Warren Dunes State Park Park

Address: 12032 North Carlsbad Road, Sawyer, MI 49125, United States

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/parks-and-trails/warren-dunes-state-park

Hours: Park open daily sunrise-sunset; facilities seasonal

Admission: Vehicle day-pass required (Michigan state parks require Recreation Passport or day pass; check Michigan DNR for current fees)

Warren Dunes State Park is a Michigan state park on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan known for its large sand dunes and lakeshore recreation.

Preserved and managed as a state recreational area, the park has been developed to protect dune habitat while providing public access to Lake Michigan’s shoreline; visitor facilities and trails were added progressively to support recreation and conservation.

The park sits on the Lake Michigan shore in southwestern Berrien County, Michigan, adjacent to small lakeshore communities and accessible by regional roads connecting to nearby towns.

• Dune height: Dune slopes reach approximately 70 metres in height and are the park’s defining natural feature, visible from the beach and trails.

What to See#

• Mount Baldy (dune) : A steep sand hill locally called Mount Baldy rises within the park and reaches roughly 70 metres above the lakeshore, popular for climbing and sledding in winter.
• Beach shoreline: A broad Lake Michigan shoreline used for swimming and beach recreation, backed by dune slopes and trails.
• Campground and day-use areas: A developed campground and picnic areas provide seasonal overnight facilities and day-use amenities for visitors.

Warren Dunes is about 45 minutes from St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and roughly 2 hours from Chicago by car. Take I-94 to Exit 8 (M-63) and follow local signs to the park; parking available on-site.

• Climb the dunes early in the morning for cooler sand and softer light; the climb is steep but rewarding.
• Bring a wind shelter if planning to spend time on the beach - lake winds can be strong in the afternoon.
• Park at the main lot near the Nature Center to access the best trail network and beach access.