The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy protects more than 50 preserves and natural areas in the northern Lower Peninsula. We’ve loved exploring the trails at Arcadia Dunes, Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve, Cosner & Bennett-Barnes Preserve, Yuba Creek Nature Preserve, and others and we recently got to visit another GTRLC property that was light on trail but packed with scenery. The Wilcox Palmer Shah Preserve north of Elk Rapids has a short trail that leads to a sandy beach on Lake Michigan and is worth a visit if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy a little slice of paradise.

There is a limited amount of roadside parking and a sign at the trailhead gives a little more information about this preserve: “WPS is a linear dine, or “dune and swale” complex, formed over 4,000 years ago by retreating Lake Michigan levels. Over time, low dune ridges, generally no more than 15 feet above the lake level, have become forested, with seasonal wetlands remaining in the ridges.” It also notes that the landscape and location makes this preserve home for a variety of plants and animals, with more than 125 different plants identified so far. Two important plants to watch for are the Pitcher’s thistle and the Lake Huron tansy.

A short boardwalk leads through the ecosystems mentioned on the sign: forested dune, interdunal swale, foredune, and sand beach. The beach here is expansive and when we visited we were the only ones there enjoying it. There are many larger rocks in the water and a few gulls and ducks were out in the water. The Old Mission Peninsula is visible to the west, and as you look north or south the beach and shoreline continues until private homes come into view.

The Wilcox Palmer Shah Preserve is located on N. Bayshore Dr. just north of Elk Rapids. From the main light north of town, head west on Dexter then make the quick turn north on Bayshore. Follow Bayshore for just under two miles and look for the preserve sign on your left. Shoulder parking is available on both sides. Please respect this beautiful property and leave it how you found it; pets are allowed but need to be leashed and kept off of sensitive areas.