Nature preserve · Benzie & Sleeping Bear

Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve

A 242-acre land conservancy preserve south of Elberta, with a trail of nearly three miles round trip through forest and meadow to Lake Michigan views.

Photo: Rstrye (Wikivoyage), Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Green Point Dunes is a quiet walk to a big view, a good fit for hikers and dog walkers who want a beach at the end: a 242-acre Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy preserve on the Lake Michigan shore, about two miles south of Elberta. The turn onto Green Point Road from M-22 is easy to miss, so watch for it.

The Elizabeth Perkett Family Trail is the one to walk, nearly three miles round trip through forest and meadow out to views of Lake Michigan and a beach. Wildflowers are a draw in season.

It is listed as open year-round from dawn to dusk, and in winter it is listed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Hunting is allowed on the preserve under state rules, and the trails stay open during the season, so wear something bright in the fall.

Practical information

Managed by: Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Season: Listed as open year-round, dawn to dusk.
Getting there: The parking area, kiosk and trailhead are on Green Point Road, off M-22, about two miles south of Elberta.
Parking: Park only in the designated lot. The lot and trailhead are visible from Green Point Road, but the turn off M-22 is easy to miss.
Facilities: The conservancy lists a kiosk at the trailhead and does not list restrooms, so plan ahead. Pack out your trash.
Not allowed: Mountain bikes, e-bikes, horses, camping, fires and drones are not allowed.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed under DNR rules, and the trails stay open during hunting season. Wear bright colors in the fall.
Official website: gtrlc.org

Location

Map of Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve

4 places on an OpenStreetMap map

Nearby towns

A white pierhead lighthouse at the end of a long concrete pier at dusk.

Benzie & Sleeping Bear

Frankfort

A beach-and-lighthouse harbor town: a Lake Michigan beach at the end of Main Street, a breakwater light off the sand and Point Betsie up the shore.

About 4 miles away (straight line)

Also nearby

Straight-line distances, not driving distances.

Beach

Elberta Beach

A quieter, mostly natural Lake Michigan beach across the harbor from Frankfort, running about a half mile south from the Elberta pier. Plan ahead.

About 3 miles away (straight line)

Trail

Betsie Valley Trail

A 22-mile rail trail from Frankfort past Crystal Lake and Beulah, paved at the west end and aggregate beyond, with snowmobiling on the east part in winter.

About 3 miles away (straight line)

Historic site

Garden Theater

Frankfort's 1923 Main Street movie house, renovated and run by a nonprofit, showing first-run and independent films and home to the Frankfort Film Festival.

About 4 miles away (straight line)

Town guidePlan your Frankfort visitWhere to eat, where to stay, day plans and what is close by.