Printer Friendly VersionEmail A FriendAdd ThisIncrease Text SizeDecrease Text Size

Downhill at the Dunes

Warren Dunes State Park
Fall/Winter 2009
It’s all about finding the perfect hill — snowfall is a must, of course, and elevation only increases the excitement. The right spot is key, too, and finding a partner to give you that starting shove is essential. Anyone who grew up in a place where “cold front” was a fact of life knows that sledding is so much more than a pastime — it’s an art.

For a sled-riding excursion that your children will never forget, pack up the toboggan and head to the snow-covered sand dunes at Warren Dunes State Park.

Located in Harbor Country, Michigan, between Lake Michigan and several inland lakes, the park is one of Michigan’s largest, comprising nearly 2,000 acres. Natural phenomena that formed 10,000 years ago, the dunes draw thousands of visitors to the sandy shores each summer, but there’s even more fun to be had once the sunshine-filled beach becomes a winter wonderland.

The highest dune, fittingly named Tower Hill, stands almost 240 feet above the lake. The view from atop this mammoth mound is spectacular, and on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline. It’s the ride down, however, that’s exhilarating.

Snow sport enthusiasts who prefer a more serene outing will appreciate the park’s six miles of trails, perfect for cross-country skiing, and the rest of the dunes provide a beautiful backdrop for a snow sculpture or two.