Old Baldy Dune

Overview

Old Baldy is the quiet kid of the dune family—a windswept perch with wide Lake Michigan views and far fewer people than the park’s headliners. You reach it via the Treat Farm Trail just south of Empire, a short walk that blends history, forest, and open dune.

Getting There & The Hike

Start from the roadside pull-off by the locked gate on Norconk Road and follow the signed Treat Farm Trail. It’s roughly a 2-mile round trip, rolling through fields and woods before skirting the historic farm buildings and climbing sandy slopes to the dune crest. Expect some soft sand underfoot near the end—short but calf-testing.

What You’ll See

The approach mixes pastoral and wild: preserved 1880s farm buildings (exteriors only), hardwood pockets, and then the open, golden dune. From the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dune country—especially striking on clear days and toward sunset.

History

You’ll pass the Old Treat Farmstead on the way in—an 1880s-era homestead maintained by the park. The buildings aren’t open for touring, but the exterior setting adds a memorable sense of place to the hike.

Wildlife

This corner of the lakeshore commonly hosts deer, wild turkeys, and plenty of songbirds. Open dune edges can draw raptors; keep an eye out for hawks or even eagles riding the wind off the lake.

Best Time to Visit

Golden hour delivers the drama—come late afternoon into sunset for flattering light and fewer people. Summer brings the biggest lake vistas; fall layers on color in the woods. The trail is open year‑round, but plan for wind on the dune.

Know Before You Go

• No facilities: there are no restrooms, water, or services at the trailhead or on the trail.
• Park pass required: pick one up in Empire before heading to Norconk Road.
• Footing: the last stretch is sandy and can feel steep; wear shoes that handle sand.
• Buildings closed: Treat Farm is for exterior viewing only.