Kenosha Sand Dunes in Pleasant Prairie

 

Kenosha Dunes, the northernmost portion of Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area, contains open and stabilized sand dunes. The variety of habitats, coupled with their location in the extreme southeastern corner of the state, allows several rare and geographically restricted plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, and mammals to thrive there. Twenty-six rare plant species, 10 of which are listed as endangered or threatened, grow in the prairie. More than 75 species of grassland and wetland birds have been observed during the breeding season.

 

The area near the shoreline has gently rolling sand dunes covered with grasses and sparse vegetation. Farther west, the dunes have marshy ponds surrounded by cattails and mature trees.

 

There is a 2-mile moderately trafficked loop trail along Lake Michigan and through the near-shore dunes. The main trail along the lake is an old gravel road. The trails going through the dunes are not marked. The trail is open year-round.

 

Park at Southport Park, Kenosha. Walk south along the lake to access the dunes.

 

For more information go to the DNR website.

 

For a trail map, click here.

 

Gallery (click to enlarge)