Located just a short 12-mile drive from Downtown New Buffalo, Warren Dunes State Park is a beautiful coastal oasis in Southwest Michigan.
Though its beautiful beaches are the park’s major draw, the Warren Dunes State Park trails and area offer a range of other fun activities for visitors to enjoy, including six miles of hiking trails, food trucks, tons of parking, and cross-country skiing in the winter months!
Read through this detailed guide to Warren Dunes State Park to plan the perfect visit to this haven for outdoor enthusiasts in Southwest Michigan.
The Most Popular Hiking Trails in Warren Dunes State Park
Mt. Randall Loop
- Trail Length: 2.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 347 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Mt. Randall Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Warren Dunes State Park.
After a challenging climb of Mt. Randall, one of the park’s largest dunes, hikers are rewarded with a view of the park’s shoreline and wooded forests. This hike gets buggy in the summer and can be muddy and slippery in the winter, so the best time to enjoy it is in the spring or fall. The hike begins at the park’s main trailhead.
Warren Dunes Trail
- Trail Length: 4.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 265 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Warren Dunes Trail is a gorgeous loop in Warren Dunes State Park that offers a variety of everything the park has to offer, including pristine shoreline, lush forests, and sandy dunes. One of the highlights of this popular trail is a mile-long stretch along the beach, so you can take a quick hiking break to lounge on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Bring bug spray to deter insects, and wear sturdy shoes since the trail can become muddy after it rains.
Warren Dunes Beach Trail
- Trail Length: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 82 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
As the name suggests, Warren Dunes Beach Trail is a scenic hike that includes beautiful views of the sandy shoreline. Though the trail primarily follows the beach, it starts in a wooded area making it an excellent spot to see the blooming wildflowers in spring and summer!
Other Hiking Trails in Warren Dunes State Park
Though the three trails listed above are the most popular hikes in Warren Dunes State Park, you might also want to check out these shorter and less populated trails:
- Blue Jay Trail — 0.8 miles
- Cross-Country Ski Trail — 3.0 miles
- Golden Rod Loop — 0.4 miles
- Nature Trail — 1.0 miles
- Red Squirrel Trail — 0.7 miles
- White Trail Trail — 0.8 miles
- Yellow Birch Loop — 1.2 miles
What Should Visitors Know Before Spending the Day Hiking at Warren Dunes State Park?
Hours
Warren Dunes State Park is open year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM daily.
Cost
Visitors to Warren Dunes State Park must purchase a Michigan Recreational Passport, which costs $14 per vehicle for Michigan residents and $40 for non-Michigan residents. Recreation passport options are also available for motorcycles, mopeds, and commercial vehicles.
Visitors can also purchase a day pass to Warren Dunes State Park for $11, which is good for entry and re-entry into the park for the day. This is a great option for vacationers in Southwest Michigan!
Facilities
- Cabins and lodges
- A group-use area
- Food trucks during the summer (from May through Labor Day)
- Three large, handicap-accessible bathrooms with foot washing stations and bottle fillers
- Five picnic areas and a picnic shelter with charcoal grills and electrical service
- A sanitation station for RVs that are camping in the State Park
Directions
To reach Warren Dunes State Park from Downtown New Buffalo, take Red Arrow Highway north along Red Arrow Highway and turn left at State Park Road. The park is well-marked, and you will have no issues finding the beach or hiking trails.
Other Things to Do in Warren Dunes State Park
In addition to hiking, there are several other fun things to do at Warren Dunes State Park. Depending on the time of year, give these other activities a try:
- Go camping at either Mt. Randall Modern Campground or Hildebrand Campground.
- Spend a day at the beach swimming, sunbathing, or building sand sculptures!
- Rent a Maui Mat or SUP from Weekends Harbor Country.
If you want to explore out the park don’t miss our post on even more fun things to near New Buffalo, MI!
When to Visit
Warren Dunes State Park has something to offer during every season:
- Summer — In the summer, soak up the sunshine on the beach and enjoy other water activities on Lake Michigan, like kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Fall and Spring — Fall is an ideal time for leaf peeping during a forest hike, and spring is another great time to hit the gorgeous trails to see lush foliage and wildflowers after the snow thaws.
- Winter — Speaking of snow, Warren Dunes State Park turns into a winter wonderland that offers fantastic cross-country skiing in the forest!
Explore Warren Dunes State Park on a New Buffalo Getaway with Third Coast Vacations
Warren Dunes State Park is a must-visit during a vacation to Southwest Michigan. With so many things to do, including camping, hiking, and spending a day at the park’s massive beachfront, there are plenty of ways to explore this picturesque state park during every season.
Looking for somewhere to stay near Warren Dunes State Park? We have more than 60 spacious, comfortable vacation rentals to choose from! Our local team knows the area inside and out, and we’re ready to help you plan your next great getaway!
