Saugatuck Dune Rides

I was a little hesitant at first after reading reviews comparing it to a «roller coaster» because I’m almost six months pregnant and we have a 19 month old, but I’m glad we did it. I asked questions before buying the tickets and the woman behind the counter was very patient and answered all my questions. I had actually emailed beforehand and was told that pregnant women do ride, but they sit in the front. Our driver Joey was also really nice and we got to sit right in front. They do go fast at times, but there’s plenty of stops, and I honestly barely felt any bumps at all. Quite a comfortable ride. There is one «big drop», but it was just fun and I didn’t feel my stomach drop at all. The baby loved it and was laughing. I liked learning about the history of the dunes and the forest part was beautiful. When we got back the lady who sold me the tickets was nice enough to ask me how it went. Would definitely recommend and great for all ages. Babies do have to be a year old at least.
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We would have liked more time at the top of the dunes. My kids had time to climb around one side but had no time to climb the dune with the view of the lake. My other complaint is the inappropriate «Dear Crossing» sign of a bikini clad cartoonish woman and the driver making uncomfortable «you know what I’m talking about», remarks. Not appropriate for my 10 year old daughter nor my 12 year old son. Very sexist and out of touch with how we treat our daughters/​women in this day and age. Other than that, my 10 year old, 12 year old and I had a great time on this tour. Our tour guide/​driver was informative and funny (other than the previous stated comment). The ride was amusing, thrilling and interesting. Great combination for adults and kids. If it wasn’t for the sign and the too short amount of time spent on the top I would have given this a 5 star review.

It’s a dune schooner, not a dune buggy. The schooner seats about 20. It’s a fun fast ride, but it’s more than that. You get a rollercoaster on sand, then add in some history, ecology and geography lessons plus sight gags and a little stand-​up comedy.
You’ll make one stop of about 20 minutes at the top of the highest dune. The driver, Ian, was happy to talk about the evolving terrain, the vehicle, the Tigers vs. the White Sox, and just about anything else.
Oh yeah. Sit up front!

The ride was a blast. Ian was very entertaining. They have fun ice cream. Restrooms are very clean. Grounds kept up nicely. We loved hairy pecone flowers. It was a great experience.

A must do when you come to saugatuck! We were skeptical about bringing our almost 2 year old twins but they loved it! Aaron our guide was great– very knowledgable and great sense of humor!

So much fun. I was skeptical and had to be dragged along by the group. Way exceeded all my expectations. The ride was Fast and exciting and a little bit educational to boot. Everyone in our group ages (teens, twenty, thirty and forty somethings) all loved it.

This is a great thing to do for those seeking a little thrill, humor and history.
I had no expectations as to what we were in for, and so when our driver, Ian, gunned it down a dune for the first time, my 3-​year-​old daughter wasn’t the only one screaming with delight. It’s a pretty exhilarating ride.
There are a few stops, including one where you get out on the top of one of the highest dunes. I’d suggest you wear sandals.
I’m not a big «let’s look at the unique shops and windmills/​lighthouses» kind of guy, so this place made our short vacation in Michigan a bit more enjoyable for someone like me.

I was skeptical at first, as my idea of exploring the dunes included a four wheeler with a few hours to kill. I was very pleasantly surprised. It was fun and exciting for children as small as 5 and adults as old as 70. Even a number of college students were on the tour and loved it. Great fun for all ages! Get there early to get a spot! Takes 40 minutes.
If you’re in the area, this should be at the top of your to-​do list.

Great family fun. Cheesy commentary by cute driver. Great views. Lots of information about local area. Don’t miss.

After riding the Mac Woods dune ride near Ludington last year, we finally made it to Saugatuck. I was expecting more of the same but our driver John really made the ride fun and funny! Lots of dune and sand related jokes which were delightfully cheesy. I like that we went through the wooded (shaded) areas to cool off, and then John would gun it down the dunes making for an exhilarating ride. The gift shop and café area is clean, clean bathrooms are a plus. Very kid friendly, and good for the family. Most fun you can have away from the beach.

We’ve been visiting the area for 4 years and finally took a dune ride when we felt our kiddos were old enough. What a blast! Not only was it fun, but we learned about the Singapore /​Sagatuck history and fun facts that we didn’t know before. The tour guide was amazing and clearly loves what he does, making it all the better. We’ll be back!

We had a fun time! Aaron our driver was funny, knowledgeable and made the ride very interesting! We had 4 teens with us and they had a blast! Great way to learn about the history of Saugatauk and experience the beautiful scenery — definitely would recommend for a fun family excursion!

