The closer to Lake Michigan, the younger the feature, whether sand dune, wetland, or forest. There are exceptions, to be sure, but you need not be one of them. This is a good way to gain an understanding of the past and of the reasons why this area was placed in the National Park System. And this landscape adjoins a compelling deep, one of our five Great Lakes.
Northwest winds move Mt. Baldy inland, slowly burying the forest just south of the dune.
Winds pick up sand grains from the beach and blow them inland. The sand grains roll and bounce along in a process referred to as saltation . As the wind speed increases, the sand is picked up and carried. Or perhaps you have heard there are fine sandy beaches here and a minimum of hustle and bustle. To test this out, just leave your car or bus and walk off by yourself.