Horseback riders and fat-tire bikers can explore one of Michigan's most unique and popular destinations – Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County – with shoreline horseback riding and fat-tire biking this fall and winter.
The park is home to 450 acres of motorized dune riding. Each summer, thousands of motorcycles, quads, four-wheelers and other ORVs descend on these sugar-sand dunes, the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River.
The new shoreline and dune opportunities are part of the DNR's ongoing efforts to expand off-season outdoor recreation in the Silver Lake ORV Area.
Equestrians can ride a predetermined route along Lake Michigan during the shoreline horseback riding season Nov. 1-30.
The registration fee is $10 per horse per day, and 125 slots are available each day.
Registration opens 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 01, 2023.
During the fat-tire biking season Dec. 15-March 15, cyclists on the sand dunes will enjoy 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.
"Just as ORV season ends Oct. 31, Silver Lake's ORV area begins opening up to nonmotorized uses as part of two distinct seasons," said Jody Johnston, Silver Lake State Park manager. "It's an incredible opportunity for both equestrians and bicyclists to ride the sandy shoreline and catch spectacular views of Lake Michigan."
Johnston attributed much of the success in bringing these seasonal opportunities to the public to the Michigan Horse Council, the Shoreline Cycling Club, the Equine Trails Subcommittee and Michigan's Edge Mountain Biking Association – groups the DNR worked hand in hand with to hold pilot programs to determine feasibility and interest. These are the second official seasons for both horseback and fat-tire riding at Silver Lake.
Questions? Contact Jody Johnston at 231-721-5858.
Homepage
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/horseback-riding/shoreline-riding
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