New fencing at beach to control erosion

Improvements continue at Laketown Township Beach with the installation of new fencing to help control dune erosion, including problems caused by visitors.

Curtis Bergman, who removed the old stairs this spring, began work on the fencing on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, after the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission recently approved spending no more than $15,000 for the project that will curtail erosion and keep visitors on the trail.

People have been walking through and disturbing areas where grass has been planted to stabilize the dune. The township spends about $35,000 for plantings.

The new fencing from the top of the remaining stairs from the parking lot through “the bowl” area to the lakeshore will make it clear where beach visitors should be walking.

Work is expected to be completed before July 4.

For a video of the work, visit Laketown’s Instagram here.

The stairs and access

The township had the 32-year-old wooden steps removed after closing the stairs on March 26 for safety reasons.

The township will be seeking quotes for the new steps.

Despite the stair removal, the beach is accessible, although it is extremely difficult, if not dangerous, to climb up from the beach.

The stairs from the parking lot up the dune remain open. Once visitors reach the top of the stairs, please stay on the marked paths to protect the dune. Take the path through “the bowl,” a steep drop with a flat bottom. Stay off the edges and do not disturb the dune grass. Once at the bottom of “the bowl,” you’ll see another small hill. Go up and head to the lake.

Heed the no trespassing signs and follow other rules of the beach, including no fires.

To get back up the dune, stairs are no longer an option. Visitors must walk back up through “the bowl.” It is a difficult walk because of the soft sand. There are no handrails or any assistance to get back up.

Easier access to Lake Michigan is available at nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park (either through the parking area at the state park or from the parking area at Shore Acres Park), Saugatuck’s Oval Beach and Holland State Park.