Laketown Beach Park, 6710 142^nd Ave.: Towering sand dunes are part of the stunning view along Lake Michigan. The walk in the dunes is a challenge. Despite the stair removal, the beach is accessible, although it is extremely difficult, if not dangerous, to climb up from the beach.

Amenities: Paved parking (limited parking sites), portable restroom. No lifeguard but life ring from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

Dogs: Not allowed.

Other: There are about 51 steps from the parking lot to the dune path to get to the beach — these steps remain open. Other stairs have been removed.

NOTICE: The stairs from the lakeshore to the top of the dune have been removed!

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

To the beach: The stairs from the parking lot up the dune remain open though they are covered in sand. 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.

From the beach: 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.

Other beach options

Here are some other nearby beaches with easier access to Lake Michigan:

Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 6575 138^th Ave.: A thousand acres includes hiking trails through dunes to Lake Michigan with 2.5 miles of lake front. Restrooms and picnic areas. No camping. Recreation passport required. Shortest trail to the beach is three-quarters of a mile one way.

For more information, visit the park’s website.

Via Laketown Township’s Shore Acres Park, 6602 138^th Ave.: Visitors can reach Lake Michigan starting at Shore Acres which is surrounded by Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Park in the dirt lot. No charge. Take one of several Saugatuck Dunes State Park trails. There is one immediately to the south. Another can be accessed by following the trail through the disc golf course. The trail meets with state parks trails that lead to the beach.

For more information, including a parks map, visit here.

Other area beaches:

Holland State Park, 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland: Admission fee required. Visit the website here.

Oval Beach, 690 Perryman St., Saugatuck: Admission fee required. Visit the website here.

West Side County Park, 2152 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville: Free access. Visit website here.