Hoffmaster State Park, a Michigan State Park located near Allendale, Grand Haven and Muskegon

HOFFMASTER STATE PARK

HOFFMASTER STATE PARK
6585 Lake Harbor Road
Muskegon, Michigan 49441

Phone: 231-798-3711
Reservations: 800-447-2757

1,100 acres of forest covered sand dunes along three miles of Lake Michigan sandy beach. Located in a wooded valley are 293 shaded campsites, picnicking, swimming, ten miles of hiking trails, snowshoeing. A marked three mile cross-country trail requiring intermediate skill is available. The Gillette Visitor Center provides interpretations of dune ecology. Metal detecting area.

Passes

The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.

Visitors Center

E Genevieve Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center This beautiful facility, facing a towering sand dune, is recognized as one of the top attractions in the Midwest. The center has a variety of programs to help visitors enjoy and understand the unique environment of the sand dunes of the Great Lakes. The center features an exhibit hall depicting the ecological zones of the unique dune environment. Multimedia presentations on the dunes and seasonal nature subjects are shown in an 82-seat auditorium. Seasonal exhibits also are featured. The center is open daily, except Mondays, from Memorial Day to November 1. It is closed from December 1 to January 15. During November and from January 15 to Memorial Day, the center is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. For hours and more information call 231-798-3573.

Camping

Hoffmaster-Group Use Area(231) 798-3711 2 site(s), Contact the ParkGroup Use Area, Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Hoffmaster-Modern(800) 447-2757 293 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms, Playground

Location

Hoffmaster State Park is located near Allendale, Grand Haven and Muskegon

Nearby Parks

P J Hoffmaster State Park

Grand Haven State Park

Muskegon State Park

Picnicking

Fire pits/grills available. The picnic shelter is reservable, for more information contact the park.

Cross-country Skiing

A marked three-mile trail is available for this winter activity.

Trails

With more than 10 miles of trails, the casual hiker or the serious student of nature will find a variety of interesting natural features. Upland, shoreline and aquatic birds are abundant. Hawks soar on the air currents of the dunes when winds are from the east. A main attraction is the Dune Climb Stairway leading to the top of a high sand dune. There, an observation deck offers a panoramic view of the dunes and Lake Michigan.

Hofflmaster-Walk-a-MileTrail Length: 1.00 (Miles)Hiking

Hoffmaster-Dune OverlookTrail Length: 1.00 (Miles)Hiking

Hoffmaster-Homestead TrailTrail Length: 3.00 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking

Nature Programs

Throughout the year, the visitor center offers lectures, guided hikes and special events. Program information is available from the center. Schools may take advantage of visitor center programs during the school year. A classroom, complete with seasonal teaching displays, is available. Orientation programs are offered to first-time groups. Environmental topics are taught by the visitor center staff on a limited basis. Classes include a guided outdoor experience. Groups are limited to 35 students.

Area Attractions

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park features forest-covered dunes along nearly three miles of Lake Michigan shore. Its sandy beach is one of the finest anywhere. A focal point of the park is the Gillette Visitor Center.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews