Muskegon County offers yet more trails, shoreline, views and opportunity to enjoy our great outdoors!

little boy walks along inland lake shoreline. trees line horizon

Photo by Lillian Dotzlaff

In December of 2021 Muskegon County, Nugent Sand Company, and Cherette Group announced the County’s purchase of property once owned by the Nugent Sand Company. This purchase heralded the first phase of the new Dune Harbor Park Muskegon County.

Ribbon cutting, tree planting and dedication ceremony in May of 2022.

The acquisition was made possible by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, the previous land owner, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and County of Muskegon. The name “Dune Harbor Park” was suggested by Robert Chandonnet, in memory of his late wife Lynne. Chandonnet, who is the owner of Nugent Sand, provided a $3.3 million match to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. His generosity allowed the project to move forward.

two couples walk along trail flanked by green trees and foliage.

The first phase of the new 214 acre Park had a “soft opening” in March of 2022. It  includes more than 2 miles of hiking trails and an inland lake.  The property north of Winnetaska Road was successfully purchased in early 2023. The additional land, known as the North Lake, encompasses  another 162 acres, includes a second inland lake and borders the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The new section of the park is expected to open to the public on or about March 1, 2023.

long shot of snow dusted sand dune leading to lake michigan. 3 people can be seen walking along a trail toward the lake

Visitors can explore over 2 miles of trails through forested dunes, containing many native plants and species; making it a future favorite for birders. Two inland lakes offers kayaking, paddle sports and fishing. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash (and with the owner's promise to scoop the poo). Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Look for the temporary entrance located at Leif Avenue and Lincoln Street in Norton Shores. Here visitors can find a portable restroom and trash receptacle. Short term/temporary parking can be found on surrounding side streets. Please careful not to block the neighbor's driveways and note there is no parking allowed on Winnetaska Road.

Directions:

From Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit:

Take I-96 West towards Muskegon, then continue straight ahead to BUS-31 North. Turn left at the Seminole Road exit and the right onto Seminole. Go west on Seminole Road approximately 2.75 miles to the parking lot area, where Seminole curves south to Norton Hills Road. Watch for signs and parking attendants.

From the North:

Take US 31 South towards Muskegon, then BUS-31 South toward downtown Muskegon. Continue south on BUS-31 approximately 6.75 miles past the Meijer to the traffic signal is Seminole Road; take a right onto Seminole Road westbound and continue west on Seminole approximately 2.75 miles to the parking lot area, where Seminole curves south to Norton Hills Road. Watch for signs and parking attendants.

From the South:

Take I-196/US-31 North towards Muskegon, then turn right onto the BUS-31 North ramp. Continue on BUS-31 North approximately 2.75 miles to the Seminole Road exit, then turn right onto westbound Seminole. Continue west on Seminole approximately 2.75 miles to the parking lot area, where Seminole curves south to Norton Hills Road. Watch for signs and parking attendants.

Please direct questions to: dhcp@muskegoncountyparks.org