Great 49 minutes. Perfect end to our vacation. Perfect for kids over 4 and adults alike. Also great info in sand dunes. Interesting and fun win win

First timer to Saugatuck. Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes expectations going into it since the ride caters to individuals of all ages. But I gotta say this is super fun and worth your 20 bucks. They take you on a tour of 300 acres of privately owned dunes. You get to the top and get to see the bottom as well. They stop for pictures and take you on a fun fun ride with a mix of corny jokes in there. You will definitely leave this experience with a smile on your face!

This was so much fun unfortunately it is not appropriate for small children. I would have given it five stars if they would have told me that it wasn’t safe for my three year old to enjoy. Even though they say it is appropriate for 12 months and older, in my opinion, they are out of their minds. I didn’t know what I was getting in to. My son cried the entire time and considering the «seat belt» was a rope across the laps of four adults he was in danger the entire ride. I would never allow a child younger than six to ride this and I hope they change their rules before a child is seriously injured. It is a shame to write a poor review for them because for the rest of my group it was a blast!

Our driver was Scott, I’m sure if you ride with him, you will get the same jokes. He entertained us, we rode in the back because «it’s bumpiest in the back». We had a hoot of a good time. I recommend exiting the highway and trying the tour

Incredibly fun, exciting, and you get to learn alot and see alot. You also get to move about and walk around for about 10min then your back on the trails. Watch out for the snake in the tree! Haha

Went for an awesome dune ride with the wife and kids. Even the youngest loved the ride. The jokes are corny, but that is to be expected, but they were way better than on previous dune rides I’ve been on up north.
The star of the show is the vehicle and nature. We had a blast and I was shocked at just how fast our driver was going and keeping us under control. I’ve been on dune rides before, but never felt like I was on the edge of my seat like I was on this trip. It was perfect. .. enough to thrill you a ton, but not enough to actually fear for your life.
We’ll definitely be back with friends next time we’re in the area. Great experience and great scenery!

Very fun, for adults and kids! We did this ride with a group of 12 ranging in ages from 80 to 18 months. It was a great time for all. The driver was entertaining and informative.
You might want to make a reservation as there can be long lines.

Took a bus trip to Saugatuck through the Fort Wayne Parks Dept (that will be another GLOWING review…)
Our day consisted of a tour of the waterway on the Star of Saugatuck II, then shopping, and concluded with this thrilling adventure on the Dunes!
Wasn’t sure what to expect — but after looking though their website I was looking forward to a little adventure! Our fellow bus passengers loaded up all three trucks… squeezed 4 to a row, giant seat belt fastened tightly, and blankets tucked in, we were ready to set off. Our driver — Joel, if I recall — was wonderful (not to mention easy on the eyes… and ears (I have a thing for good voices… very pleasant… but this isn’t a review about him… hehe!) and treated his passengers with respect. We were a mixed bunch — I believe I was the youngest on the ride at 31 — but we all had a blast!
The goofy puns, the wonderful history of the area, the magnificent views of Lake Michigan and the woods below… all a fun time… the best part, though, were the sharp turns, steep hills (both up and down), and the older woman behind me squeaking out «Oh sh*t!» as we crested over one of the largest hills in our trip. That dune ride was certainly a test of how much bladder control those ladies have!
So — spend the money on the ride — it may not seem like it lasts a long time at 30 – 40 minutes, but it’s worth it. Where else can you have a history less, thrill ride, sight-​seeing, and nature experience all in one?!
My recommendations — make sure all your personal items are secure; no hats or anything that can fly off because they will! And take your camera (just keep it secure until your ride stops or slows down!)

I’ve been going to Saugatuck for over 20 years (gasp! I’m really showing my age) and the first time I visited the area with my family we went on the Dune Rides… year after year this does NOT get old.
Yes, I could probably GIVE the tour by now and know all the «funnies» they point out along the way because they really haven’t changed much but I absolutely LOVE doing this with people for the first time.
Yes, the price has increased year after year, but it’s still totally worth it. If you luck out you’ll get an awesome tour guide and that is usually worth the price. You get to stop along the way to take pictures with an amazing view.
It’s fun… it’s informative. DO THIS when you’re visiting the area, you’ll love it!

Such a fun ride! A «must-​do» for anyone in the area.
Sitting in the back is insane! Not for the timid, that is for sure! Very much like a roller coaster, making your stomach do flips. FUN! FUN! FUN!
The drivers educate you about the Dunes and entertain you with their quirky humor throughout the 40 minute experience. A favorite for both kids and adults. You can even get out and take photos ½ way through the ride.