Dunes Succession Trail Boardwalk

Overview

This short, interpretive loop at West Beach packs in a lot: a long boardwalk and stair climb over the dunes, sweeping views of Lake Michigan, and a crash course in how bare sand becomes forest. It’s the park’s classic dune-succession walk, and you’ll literally step through each stage as you go.

What Makes It Unique

The route is purpose-built to showcase the four stages of dune development—open sand to grasses, shrubs, and eventually forest—spelled out on well-placed signs. The boardwalk’s big staircase tops out with broad lake-and-dune vistas; on clear days you can even pick out the Chicago skyline.

The Walk

Figure on roughly a mile total. Starting from the West Beach parking area near the bathhouse, follow the signed loop through open sand and jack pine to the stairs and boardwalk over the high dune (often nicknamed Diana’s Dune). The path then drops toward beach-side sand and forest before looping back. It’s short, varied, and a perfect sampler of the park’s terrain.

Wildlife & Nature

This area edges Long Lake, which makes it a reliable birding stop—watch for songbirds, raptors, and seasonal waterfowl. The changing plant communities along the loop are the star: dune grasses and shrubs give way to jack pine and mixed forest, all helping stabilize the shifting sand.

Make It a Beach Day

You’re steps from West Beach at the start/finish, so it’s easy to cool off with a swim or sprawl on the sand after the loop. Facilities here are more robust than most trailheads, which makes this an ideal family stop.

Best Time to Visit

Trail access is available daily, typically 6 AM–9 PM. Go early or late for softer light, cooler temperatures on the stairs, and lighter crowds. Midday on summer weekends is the busiest window; weekdays and shoulder seasons are calmer.

Practicalities

Start from the West Beach bathhouse to follow the interpretive signage in order. Expect a real stair workout—pace yourself, especially in heat. Bring water and good footwear; the boardwalk and sand can both sap energy. If you want extra miles, connect this loop with the other signed West Beach loops, then reward yourself at the beach.