Hidden Beaches (cont.)

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-“Saugatuck Dunes State Park,” Saugatuck
My favorite not-so-hidden, yet barely-used Beach…
From South Haven if you’re headed North on Blue Star Highway (A-2), you’ll be tempted to visit the beautiful beaches in Saugatuck, but I tempt you to resist your urges and continue past downtown Saugatuck. Turn left on 64th street, another left on 138th avenue and soon enough you will see State Park Drive on your left, which will lead you to several hilly, windy trails which promise to take you to the beach (…eventually!). The greatest thing about this beach is that it is almost always near vacant- and it is absolutely stunning. The trails deter most flocks of people, but for those up for the adventure, the trials are the best part. Sand dunes covered with old-growth hardwoods lead you up and down and up again to spectacular views of Lake Michigan. If hills aren’t your thing, there is also a wide flat trail that is easy to hike (about half a mile to the beach) from the parking lot directly to the beach.
Other Details: No camping, No lifeguards, Free parking, Outhouses available in parking lot only

-“Weko Beach,” Bridgeman
The perfect place to play and stay
With 900 feet of spectacular Lake Michigan Beach, Weko Beach and Campground is the ideal family destination. The wide and spacious beach is perfect for a long walk or jog as well as hours of fun playing in the sand and water. Tucked on the other side of the dune is the campground. Campers can enjoy one of the twenty-two primitive sites or reserve one of the four log cabins. Amenities include hot showers, clean bathrooms, a dump station, and outdoor grills. From the campground, explorers can enjoy a winding hiking trail through the woods. Connecting the beach and campground is a boardwalk that crosses over a small stream and climbs up to several overlooks with sweeping views of the coast. Grab lunch or a snack at the lovely beach house café. Or pack your own picnic to enjoy at the many picnic tables and outdoor grills. When the kids need a break from tumbling in the waves, walk over to the playground or take a nice stroll into downtown Bridgeman to enjoy the local farmer’s market or Sherman’s ice cream. Coupled with a tour of nearby vineyards or a trip to Warren Dunes, Weko Beach is a great place to bring your family for the day or weekend. From I-94, take Exit 16. Travel north 1 mile on Red Arrow Highway, then left at the first light, Lake Street. Lake Street dead-ends into Weko Beach.
Other Details: $5 daily beach pass fee and other camping fees apply, leashed pets in campground only, “Toast the Coast” at the 1st annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival at Weko Beach on June 24, 2006.

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