Things to do at Point Beach State Forest

• Camping
• Trails
• Hunting
• Nature Programs
• Picnicking
• Swimming

Picnicking

There are picnic areas near the Nature Center and several areas near Lake Michigan. They have picnic tables, grills, drinking water, and rest rooms. Fires are allowed only in the grills and fire rings provided.

The concession stand in the Lodge Building sells picnic supplies, sandwiches, and snack items in season. Firewood is sold at a sales area near the forest entrance.

Enjoying the Water

Lifeguards are not provided.

Lake Michigan can produce dangerous rip currents [exit DNR]. These outward currents are most serious when large waves are present. When there are large waves, use extreme caution. Don't go in water more than waist deep. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current, or if you can't do that, float calmly until the current dissipates. Rip currents seldom are more than 30 feet wide.

Users of small watercraft or floatation devices should be aware of wind conditions. Strong west winds can blow you away from the shoreline. Parents, watch your children at all times in the water. Rubber and plastic rafts, inner tubes, and other boats require personal floatation devices.

Hunting

Most of the forest is open to hunting during established seasons.

Nature Programs

Summer programs are scheduled at the Nature Center in the Lodge Building and listed on the statewide events page.

You'll find plenty of interesting plants and animals to observe in the forest. Except for hunting during established seasons, all animals and plants are protected. Please don't destroy the plants; leave them for others to enjoy.

Litter can spoil someone else's visit, so don't leave any of it.

For more information, ask: Point Beach State Forest, (920) 794-7480.