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Bridgman, Michigan Beaches, Parks, Bike Route, Trails & More





The Bridgman area is a great place to get away and go for a swim. Weko Beach and Warren Dunes State Park, two of the nicest beaches in southwest Michigan, are located nearby. Cyclists can ride between the two beaches using a bike route that passes through downtown Bridgman.

Warren Dunes State Park

Just 2.5 miles south of Bridgman, Warren Dunes State Park is a must-see attraction.

The beautiful park has three miles of sandy beach on Lake Michigan, and the public beach access is on the southwest side of the park. There are three beach houses with restroom facilities located at the beach area, each with a large parking lot located nearby. The middle beach house has a concession stand. Warren Dunes State Park has one of the best beaches on Lake Michigan, and the beach is very popular during the summer, especially on weekends.

Some people like to bring a beach umbrella, beach chair, or inflatable toy with them to the beach, but as a word of warning, you may have to walk a ways to the beach. Depending on where you park, it could end up being a walk of 75 yards or more from the parking lot to the water's edge (which means you'll need to carry whatever you bring that far to the beach and then carry it back to the car).

Just east of the beach parking lots is Pikes Peak, a giant sand dune that rises over 250 feet. Climbing the dune is a very popular activity for kids and adults. You'll want to be in decent shape if you try to make the climb. The panoramic view of Lake Michigan from the top of the dune (or near the top) is spectacular.

Warren Dunes State Park has a winding hiking trail system that meanders through wooded areas and over sandy dunes. The entire trail system covers over 11 miles, and there are trail markers with "You are here" maps located near parts of the trail. It can be a very beautiful hike. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter some mosquitos in the woods, so bring some insect repellent with you in case you need it. During the winter, the trail is used for cross-country skiing. See the map page for the map of the trails and park.

The park has picnic areas along the drive to the beach. There is also a picnic shelter south of the modern campground.

Warren Dunes has a large modern campground, as well as a rustic campground and group-use area. The modern campground has 182 sites with electrical service and nearby restrooms. For fees and reservation information, visit the Michigan DNR web site.

Weko Beach

Bridgman has very nice public beach, Weko Beach, on Lake Michigan. West of downtown Bridgman at the end of Lake Street, the park has a long sandy beach, volleyball courts, and beach house with concessions and restrooms. East of the parking area there is an elevated boardwalk and stair system that provides spectacular view of Lake Michigan and the beach area. Vehicles require a day pass to enter the beach area.

Near the entrance to the park, there is a picnic area with nearby grills. The space also features a playscape.

On the north side of the beach, there is a boat ramp for launching recreational boats on to Lake Michigan. The park has dedicated parking area for vehicles with trailers.

Weko Beach Campground

Weko Beach has a 70-site campground that feature developed and semi-developed campsites. Electricity, showers, restrooms, and dump station are available. Developed sites also include water. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Four cabins may be rented at the campground; each features a full-size bed and one set of bunk beds. Campers must bring their own linens. Outside each cabin, there is a picnic area. For cabin reservations, call 269-465-3406.

The campground is open from April through mid-October.

Other Parks

Toth Street Municipal Park is at rectangle-shaped park at the south end of Toth Street in Bridgman. Basketball courts and a soccer field occupy the east side of the park. A nice, large playground is west of the parking area and is a favorite with kids. A paved trail at the park can be used for short walks, starting at one end of the parking area and then looping back.

Legion Park is a small park on Post Court that includes a picnic area and a playground with swings.

Southeast of downtown Bridgman, Lake Township Park is a home to local soccer, baseball, and softball leagues. The recreation area features ball diamonds, soccer fields, a disc golf course, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The park is perfect for family gatherings or company picnics, with three large picnic shelters with playgrounds nearby. For details about renting a picnic shelter, call the Township Hall at 269-465-6601.

Boating and Kayaking

On the north side of Weko Beach, there is a boat ramp for launching recreational boats that feeds directly into Lake Michigan. The launch area is not protected by a breakwater, so wavy conditions on the big lake can effect landing or launching a boat. The park has dedicated parking area for vehicles with trailers.

Kayaks can be launched on to Lake Michigan from the boat ramp area at Weko Beach. Many people enjoy paddling just offshore, traveling north or south for a scenic view of shore.

Beach to Beach Bike Route

Using bike lanes and part of a Backroad Bikeways Bike Route, cyclists can ride between Weko Beach and Warren Dunes State Park. From Weko Beach, the route follows Lake Street through downtown Bridgman and then turns south on Gast Road. You'll pass Bridgman High School on the west side of the road and Lake Township Park on the east side of Gast Road. When you get to Snow Road, turn right and go west and then south to Browntown Road. Turn right and go west on Browntown Road to Red Arrow Highway. The entrance to Warren Dunes State Park is just to the north, on the west side of the road.

For the parts of the route that do not have a bike lane, you'll need to ride along the outer edge of the road. See the map page for a view of the bike route and places near the route.

More About Bridgman

Southwest Michigan is known for its wineries, and Weko Beach in Bridgman is home to the annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival in mid-June. The event showcases local wineries, and guests can sample a variety of flavorful wines. The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival is sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council.

Lake Charter Township hosts its annual Fall Festival in mid-September at Lake Township Park. The festival includes a pancake breakfast, fishing contest, car show, disc golf contest, and much more. See the Lake Charter Township site for details about the festival.

Weko Beach hosts the annual Brewers Festival in the fall, bringing live music and award-winning Michigan beers to the beach.

Bridgman has several small stores in downtown along Lake Street. East of downtown, you can get groceries at Harding's Friendly Market on Lake Street, near Gast Road.

For restaurants, you can find several restaurants along Red Arrow Highway, including Getaway Grill& Cubbie Bar, McDonald's, D'Agostino's Italian Restaurant, Subway, and Pizza Hut.

For lodging, Bridgman Inn is located on Red Arrow Highway, just south of downtown. Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn, Candlewood Suites, and a few other hotels are located six miles north of Bridgman in Stevensville, near the I-94 exit.








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