Mac Woods Dune Tours Review

If you are the adventurous type and like beautiful scenery, the Mac Wood's Dune Rides on Silver Lake is guaranteed to be the highlight of your summer vacation in Michigan. 

We weren't sure what to expect when we pulled into the Mac Wood's parking lot, but when we observed the smiling people exiting the dune buggies, we knew that we were in for a great ride.  We were not disappointed.

The Mac Wood's Dune Ride tour is a safe, fun-filled, seven mile ride and is approximately 40 minutes long.  Mac Wood's is the only outfitter that is approved to drive on the Silver Lake State Park sand dunes that are preserved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  That means that you will see no other riders in these sand dunes other than Mac Wood's buggies.  While other drivers can only drive on designated sand dunes in another area, Mac Wood's riders are privy to their own personal tour in areas not accessible to others.  That alone is worth the price of admission.

Also worth the price of admission are the informative (and often funny) tour guides who deserve kudos for making the ride so much fun.  Our tour guide was hilarious and made us feel like old friends.  She also was responsible for my mother getting soaked from Lake Michigan (the dune ride goes in the water), which will always be a fun and cherished memory for our family.  And I have the picture to prove it.

I was surprised at how fast we went, especially around the sharp curves and up and down the hills.  It was like riding a roller-coaster but without the queasiness.  Even my three-year old enjoyed it and asked to do it again and again. 

We had a nice stop right on Lake Michigan where we took some beautiful pictures and played in the refreshing (i.e. cold) water.  The tour guide was eager to take pictures of everyone and had a lot of interesting information to share with us about Lake Michigan.

Even though our Mac Wood's Dune Ride happened two months ago, my children still talk about it often and can't wait to go back.  Neither can I.  I wouldn't be surprised if we make it an annual event. 

I thought that the admission price was very good at $15 per adult, $10 per child ages 3-11, and free for children under age two.  Also, the gift shop had some nice items for reasonable prices and there were also photo opportunities around the area during our wait for our ride.  There is a small museum showcasing older dune buggies, which was neat to see as well.

So what are you waiting for?  Get on over to Mac Wood's Dune Rides and enjoy your ride!