Prepare for the sweeping Silver Lake sand dunes
The celebrated sand dunes of Silver Lake lie on the eastern edge of Lake Michigan, tucked away between the shoreline and the shimmering waters of Silver Lake itself. These towering sandy swathes are almost 3 miles long and over a mile wide, attracting more than a million visitors in the summer season alone. They aren't the only attraction though. While staying in a Silver Lake vacation rental, you can take gentle walks along the edge of Lake Michigan, take to the water on paddle boards, cast your line in for a leisurely afternoon of fishing or explore one of the many nearby state parks.
Historic centers, wineries and petting farms
If outdoor activities aren't your thing, there is plenty to do for culture vultures and foodies near the Silver Lake vacation rentals. The Fox Barn Market & Winery has seasonal produce like local honey and fruits, as well as year-round daily wine tastings. Alternatively, near to Silver Lake is the Hart Historic District which includes an old school house, a 19th-century church and log cabin. Kids will love Lewis Petting Farm where they can get up close to more than 70 animals, some of which are exotic, and take part in activities like the wagon ride.
Get your adrenaline fix on the dunes
Most visitors come to Silver Lake for the photo-worthy acres of sand dunes. Though not particularly great for hiking, the dunes serve as an adventure playground for adrenaline junkies who hurtle down them on sand boards and quad bikes. If you stay in one of the Silver Lake vacation rentals, consider booking one of the thrilling Mac Woods Dune Rides, as they've been taking visitors across the dunes for more than 80 years. Oceana County has more to offer though, with numerous state parks, sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, mountain biking trails and inland rivers.
Book early to avoid disappointment
The high season for Silver Lake vacation rentals is between April and October when the weather is hot and dry. If you plan to visit for summer, book well ahead to avoid disappointment. Outside these months, it's much quieter and the climate can be cool and wet, through there is still much to do on Lake Michigan. During winter, the temperature can plummet to well below freezing, but if you wrap up warm is can be a great time for exploring the snowy wonderland in the state parks, whether by cross country skiing or via snowmobile.
Silver Lake State Park’s natural gifts
With almost 2,000 acres of dunes and woodland open for exploration, the Silver Lake State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The complex cycle of erosion and deposition that occurs on the shores of Lake Michigan has created a breathtaking series of ridges and valleys, while the strong winds that blow in from the water have prevented the growth of shrubs or brush. As a result, the region is often compared to a desert. Off-road vehicles are allowed in certain sections of the park, injecting a jolt of adrenaline into your outdoor expedition.
Traveling to and around Silver Lake
The nearest airport is in Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker), located 43.6 mi (70.1 km) from the city center.
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