Lighthouse Beach at Silver Lake State Park

Silver Lake State Park boasts over four miles of beautiful shoreline along the coast of Lake Michigan. The pristine sandy beaches and beautiful blue water attracts visitors from all over the country, particularly for the spectacular sunsets over the gentle-moving water.

The park also boasts a wide variety of other recreational opportunities. The 450-acre off-road vehicle area filled with rolling dunes creates unique opportunities for ATV enthusiasts who want to conquer the shifting terrain.

Filled with mature trees, the forest trails also catch the attention of visitors. Dogs are welcome along all of the trails, giving you a great place to exercise your pooch while enjoying the splendid scenery along the park’s shaded interior.

While dogs aren’t allowed on public swim beaches, portions of the coastline aren’t designated as swimming or bathing areas, so your canine companion can enjoy some time in the surf and sand if you are willing to take a jaunt away from the primary beaches. However, leashes are always required, even in areas where dogs can enter the water.

If you bring your dog to Silver Lake State Park, cleaning up after them is a must. This ensures that the area remains clean for other visitors and helps in the preservation of the landscape, allowing the natural beauty of the shore and park to be protected. Additionally, you’ll need to keep your dog on a leash at all times, regardless of whether you are on the trails or a non-swim beach. 

Make sure to be mindful of other park patrons as not everyone is comfortable with dogs, regardless of their size. Be vigilant and always keep a safe distance from others during your time at Silver Lake State Park to ensure that all parkgoers can enjoy their time along the shoreline, in the water, and walking through the numerous trails.