Tolleston Dunes Trail

This featured hike is a lollipop shaped trail. Starting at the parking lot trailhead, the trail starts out in what was once a sand mining operation. This is why the parking lot and surrounding area are so flat. After roughly a third of a mile, the trail enters the rolling ancient sand dunes of Lake Michigan. The footing is generally good with some sections of sand. At the loop trail junction, follow the trail to the right. The trail wind will up and down through oak savanna and wetland habitats. Shortly after the boardwalk (roughly the one-mile mark), you will reach the cut-off trail junction. Staying to the right will take you on the outer loop (2.9 miles total distance). Taking the left trail will cut 0.8 miles off the hike (total hike distance of 2.1 miles). The recommended route is the outer loop. At the two-mile mark, stay to the right at the cut-off trail junction. Finally, at the loop trail junction, stay right again and hike back to the parking lot. The Tolleston Dunes Trail winds amid 4,700-year-old sand dunes that were formed when Lake Michigan’s water level was 25 feet higher than today. Tolleston is the second youngest of four distinct dune systems found within the national park. Together these dune ridges provide a glimpse into the changing shoreline of Lake Michigan. Tolleston Dunes has varied habitats ranging from oak savanna to wetlands and plants such as prickly pear cactus, butterfly weed and lupines. In winter, this trail is a popular spot for cross-country skiers looking for a more challenging experience. - Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. - Free (no entrance or parking fees). - Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed. - Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). - The main trail is not wheelchair accessible. - The marsh overlook is wheelchair accessible. - Formerly known as the Inland Marsh trail. - There are picnic tables at the marsh overlook. First come, first served. No advance reservations. No cooking fires allowed. - Trail surface is mostly loose sand with some sections of packed dirt. - No restrooms or potable water. - The main trailhead parking lot is paved and has 19 spots (2 spots are handicap only). - The marsh overlook parking lot is paved and has 4 spots (1 spot is handicap only). - The trail is never crowded and is a great way to get away from the summer beach crowds. - In the winter, this trail is popular for cross-country skiers looking for a more challenging experience. - Stay on the trail to protect the wildlife and yourself. - Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and tuck long pants into socks to avoid ticks and poison ivy.