Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Silver Lake Activities & Attractions

A multitude of beautiful beaches await you in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area. Whether you’re looking for wild excitement, or quiet serenity, there’s a spot reserved just for you!

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Beaches and Parks

Silver Lake State Park is a 3,000-acre park along the Lake Michigan shoreline. A 450-acre parcel designated for off-road vehicles, with access to both Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. The 107′ Little Sable Point Lighthouse is located within the Silver Lake State Park.

What is a Fulgurite?

Give up?

A fulgurite is often referred to as “petrified lightning.”

When lightning strikes the sand at a temperature of at least 3,270 degrees, the heat melts the silica and fuses the sand into fascinating structures. This takes place within the time frame of one second. The long, slender, hollow glass tubes are below the surface of the sand and can be found by looking for uneven coloring on the sand’s surface where the lightning has entered. The glass structure is usually an irregular shape and can be transparent white, black or tan. They are very delicate in nature and are sometimes used in making jewelry.

The very brittle fulgurites break easily while removing them from the sand. Each fulgurite is different and can have a main branch and then many smaller branches that resemble the actual flash of lightning. Some fulgurites are round and hollow while others are flattened into rough shapes caused by the pressure of the sand. There are generally two types of fulgurites — sand and rock. Sand are the more common of the two, and the kind found at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. They have a glassy interior, due to the rapid cooling of the sand after the lightning strikes. Most are one to two inches in diameter. They are also found in Utah’s deserts. The longest fulgurite was found in northern Florida, measuring a little over 4.9 meters in length. Mountain peaks are continually hit by lightning, and that’s where most rock fulgurites are found. Fulgurites are used by some people as a tool for prayer and meditation. It is said to arouse energy and help one focus.

ORV Area Beach

Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park is one of the few areas in the country that users can still enjoy free riding Jeeps and off-road vehicles on sand dunes.

Hart-Montague Bike Trail/Rail Trail State Park

This paved rail-trail stretches for 22.5 miles over between Hart and Montague. Opening in 1991, a local citizen had bought the old railroad corridor for trail use and donated most of it to the state.

Historic Downtown Hart

Remove yourself from today’s hectic world as you tour the Hart Historic District. Visit a 19th century church, where the basement houses the extensive “Seymour Rider Indian Artifacts Collection.”

Swimming, Fishing, & Boating in Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a favorite of anglers for the selection of bass, northern pike, walleye, and crappie. Launch your own boat, or rent one from a local business. Most carry a variety of watercraft, including ski boats, kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, rowboats, pontoons, wave runners, and more; plus ski equipment and tubes. Nothing is better than spending a day out on Silver Lake fishing or boating. If you prefer to stay onshore, swimming is safe and calm in Silver Lake. Or head to the four miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. You get the best of both worlds at Silver Lake State Park.