Michigan Dunes And Lake Arvesta Adventure

If you’re looking for a family-friendly summer Michigan Dunes and Lake Arvesta Adventure that’s just 2 hours from Chicago, let me tell you about our recent trip to South Haven, Michigan. Our family of 24 (plus our pup!) spent three days exploring beaches, sand dunes, man-made lakes, and charming small towns. It turned into a memorable family adventure we’ve ever had. Between sand castle building in the dunes, inflatable obstacle races, and s’more nights under the stars, this trip proved that quality family time doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Michigan Dunes and Lake Arvesta Adventure Table of Contents

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Big Family Michigan Itinerary – Why You’ll Love This Trip

Flight	Stay	Do	Drive
Skyscanner	Agoda	GetYourGuide	Getrentacar.com

• Close to Chicago: Only 2 hours away.
• Variety: Dunes, lake, beach, small towns, and camping.
• Kid-friendly: Playgrounds, inflatables, sledding, ice cream.
• Perfect for big families: Cabins, RV spots, and space for everyone.
• Pet-friendly: Bring your pup along!

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Where We Stayed: Kal-Haven Outpost

We wanted a place that could hold our huge family group comfortably and Kal-Haven Outpost provided it. Each cabin fits up to 8 people, has AC/heat, a fridge, a BBQ grill, picnic table, and clean bathrooms just a short walk from the cabins, which is a lifesaver when you’re camping with kids.

Our evenings at Kal-Haven were lively. One night we set up a movie projector, gathered all the kids and adults on blankets, and watched a scary movie. The kids squealed and laughed, the adults acted like they too weren’t scared, and the whole scene reminded me why I love trips like this. Little moments like this that turn into family stories you’ll retell again and again.

Pro Tips: 

• If you forget anything, Walmart and Aldi are just a short 10 minute drive away. 
• The camp has a kids’ playgroup, a camp shop for last-minute essentials
• Kal-Haven also has the option for RV set-uos, which makes it easy for families to have an RV and roadtripping. Check RV and cabin rates on Tripadvisor.

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Day 1: Michigan Dunes – Laughter In The Sand

We kicked off our trip heading to Michigan Dunes, in Warren Dune State Park and I’ll never forget seeing my nieces, and nephews. They loved racing down the sand, playing on the beach and having me dig them into the sand. Even the adults joined in to help build sand castles.

After a beach picnic, we made our way back to Kal-Haven Outpost. Dinner was casual and then we did post dinner dessert at Sherman’s of South Haven ice cream shop. (Ice cream shop closes at 11pm and is seasonal but if you miss this, there is a Culvers right across the road)

Pro Tips: 

• Bring your own sled or sand board to enjoy in the dunes
• Bring the group using a few cars and carpool. Rent larger vehicles using GetRentaCar. 
• Pick an easy beach picnic meal option – we preshreaded a rotisserie chicken and made sandwiches in the car with chips and drinks. 

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Day 2: Lake Arvesta Fun – Water Adventures For Everyone

Thursday was all about a Lake Arvesta family day trip. We visited Lake Arvesta Farms & Arvesta Sports Complex, a man-made lake that is a kid paradise, with inflatables, slides, and plenty of space for everyone to play. We spent hours racing on the inflatables, floating on the water, and cheering on the kids as they conquered slides again and again. There are non-water activities too and a restaurant/cafe if you decide not to bring snacks. 

By the time we returned to Kal-Haven, everyone was exhausted but happy. That night, we gathered for a potluck dinner and firepit. We roasted s’mores, singing silly songs with my dad leading in the guitar playing as we watched the stars. We even went on a night walk to continue the scary vibes. These moments are what family trips are really about, after all. 

Pro Tips:

• Pre-plan meals for potluck night with the family. It makes evenings simple and fun.
• Bring a mix of active and chill activities for kids, adults, and pups. We brought with us games like large jenga, cards, flashlights, a guitar and a projector for our movie night.
• Stop at Walmart or Aldi before heading to camp so you’re stocked for the trip. We did our shopping here before checking-in.

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Day 3: Saugatuck & South Haven – Town Charm

On our last day, we started at Veritas Estate Winery & Tasting Room, where the kids ran around in the play area while the adults enjoyed wine tastings as we picked our favorite wines to bring back home with us. You can also consider extending your stay here and staying on the onsite inn. Check rates and availability using Agoda.

Next, we explored Saugatuck, a town that instantly charmed us with art galleries, small shops, cozy lunch spots and walks along the river trail with the pup who kept being stopped for cuddles.

Finally, we stopped in South Haven. Strolling along the harbor, downtown and beaches. 

Pro Tips: 

• Optional: Saugatuck Dunes State Park for a quick hike or bike ride.  
• Extra night in Saugatuck: Stay near the dunes or downtown to enjoy more beach time and small-town exploration. Check perfect Stays using Agoda. 
• Extra night in South Haven: Rent a lakefront cabin and enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, and family-friendly cafes.  Chec out more cabin stays using Agoda.

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Final Michigan Dunes And Lake Arvesta Adventure Thought

This trip is more than a getaway, it’s a chance to create memories, laugh until your belly hurts, and have experiences that everyone from the abuelos to little nieces and nephews will remember forever.

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Want to discover where else you can visit in America’s midwest?

See my Travel Guide Section for tips and recommendations for other bordering cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. Learn how to get there, where to stay, eat and what to do!