Thorne Swift Nature Preserve was initiated in 1981 by a West Traverse Township resident, who offered to donate 30 acres to the Little Traverse Conservancy. The Conservancy agreed to lease the property to West Traverse Township for management so that township residents and others could enjoy the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, cedar swamp, and other natural features of the property.

The three most significant features of the Thorne Swift preserve are the lakeshore, the strip of sand dunes bordering the shore, and the cedar swamp between the nature center and the beach. The preserve and nature center are open daily 10:00 AM to one- half hour after sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call for hours at other times of the year. Restrooms are provided in the nature center and on the Cedar Trail near the Lakeshore Use Area. Call the Center at 616-526-6401 regarding the current activities and programs offered.

Directions: From Harbor Springs take M-119 west approximately 4 miles to Lower Shore Drive. Follow Lower Shore Drive for about 1/2 mile. The preserve is on the left side.