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Oceana County in Western Michigan has been entertaining summer visitors for generations. The county comprises several small towns (Hart, Shelby, Mears, Pentwater) and all are in close proximity to each other. Sand dunes separate Silver Lake from Lake Michigan, so summer fun seekers have easy access to both. Sandboard rentals on Silver Lake offer the chance to hang ten on a dune as you speed down (or sink thanks to gravity). Either way, sand surfing is something kids and adults can try. The falls don’t hurt and the learning curve is quick. Rentals are reasonable–around $10 for an hour or $30 for the day.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes is one of the few places where vehicles are allowed on the dunes. Rent ORV’s (off-road vehicles) or take the Mac Wood’s Dune Rides, an open-aired red dune buggy. These laugh-out-loud tours sometimes feel like a gentle rollercoaster as you cruise and dip over dunes–put your arms up for the complete experience. These tours started back in 1930, and the first one was designed from a Model A Ford, holding four passengers. The current Dune Scooter has multiple rows and takes groups on 40-minute tours with a stop at the highest dune with sarkling lake views.

Delicious Detours

After Mac Wood’s Dune Rides, head next door to Silver Lake Whippy Dip. This delicious tradition offers shade trees and outdoor tables with yummy local ice cream. A family can share “Test Hill,” a ginormous sundae served on a frisbee: