Warren Dunes State Park

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Warren Dunes State Park
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Location:	Michigan, USA
Nearest city:	Sawyer, Michigan
Coordinates:	41°54′45″N, 86°35′16″W
Area:	1,952 acres (7.9 km²)
Governing body:	Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The one-mile trail from the campground to the beach crosses some of the park's moderate dunes.

Warren Dunes State Park is a 1,952 acre (7.9 km²) state park, located along the shore of Lake Michigan in Berrien County, Michigan, USA. The park's sand beaches make it one of the most popular of Michigan’s state parks with an average one million visitors annually.

Large sand dunes are found throughout the park. Some of the park's dunes include Mt. Fuller, Pikes Peak, and Mt. Edwards, while the best known is Tower Hill, the highest point in the park, standing 240 feet (73 meters) above the lake. Located beside the beach parking lot, this dune is the most visible to visitors, many of whom delight in scrambling up its slopes and rushing back down again.

The area was preserved by a local businessman, Edward K. Warren, who purchased the area, with the sole intention of preserving the fragile environment. By 1930, the area was designated as a state park. [1]

[edit] Facilities and activities

Hiking (Six miles of trails)
Cross-country skiing
Swimming
- Beach House
Designated Watchable Wildlife Site
Playground
Picnicking
- Picnic Area
- Picnic Shelter
Camping
Concession/Store
Metal Detecting - Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statutes. Use a map that shows clearly where this activity may take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.
Hunting - Most of the park north of the beach area is open to hunting part of the year.
Skygazing--The clear skies allow viewing many more stars than in more populated areas.
Clay painting: Walking about a mile up the creek which empties into the lake just south of the beach leads to large beds of light gray clay, through which the creek flows. Mixed with the creek water, this makes great body/face paint which can be worn home, but is much more commonly washed off by another swim in the lake.
Creativity: This park is big and often not crowded, so a great testing ground for beach activities and equipment. For example, it was the inspiration and development site for the Beach Buggy, a self-contained mini-kitchen which could be wheeled to a family's water-side picnic site.