Elberta Dunes South Natural Area

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  • Elberta_withclouds by MC
  • Elberta Dunes Cruise Image-Jenika Burden Photography
  • Elberta Dunes Cruise-Jenika Burden Photography
  • ElbertaBeachPanoramic by MC
  • ElbertaLakeView1 by MC
  • Photo by Michael Collins

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Other Protected Land Activities

Before You Head Out

Please review the preserve rules and the hunting rules, which very by preserve. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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Support This Protected Land

In partnership with the Village of Elberta, the Conservancy completed protecting this incredible property in 2010.  Elberta Dunes South features majestic glacial moraines, towering dunes, and untouched forests offer sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Betsie Valley. This 58-acre parcel has 1/4 mile of sandy Lake Michigan beach frontage and is located within the Village of Elberta in Benzie County. This property is very significant from a conservation standpoint. Globally-rare species such as the Pitcher’s thistle and Lake Huron locust call it home. Piping plovers have also nested along this portion of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Natural Area is owned and managed by the Village of Elberta.

Benzie County. 58 acres.

Maps + Directions

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Mountain Biking is indicated where there are marked trails that are designed for and capable of handling bike traffic.
Birding can be done on all properties so we have added an icon to lands that are either exceptional for birding in uniqueness or diversity or are being specifically managed for bird habitat.
Fishing is indicated where it is a primary feature of the property.
Hiking is indicated where there are marked trails.
Hunting is indicated where it is legal to hunt however each preserve has specific stipulations which are specified for each preserve.
Kayaking/Canoeing is indicated on properties that either have a put-in on the land or have off-property public access proximal to the preserve. Some preserves are only accessible by boat.
Sanctuary properties have ecologically sensitive features and active use is discouraged.
Parking is indicated where there are designated areas for parking. Many lands do not have specific parking so please be safe and respectful of your parking choices when you visit a preserve w/o designated parking.
Skiing / Snowshoeing is indicated where back country (non groomed) skiing and snowshoeing is recommended and the road and/or parking lot is plowed.
Scenic Vistas are indicated where a grand view of the surrounding area is available.
Trail Running is indicated where there are marked trails that are capable of handling the rigors of trail running and are at least one mile in length.
Swimming is indicated where there is specific access to water and is swimming is a primary feature of the property.
Volunteers are needed at this preserve.