The Nordhouse Dunes in Midwest 2024

Ancient dunes by Lake Michigan represent a unique eco-system

Best time: April–November

The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness occupies 14 sq. km or 3.450 acres in the Manistee National Forest, north of Ludington, Michigan. Its main attraction is 4-mile (6.4-km) Lake Michigan shoreline which is perfect for walking. The Nordhouse Dunes belong to the Ludington Dune Ecosystem along Lake Michigan Recreation Area and Ludington State Park.

The Nordhouse Dunes that emerged about 4,000 years ago reach 140 feet (42 m) above the level of the lake. Ludington Dune Ecosystem is recognized as the largest area with fresh water interdunal ponds—small water holes between the dunes. Vegetation on the dunes provides habitat for many species, like the endangered Piping Plover and many others.

The Nordhouse Dune trail is 10 miles (16.09 km) long. It can be reached from two trailheads at the end of Nurnberg Road and Lake Michigan Recreation Area. The path is an easy and popular hiking destination during the warm time of the year but the prime season for backpacking runs from April through November.

Practical info

When is the best time to hike the Nordhouse Dune trail?

It is best to hike the Nordhouse Dune trail during April to November warm season. The casual outdoor enthusiasts prefer it as the temperature from July to August ranges from 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. For backpacking, April to November is the ideal time, but during late fall, the temperature can drop as low as 50s Fahrenheit.

Where can I find the two trailheads to access the Nordhouse Dunes?

You can access the Nordhouse Dunes using the trailheads stationed at Nurnberg Road and the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Nurnberg Road is an unpaved forest stretch just four miles north of the Lake Michigan Recreation Area entrance. Visitors can stop at the booth before the parking lot, and the entrance fee is $10 for day-pass per vehicle or $35 annually.

How high are the dunes, and when did they emerge?

The Nordhouse Dunes stands tall at 140ft above Lake Michigan, emerging about 4000 years ago. They form a unique ecosystem that includes ancient beaches, inter-dunal wetlands, and woodland. The Nordhouse Dunes' varied geological history makes it a haven for endangered plants and animals like the Pitcher's Thistle and Piping Plover species.

What kind of ecosystem to the Nordhouse Dunes belong to, and what species does it support?

The Ludington Dune Ecosystem hosts the Nordhouse Dunes, the Lake Michigan Recreation Area, and Ludington State Park. The fresh water interdunal ponds, small water bodies, make Ludington Dune Ecosystem the most significant habitat on dunes globally. Several endangered species like the Indiana Bat and Piping Plover thrive here as the vegetation is ideal for them.

Are there any endangered species in the Ludington Dune Ecosystem?

The Nordhouse Dunes in the Ludington Dune Ecosystem host several endangered species. The Pitcher's Thistle is a unique plant species that is at risk due to pollinator loss, invasive species role in decay, and habitat disturbance. The Piping Plover, one of the smallest shorebirds in North America, enjoys nesting here, and visitors count lucky to see them. Other rare plants, fish, and reptiles thrive in the ecosystem too.