Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness | Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness of Ludington and Manistee
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find a quiet area in all its natural splendor–carved from years of wind and water. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness encompasses almost 3,500 acres between Ludington and Manistee, with 7,300 feet of undeveloped shoreline. These dunes are close to 4,000 years old, with some rising as high as 140 feet.
History
Heavy logging took place in the early 20th century, and luckily, what was left became protected as what is now the Manistee National Forest. Sand mining was in operation also, but naturalists noticed that the Nordhouse Dunes were home to unique plant life, as well as a nesting area for the piping plover. In 1987, Congress gave the Nordhouse Dunes its “Wilderness” status, the only place of its kind in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This particular designation means no wheeled or motorized vehicles are allowed…keeping the area quiet and undisturbed. The name Nordhouse is derived from the German name Nordhausen, who was possibly a local lumberman. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is now managed by the National Forest Service.
Inside the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
There is a limited trail system of 14.5 miles within the Wilderness which is never heavily populated. The trails are minimally marked and not always easy to follow. The 1.4 mile Nordhouse Dunes Trail gives you a good look at the dunes. There’s also the Beach Trail, Ridge Trail and North Angle Trail. The Arrowhead Trail is adjacent to the Lake Michigan Recreation Area and is well marked. On your trek you’ll discover that dune grass covers many of the dunes; the grass helps stabilize the sand. Take note of the other vegetation, including juniper, jack pine and Pitcher’s thistle, which is a threatened species. Many animals call the Wilderness home, including deer, fox, coyote, and porcupine.
Camping & Access to the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
There are two access points to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. One is from the Lake Michigan Recreation Area between Manistee and Ludington (Quarterline Rd. to Forest Trail) in the northern section.
There you’ll find 99 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. The other access to the southeastern part is by taking Nurnberg Rd. (also off Quarterline) To enter the Wilderness you must have a Recreation Fee sticker. Camping is dispersed throughout the area, but must be more than 400 feet from Lake Michigan and more than 200 feet from the Nordhouse Lake waterline. No campfires are allowed on the beach. There is no potable water available so you must bring your own.
Explore More Lake Michigan Destinations
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Egg Harbor is known as one of the best small towns in America. It boasts a new marina and an expanded, freshly renovated beach.
Ephraim, Wisconsin
Nestled in the harbor, Ephraim of Door County, Wisconsin has a picturesque view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island.
Carlsville, Wisconsin
Carlsville is located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. This small town is home to an impressive amount of famous Door County goods.
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Fish Creek is Northern Door County’s most walkable shopping marketplace. Enjoy incredible galleries, clothing and gift boutiques, and dining.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Sister Bay is mostly known as Northern Door County’s largest village for food and drink. Be sure to visit Sister Bay, Wisconsin.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Michigan
Silver Lake Sand Dunes offers sand dune adventures and much more! Ride the dunes, splash in Silver Lake, and enjoy the expansive dune views!
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations
Port Washington, Wisconsin
Port Washington is a city with plenty of rich history to explore, boasting the highest density of pre-Civil War buildings in Wisconsin.
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, just north of Chicago, is alive with diverse entertainment options, courtesy of the creative students at Northwestern University.
Escanaba, Michigan
Escanaba is the site of the Upper Peninsula State Fair and is popular for fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Zion, Illinois
Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.
Hammond, Indiana
Straddling Indiana’s border with Illinois sits Hammond, which thrives despite the decline of factories on the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.