Dune Harbor Park is Muskegon County’s newest and largest park, offering 377 acres of scenic beauty. Once the site of Nugent Sand, this park is divided into two sections, the “North Lake” and the “South Lake,” and features miles of trails winding through hardwood forests, dunes, and wetlands. The two inland lakes are perfect for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Approximately 1,660 ft. of Lake Michigan Beach can also be accessed on the sandy trail that leads west from the crosswalk northwest to Lake Michigan. The trail continues to the north along the North Lakes edge and skirts along the edge of the forested dune. Private property begins to the north and northeast, and guests are not allowed to walk around the entire North Lake as county park property ends and private property begins. Please follow the private property signs.
Located in Norton Shores, Dune Harbor Muskegon County Park provides easy access for visitors from Roosevelt Park, Muskegon Heights, and the City of Muskegon.
Dune Harbor Muskegon County Park is currently in development, and its acquisition has been made possible through the support of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, The Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Muskegon County Parks, and the generosity of the past landowner.
Working with the U.S. National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program and Purdue University’s Landscape Architecture Department, we developed a master site plan for Dune Harbor Park, including ecological restoration, invasive species removal, accessible overlooks, educational programming areas, trail stabilization, Lake Michigan beach access, and camping. To learn more, click below!
Park Hours
May – September: 8 am to 10 pm
October – April: Sunrise to Sunset
Park Fees
A Muskegon County Motor Vehicle Entry Permit or “Park Pass” is required for all vehicles entering Dune Harbor County Park year -round.
Day Pass: $7
Seasonal Park Pass: $25
Passes can be purchased at the following locations:
- Self-serve Kiosk
- Pioneer Park – Campground office
- Norton Shores City Hall
- Muskegon County Visitors Bureau
Park Rules
For a complete list of park rules and regulations, please click the button below to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.
Park Accessibility
Dune Harbor Park is currently in development, and we are seeking funds to enhance accessibility further, including plans to improve the existing trail system, develop an ADA-accessible trail system, add an ADA-accessible kayak launch, and improve erosion and accessibility around the Lincoln St. parking lot.
Dog Rules
While on County Park Property:
- Dogs must be under the immediate control of a competent person by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length.
- Dogs must be supervised and kept quiet at all times.
- Animal feces must be picked up and properly deposited in dumpsters.
- Animals are not permitted in park buildings.
- Animals who are known to be vicious or dangerous to other park visitors and animals are also not allowed.
Parking Information
South Lake
South Lake has two parking lots. One is off of Lincoln Street (3071 Lincoln St, Norton Shores, MI 49441) and the other is off of Seminole Road (2161 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441). The South Lake has a 2.3 mile sandy trail that goes around the entire lake.
North Lake
North Lake can be accessed from the trail that begins at the Lincoln Lot going northwest to a crosswalk. The crosswalk leads across the dirt road, which is Winnetaska Road, to North Lake. No parking is allowed along Winnetaska Road.
At Dune Harbor Park in both the North and South Lakes, fishing regulations are currently “Catch and Release Only.” This decision was made at the park’s opening and will be revisited after we collect and analyze data from ongoing fish studies to effectively manage the fish populations in the two man-made lakes created by sand mining. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to balance ecological health with the public’s enjoyment of our Muskegon County Parks.
Please see the below links for analytical water sample results from February 2024.
2161 Seminole Rd
Norton Shores, MI 49441
May – September:
8 am to 10 pm
October – April:
Sunrise to Sunset
2161 Seminole Rd Norton Shores, MI 49441
May – September:
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
October – April:
Sunrise to Sunset
