Large sand dunes are found throughout the park. Among the park's dunes are Mt. Fuller, Pikes Peak, and Mt. Edwards, with the most significant being Tower Hill, the highest point in the park, which stands 240 feet (73 meters) above the Lake Michigan. This dune is the one that is most visible to visitors, many of whom delight in scrambling up its slopes and rushing back down again. Easy access to the dunes make it a popular location to practice the sport of sandboarding. As of 25 June 2013[update] Warren Dunes was in the top five most popular camping destinations in the state of Michigan based on Google search traffic.[3]
History
The dunes and beach area were preserved by a local businessman, Edward K. Warren, as a conservation measure.[4][5] He originally purchased the site as a favor to a friend who had encountered significant financial difficulties.[citation needed] Previous ownership of Tower Dune and surroundings had been by J.S. Pardee in the late 1800s.[6] In 1930, the Warren Dunes area became a Michigan state park.[7]
Activities and amenities
The park offers eight miles of trails, swim beach, beach house, picnicking, playground, two campgrounds (Hilldebrandt Semi-Modern and Mt. Randall Modern), concession store, metal detecting, cross-country skiing, and hunting.[2]
Other activities
Wildlife watching
Skygazing
Clay painting:[citation needed] Walking about a mile up the creek which empties into the lake just south of the beach leads to large beds of light gray clay, through which the creek flows. Mixed with the creek water, clay makes body/face paint which can be worn home, but is much more commonly washed off by another swim in the lake. Clay painting has a negative effect on the park environment due to the amount of clay that is introduced to the creek water through man-made erosion and dispersion. Clay particles in the water create a turbid water environment. Turbid water can also have negative health effects if ingested; the higher the turbidity level, the higher the risk that people may develop gastrointestinal diseases. These health hazards are of particular concern given the number of small children and infants who play in the creek at the lake shore.[citation needed]
Creativity:[citation needed] This park is big and often not crowded, so a great testing ground for beach activities and equipment. For example, it was the inspiration and development site for the Beach Buggy, a self-contained mini-kitchen which could be wheeled to a family's water-side picnic site.[citation needed]
