Muskegon to Silver Lake, MI

We establish base camp just northwest of Montague, MI on the edge of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The site is quiet and gently wooded. It’s also just off the Hart-Montague Trail; which is one of the many bike paths running through Michigan. From here we explore Muskegon to Silver Lake.

Silver Lake State Park

Our first stop in Silver Lake is the Little Sable Lighthouse, which was manned from 1874 to 1954. In 1899 the tower was painted white to make it more visible to ships during the day. It wasn’t restored to the natural brink until the 1970’s. All that’s left is the light tower as the house was torn down to prevent vandalism. We climb to the top to view the surrounding dunes and the beach below.

Our next stop is Mac Wood’s Dune Rides for a guided tour through the Silver Lake sand dunes and a view of Silver Lake. Mac Wood’s leases the southern section of the dunes from the state park each year and creates a park approved ride through these constantly moving dunes. They are the only outfit allowed to operate on this portion of the dunes and work with the park to preserve these natural wonders while still allowing visitors to see and experience them.

The northern section of the dunes is open to anyone to bring their vehicle, or to rent one for the day from many of local rental facilities.

As much as we would have loved to go solo on the dunes for the day, we had limited time. So we opted for the 40 minute tour. If desired, you can join us on a portion of our dune ride via our YouTube channel.

The final stop is the Genevieve Casey Nature Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is very small and a little hard to find; but very beautiful because of it’s obscurity. The beavers are very active and had recently brought down one of the trail markers.

Muskegon

We begin exploring Muskegon in the State Park where we go for a hike, walk along the beach, and visit the south channel to view the vessels docked at the the USS Silversides museum. We were lucky enough to arrive at the channel as the USS Silversides fired her engines during their Memorial Day celebration.

We continue our Muskegon exploration the next day with a tour of the USS LST-393 and its four walkable decks. It’s an LST-1-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II and one of the last two LSTs to survive in its original build configuration. As you enter you are provided with a booklet containing a self guided tour of the ship, its history, what life was like for the sailors aboard, and the multitude of exhibits it has to offer. It’s fascinating!

From here, we hop on our bikes and take the bike path along Muskegon Lake down to the shoreline and it’s two lighthouses. It’s opening day for the South Pierhead Light and we are able to go up inside it for a view from the top. The South Breakwater light has yet to be restored and unfortunately is falling into disrepair.

Duck Lake State Park

After leaving Muskegon State Park we go up the scenic drive to Duck Lake State Park. We have a picnic lunch here before taking the Duck Lake walking trail along the water.

White River

Our next stop is the White River Light Station in Whitehall, MI. Built in 1875, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1960. It’s easy to see why it’s on the list of most beautiful lighthouses.

Our final stop in the area is the town of Montague itself. Riding the bike trail down from camp, we went through woods, beside farms, and finally along the White River and it’s marshlands.