LUDINGTON, MICH. -- It looks more like Morocco than Michigan. But the dunes, which can grow as tall as 180 feet, aren't home to countless camels. Rather, these impressive amber sand mounds are traversed by Jeeps, motorbikes, hikers and tourists. These are the dunes that line the east coast of Lake Michigan, and they're one of the most impressive sights to be found in the Ludington area.

Adventurous visitors can traverse the dunes in their SUVs, but one look at these mammoth mountains of sand told us our Honda CRV couldn't hack it. No worries, though. Travelers can rent a jeep for $70 an hour (Sandy Korners Jeep Rentals, 1762 N. 24th Ave., Mears, 231-873-5048, sandykorners.com) or join a dune buggy charter for a mere $12.50. With so much to consider when it comes to driving on the dunes yourself, the charter is an economical and easy alternative.

We took a tour with Mac Wood's Dune Rides (629 N. 18th Ave., Silver Lake, 231-873-2817, oceana.net/dunerides), and it was probably the single most exciting part of the western Michigan excursion. The dunes cover 2,000 acres, and the tour bounces over eight miles in 40 minutes. Tour guides are knowledgeable and witty, and the four-wheel vehicles effortlessly traverse the steep sand hills. At $12.50, the tour is a steal.

Also near Silver Lake is the Little Sable Point Lighthouse, a sleek, brick beacon located on a pristine beach perfect for romping in the surf or catching some rays.

With a casino like Potawatomi just minutes away from most of us in Milwaukee, it's hard to understand what a small Indian reservation casino like Little River (US 31 & Michigan Hwy. 22, 888-568-2244) could offer. But here's a hint: seats at the tables.

Unlike Potawatomi, in which potential players must wait up to half an hour for a blackjack table, the lines aren't much to complain about in Manistee. Plenty of good seats are available at the casino, which also offers roulette, Let it Ride and Pai Gaw poker, none of which you can find at the Southeastern Wisconsin casinos. Little River also serves alcohol, but be prepared, the drinks are cheap but not free.

And the casino -- open 24 hours -- isn't close to the ferry, either: it's on the far end of the charming town of Manistee, which is nearly 45 minutes away from Ludington. However, the trip to the casino is relatively effortless -- traffic isn't much of an issue out here -- and Manistee is a lovely little river town with a picturesque main street lined with century-old brick buildings.