Whitefish Dunes State Park

Whitefish Dunes State Park is a beautiful public recreation area on the eastern tip of Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park has 867 acres of outdoor recreation area for you and your furry friend to enjoy. Visitors to Whitefish Dunes State Park can enjoy 14.5 miles of hiking trails along the sand dunes. 

Be respectful of local plant and animal life and stay on marked trails. The park also has picnic areas with tables, grills, and even a reservable shelter with a drinking fountain. If you enjoy water-based fun, Lake Michigan offers swimming, which is at own risk since no lifeguards are present. 

The lake doesn’t have a boat launch, but guests are welcome to use small watercraft or floatation devices to enjoy the lake. Just be cautious of wind conditions. Fishing is available at Clark Lake. Fishing licenses are required. Dogs are welcome at Whitefish Dunes State Park, but pets are not allowed on certain sections of the beach during peak season, from April through October. 

There is a designated pet beach near the parking area. Keep dogs leashed, on one no more than eight feet long. Pets are not allowed inside buildings or in picnic areas. During the winter, the park’s snow season offers recreational fun including diagonal skiing and snowshoeing. There are three trails that groomed for skiing and one for snowshoeing. The ice on the lake is not monitored, so use caution. 

Whitefish Dunes State Park is day-use only and is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM all year-round. An admission sticker is required to enter. The price starts at $8 for the day for Wisconsin residents and $11 for those out-of-state. If you’re looking for fun on the shores of Lake Michigan, bring your pet and your family to Whitefish Dunes State Park.