Olive Shores — Attraction in Port Sheldon Township

Olive Shores is a stunning hidden gem along the Lake Michigan shoreline. If you're looking for a quiet, scenic place to relax or hike, this is a must-visit. The park is beautifully maintained, with well-marked trails that wind through wooded dunes and offer plenty of peaceful spots to stop and take in the natural beauty.

One of the highlights is the long stairway that leads down to the beach. It’s definitely a bit of a workout, but it's totally worth it once you see the view of the lake at the bottom. The beach is clean and more secluded compared to the larger, busier parks, making it perfect for anyone who wants a quieter experience.

Amenities at Olive Shores include clean restrooms, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, and benches along the trails to rest or just enjoy the scenery. There's also a small pavilion area near the entrance, ideal for a picnic or taking a break before or after your hike. Interpretive signs throughout the park provide interesting facts about the area's history, geology, and ecology, adding a nice educational touch to your visit.

If you enjoy a little hiking mixed with your beach day or just want a peaceful, natural setting by Lake Michigan, Olive Shores is absolutely...

This newer county park has a nice, small parking lot which fills quickly on summer weekends. Day fees are required for parking from Memorial day through Labor day unless an annual county pass is being used. A self service machine is available for day pass purchases, accepting cash and card. Modern restroom facilities and filtered water are available in non-winter months. A short walk connects parking to a steep stair climb over "Mount Olive" dune to the lakeshore - about 100 stairs up and another leading down the other side. Don't pack too many heavy items unless you're prepared to hoof 'em up!

The wooded dune leads down to beach grass ending in about 10 feet or so of sandy, usable shore in most sections. Leave the kites and volleyball at home, this is a swimming & sunning waterfront, and not conducive to larger families or groups. A large swim area is marked off and clean sandy bottom makes for wonderful wading.

Many people enjoy the relative serenity of this small beach, since the significant dune climb filters out the average crowd. One of...

The road leading to Holland State park was already clogged and we decided to drive 20 min up the coast. No traffic on the back roads and we were greeted by a wide open parking lot. The white, sandy beach lies a short walk over the dunes away but the way includes a total of about 300 steps, which requires a bit of planning when going to the restroom or packing beach toys and coolers. The short drive from Holland, the lack of ice cream huts, and the distance to the restrooms make for a rather enjoyable lake experience with ample space and few visitors. Access to the water is all sand (no stones) with a sandbar 30 yards into the lake to chill shoulder-deep in the refreshing water. The swimming area is clearly marked and the beach feels extremely safe and almost private. Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen in a...