Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

NOTE: Dogs and horses are not allowed at this nature preserve.

Size

30 acres

Frontage

950 feet along Lake Michigan with 300 feet as a public beach.

Land Description

A mix of upland dunes and lowland cedar swamp, a small pond, and Great Lakes shoreline.

Trail + Facilities Description

A large parking lot lies adjacent to the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center. A total of 1½ miles of trail, dune observation platform, pond observation platform, pavilion, amphitheater, and seasonal guided programs all make this an excellent family destination. Please note that collection of any kind (i.e. rocks or vegetation) is prohibited at this preserve.

Thorne Swift trails are open daily from 10:00AM to sunset from typically April 15 through November 14.

The Nature Center is open Memorial Day through to Labor Day from 10:00AM - 7:00PM. Call 231.526.6401 for more information.

History

In 1981, Elizabeth Kennedy donated the Thorne Swift property to Little Traverse Conservancy. The Conservancy leases the property to West Traverse Township.

Directions

ADDRESS: 6696 Lower Shore Drive, Harbor Springs - From Harbor Springs, take M-119 northwest 3.8 miles to Lower Shore Drive. Follow Lower Shore Drive for ½ mile. The preserve sign is on the left.

Call (231) 526-6401 for current programs and extended seasonal hours.

Check out the plants and animals found at this preserve using the iNaturalist guide below. Help us document more with iNaturalist.org and eBird.org.

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