North Ottawa Dunes
On December 15, 2005, Ottawa County acquired the 500 acre North Ottawa Dunes property. Just off the Lake Michigan shoreline, between the Grand River and the southern boundary of P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, this tract is one of the largest wooded dune assemblages remaining in the central West Michigan area. The property is uniquely situated between state, county and city parks and is adjacent to township-owned undeveloped land. This acquisition links P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Ottawa County’s North Beach Park, Ferrysburg’s Coast Guard Park and undeveloped land owned by Spring Lake Township.
The property features tremendous topography with an elevation change of 185 feet in the parabolic dune formations. Eight distinct dunes in the rugged landscape exceed 750 feet in height. The property varies in width from 900 feet to 4,200 feet and has a north to south reach of approximately 10,200 feet (1.93 miles.)
Today, this park offers 513 acres of wooded dunes located just off the Lake Michigan shoreline. Ten miles of hiking link North Ottawa Dunes to North Beach Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Some trails are designated for cross-country skiing.
Park Map - This printable map shows facilities, parking areas, features and trails (if any).
Facilities
- Access, trail head and parking at Coast Guard Park
- Picnic tables
- Modern restrooms during warm months
- Hiking and ungroomed cross country ski trails
Park Hours
North Ottawa Dunes is open year-round at the following times.
April 1 through October 31 - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
November 1 through March 31 - 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fees
There are no entry fees.
Directions
North Ottawa Dunes is located in Spring Lake Township and the City of Ferrysburg. From US 31, take the Ferrysburg exit and go west on 3rd Street to North Shore Drive. Turn west on North Shore Drive and travel about 1 mile to the City of Ferrysburg’s Coast Guard Park. Enter Coast Guard Park and look for the North Ottawa Dunes trail head.
