Top sand dunes
Sand DunesPoint Beach Ridges State Natural Area Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Sand DunesSturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve Dune and Swale Complex (Major)
Sand DunesLilly Bay Dune and Swale Complex (Major)
Sand DunesThe Ridges Sanctuary Dune and Swale Complex (Major)
Sand DunesRaspberry Bay Dune and Swale Complex (Possible)
Sand DunesSand Bay Dune and Swale Complex (Submerged)
Sand DunesNorth Bay Dune and Swale Complex (Submerged)
Sand DunesDoor County Land Trust Hibbard Creek Dune and Swale Complex (Possible)
Sand DunesOostburg Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Sand DunesWoodland Dunes State Naturak Area Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Sand DunesSalona Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Sand DunesMeridian Park State Natural Area Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Sand Dunes by county
All sand dunes (14)
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph sand dunes
Dunes need low sun: ripples and ridgelines only appear when side-light casts shadows, so shoot within an hour of sunrise or sunset.
- Walk along ridges rather than across faces to avoid leaving footprints in your future compositions.
- A telephoto isolates S-curves and layered ridges.
- Wind erases tracks overnight — mornings have the cleanest sand.
- Protect gear from blowing sand; avoid changing lenses in the wind.
- Sand surfaces get extremely hot in summer afternoons.
Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; full moon nights give soft light on the sand.