Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is a protected sand dune landscape in Michigan with forests and wetlands stretching along Lake Michigan. The terrain features open dune fields interspersed with pine forests and marshy areas, creating diverse habitats for plants and wildlife.

This land gained formal protection in 1987 as the Lower Peninsula's only wilderness designation under federal law. The protected status safeguarded the natural dune system from development and established it as a recreation area for the public.

Visitors explore traditional hiking paths, including the Michigan Trail which connects Lake Michigan Recreation Area through forested areas and open dunes.

The area is accessible by foot through marked trails starting from a trailhead parking area. Visitors should prepare for sandy terrain and bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.

The site contains the world's largest collection of freshwater interdune ponds, small lakes nestled between sand dunes. These rare water bodies create habitats for specialized plant and animal species found nowhere else in such concentration.