full of ways to enjoy Michigan’s colorful fall season. Browse things to do, check the events calendar, or contact the Visitor Bureau for help planning your trip.
