Starting Friday, Dec. 15, fat-tire biking at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County is back, with cyclists invited to climb snow-capped dunes and cruise the sandy Lake Michigan shoreline all winter long. It’s a heart-pumping adventure, thanks to the low-impact cardio and the awe-inspiring views.
The park is home to 450 acres of motorized dune riding. Each summer, thousands of motorcycles, quads, four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles descend on these sugar-sand dunes, the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River. Come winter, the recreation options switch to shoreline horseback riding (Nov. 1-30) and then to fat-tire biking (Dec. 15-March 15).
The shoreline and dune opportunities are part of the DNR’s ongoing efforts to expand off-season outdoor recreation in the Silver Lake ORV Area.
“Fat-tire biking at Silver Lake draws cyclists of varying ages and experience levels,” said Jody Johnston, Silver Lake State Park manager. “It’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor activity that capitalizes on the area’s natural features and beauty, and we’re excited to bring it back for a second season.”
During the fat-tire biking season, cyclists on the sand dunes enjoy rolling through elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. There is no cost or registration.
For season information, including rules, maps, tips and other details, visit Michigan.gov/SilverLake. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks. A Recreation Passport self-pay station is available at the lot entrance.
For general questions about the park and season, call the park’s main office at 231-873-3083. For media inquiries, email park manager Jody Johnston at JohnstonJ3@Michigan.gov.
