GNA is a nonprofit organization that supports and raises funds for programming, park accessibility, and infrastructure improvements at the Visitor Center. GNA does not staff or run the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is a state-owned facility managed and staffed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  

The easiest way to get in touch with our team is to fill out a form on the Contact page. We will get back to you as soon as we can!  

There are numerous ways to support Gillette Nature Association and the Visitor Center. Visit our Giving page to learn more about the endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, becoming a Friend of the Park, or making an annual donation.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park comprises almost 1,200 acres with 10 miles of scenic trails and three miles of beach. 

There are three miles of Lake Michigan beach frontage to enjoy.

The Visitor Center is a little over ¼ mile from the beach.

The trails throughout the park are considered strenuous, with varying terrain and stairs, which can limit access for some individuals. The Dune Climb Stairway has 193 steps.

Located on one of the park’s largest dunes, the Dune Climb Stairway has 193 steps with lower and upper observation decks providing incredible views of Lake Michigan and surrounding dunes.

Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash that does not exceed 6ft long. Dogs may be on the beach as long as they are leashed, under the owner’s control, and not within a designated swim area. We encourage owners to clean up after their pets and keep our trails and beaches clean for all visitors and wildlife.

We are pleased to announce recent improvements to our park’s accessibility, including a Track Chair and Mobi Mat. The Track Chair is an off-road electronic chair that allows visitors to explore areas of the park where traditional wheelchairs might not reach. It can handle snow, sand, and up to eight inches of water. The Mobi Mat is a solid surface pathway that we install on the beach seasonally (warm weather months only) to allow easy beach and water access for those with wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.

The Track Chair is free to use. During the off-season, the track chair is available on a first-come, first-served basis. During the busy season (Memorial Day – Labor Day), the Track Chair must be reserved in advance to use. Reservations can be made by calling the park office at 231-798-3711 or by stopping into the office. A liability form must be completed before use, and we require chair users to have a companion with them on specific trails and beaches. There are designated areas where the Track Chair may be used safely. Other areas are off-limits due to slope percentages exceeding safe usage. For additional information and user instructions, please meet with a member of our team. 

Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center is located in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Our address is 6585 Lake Harbor Rd. Muskegon, MI 49441.

Yes! We are a public facility and open to all during our operating hours.

All guests are required to have a Michigan Recreation Passport to enter the park. Non-residents can purchase a Non-Resident Recreation Passport at any state park or recreation area or online.