Holidaymakers planning a trip to the popular Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan, USA, have been issued a stern warning: prepare for your visit or face potential fines of up to £2,331. The stunning sand dunes, which offer breathtaking views across the azure blue waters of Lake Michigan, are a favourite amongst tourists.
However, their steep inclines can prove deceptive and dangerous. From the top, the dunes may appear manageable, but once visitors descend towards the water’s edge, they quickly realise the challenge that lies ahead. Unsuspecting tourists often find themselves stuck at the bottom, unable to climb back up the sharp incline.
This has led to local firefighters and rescue services being called out multiple times a week, reports the Mirror.
In response to this ongoing issue, authorities have placed warning signs at some of the more treacherous parts of the dunes. These signs alert holidaymakers to the fact that if they require rescuing, they will be slapped with a $3,000 fine (approximately £2,331).
Adventure-seekers are also advised to come prepared with suncream, plenty of water, and hiking shoes to protect against the abrasive sand.
Last year, the Glen Lake Firefighters service, who handle local rescues, took to Facebook to explain why such hefty fines were necessary.
They explained that a rescue operation isn’t as simple as dispatching one or two firefighters; it requires all on-duty personnel and various park rangers to rush to the scene. This means that if other emergencies arise in the local area, additional responders will need to be mobilised.
Moreover, the shifting sands can wreak havoc on rescue equipment, leading to costly repairs. They clarified that there are three levels of charge, with fines “calculated based on complexity of the rescue”.
Since the implementation of warning signs, they noted that “place rescues at this location have gone from a daily occurrence during the summer months to less than a weekly occurrence”.
The National Parks Service has provided guidance for those daring enough to tackle the dunes, suggesting some ‘easier’ trails complete with picnic stops and less challenging ascents. However, these routes are still quite steep, even with occasional flatter areas where you can take a breather.
Locals have cautioned that while families are welcome, the steep terrain may not be suitable for younger children.
Authorities have also issued a warning to visitors about the disorientating nature of the shifting sands and vast stretches of similar landscapes. They recommend that groups – particularly those with young members – should establish a meet-up point before venturing down the dunes.
A recent visitor shared their experience on Tripadvisor, saying: “The nice thing about this dune climb is that the steepest/hardest climb is right at the beginning, up from the parking lot, where most others it’s an easy trip down at the start and a slog back up. So it was nice that you could head back at any time and have mainly downhill on the return.
“We climbed the first main dune, and then a bit of a flat stretch, followed by a second, shorter climb, from which we could see the lake in the distance. This was far enough for us, so we retraced our steps from there, but it was a nice chance to experience walking in the dune, still early enough in the day (about 10 AM) that the sand was nice and cool enough to walk in barefoot.”