A small distance to the west of Holland, Michigan is Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk that provides a great aerobic activity as well as giving a superb view from the top. Climb the well-maintained staircase that includes landings and benches for deserved rests on the ascent and descent.
At the top are magnificent views of Lake Michigan, Holland State Park and Lake Macatawa. Look for the Big Red Lighthouse located on the channel that connects the two lakes.
Incredible sunsets over Lake Michigan are a frequent feature at ground level, but the boardwalk’s maximum altitude of 157 feet (48 meters) increases the intensity and beauty of the final rays as they flood the surrounding area.
Although it’s a half-mile (0.8-kilometer) hike to reach the top, only good walking shoes are required. However, there are trails off to the sides of the boardwalk that would be more suitable with proper footwear. Decide to hike or descend through the wooded areas to the side of the boardwalk that is best used from March to November, although the boardwalk is open year round.
Reach the boardwalk on 3rd Avenue located off Ottawa Beach Road that connects the city with Holland State Park. Leave your vehicle in a public lot near Black Lake Avenue and Ottawa Beach Road, but be advised that spaces can become limited later in the day. Alternatively, park your car at Holland State Park, particularly if you plan to visit both sites.
If you’re going to the beach you may want to do that first and find a good place on the sand, followed by a trip up Mt. Pisgah before you leave the area for the day.
On the other side of the water channel that serves as a boundary for Holland State Park is Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse: Big Red Lighthouse. Plan to visit this structure for impressive photographs and look over to the other shore to get an additional sense of the height of Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk.
