Nature has our backs. Let’s return the favor.
Our public preserves remain free and open from dawn to dusk – and your support helps keep them that way!
Pilgrim Haven Natural Area
South Haven Township • Van Buren County • 27 acres
It’s easy to lose track of an afternoon here wandering through the spring wildflowers, exploring the beech-maple forest trails, searching for water critters in Dyckman Creek, or losing yourself in a quest for the perfect rock on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
27 acres
South Haven Township
Van Buren County
It’s easy to lose track of an afternoon here wandering through the spring wildflowers, exploring the beech-maple forest trails, searching for water critters in Dyckman Creek, or losing yourself in a quest for the perfect rock on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Quick facts
Click to quickly jump to . . .
• Maps
• Getting there
• Natural features & conservation
• Preserve history
• Photo gallery
Parking
Asphalt lot with 2 accessible spaces
45 car capacity
Trails
Length: 0.33 mile
There is a concrete walk from the parking lot to the top of the beach; other trails are packed dirt or gravel. Visitors may cross Dyckman Creek on a sturdy bridge, leading to a large open area where a chimney stands alone, marking the site of the former Camp Pilgrim Haven’s dining hall. Other trails lead through quiet woods. Most trails are flat except for those that lead to lake overlooks.
PLEASE NOTE: Swimming is at your own risk; there is no lifeguard on duty.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Dog waste must be packed out. Click to learn more.
Restrooms
Pit toilets
Recreation
Barrier-free access to the beach, hiking, paddling, scenic views, snowshoeing, spring wildflowers, swimming, wildlife viewing.
PLEASE NOTE: Swimming is at your own risk.
SWMLC does not raise swim hazard risk warnings and there is no life guard on duty. The National Weather Service makes Great Lakes beach hazard information available seasonally at this link.
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy does not participate in monitoring Lake Michigan water quality at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. Local results may be found at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Michigan BeachGuard System.
Help keep the beach rocky at Pilgrim Haven!
Rocks may not be taken in large quantities (ie. buckets or other containers), but a small number may be collected for study or souvenirs.
Maps
Track your progress in real time as you hike through the preserve with the interactive Avenza Maps App (available on iOS and Android for free)!
1. Click to add the Avenza Maps App to your phone.
2. Click to open the PDF of the Pilgrim Haven Natural Area Map.
3. Copy the URL at the top of the page.
4. In the Avenza Maps app, click the ‘plus’ (+) symbol at the top of the page. Then choose ‘Tap to enter a URL of a map.’
5. Paste the copied URL and the trail map will automatically load into the app.
6. Take a hike!
Prefer to have a paper map?
Click on the map image for a PDF that you can print or leave open on your phone while you hike.
Getting there
Natural features
From the pebbled beach along Lake Michigan to lush beech-maple forests that host abundant spring wildflowers to the picture-perfect creek spilling into the lake, Pilgrim Haven Natural Area offers a beautiful sample of lakeshore habitats.
This variety provides important stopover habitat for migrating birds and monarch butterflies following the Lake Michigan flyway, and volunteers and staff have planted and maintain a butterfly wayside garden for these tiny travelers.
Nature has our backs.
Let’s return the favor.
Our public preserves remain free and open from dawn to dusk – and your support helps keep them that way!
History
History