Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve
All dogs must be on a leash!
And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Learn More
Size
118 acres
Frontage
3,500 feet on Lake Michigan.
Land Description
A mix of conifer forest, thick cedar swamp, and dune habitats. Lake Huron Tansy and other threatened or endangered species thrive here.
Trail Description
A short trail (0.4 miles) and boardwalk allow visitors to explore without damaging the sensitive habitat. The preserve provides public access to the lake and a shallow, marshy beach.
History
Designated by a group of island residents as the number one priority for acquisition and preservation, the Conservancy acquired the original 60 acres in 1994. In 1999, the Conservancy assisted the state in developing 30 more acres. In 2011, Little Traverse Conservancy purchased a 28-acre addition to the preserve with funds from the J.A. Woollam Foundation. When added to adjacent state land to the north, nearly 1½ miles of shoreline are now protected.
Directions
ADDRESS: 36010 East Side Drive, Beaver Island, MI 49782
From Welke’s airport, go south on East Side Drive for approximately 200 yards. Look for a sign on the left side of the road.
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.
