A 28 acre wooded and sand dune area that is bordered by Mt. McSauba. Enjoy a secluded .65 mile wooded trail with plenty of places to stop and overlook Lake Michigan or the bountiful wildlife and natural surroundings.
North Point not only contains a stretch of undeveloped lakeshore in the middle of this tourist town but three threatened plant species as well: Pitcher’s Thistle, Lake Huron Tansy, and Pumpell’s Bromegrass. Despite being on the edge of a city, the preserve also harbors deer, porcupines, various shore birds and occasionally loons, eagles, and great blue herons.
The preserve lies adjacent to the Mt McSauba Recreation Area, a 50-acre park that is dominated by its namesake dune and is the focal point of a city-operated downhill ski area. The recreation area also has a limited network of trails that merge into those with the preserve.
The 1.5 miles of trails at North Point are poorly marked and at times seem to be haphazardly laid out but it would be nearly impossible to get lost here. Walk 10 minutes in any direction and you arrive at either a road or Lake Michigan. The route describes below is a 0.65-mile loop that is composed of the best-defined trails and is easy to follow.
The primary activity at the preserve is hiking. In the winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers use the trails when there is sufficient snow. Click here for a trail map.
