Skip to main content

Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area

Recognition: Legally Dedicated Natural Area

Size: 291 acres

Location: Approximately 7 miles southwest of Holland

Management: Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Activities: Hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, nature study, photography, wildflower viewing

Importance: This area encompasses a complex of Lake Michigan shoreline (approximately 1 mile), open dunes, large blowouts, interdunal wetlands, and wooded dunes. Pitcher's thistle, listed as threatened by the state and federal governments, occurs within this area. In addition, migrating birds use the red oak dominated forested dunes in the spring and fall.