It’s no secret that I love my native state of Michigan. I’ve grown up practically in Lake Michigan. We traveled with our children all over of state, big cities, small towns and rural areas. Our state motto is ‘If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you’, is perfectly apt. Whatever you interests or hobbies, you can do just about any of them in Michigan.
Our license plates used to read ‘Water Wonderland’ and indeed Michigan is known for its beaches and water sports. A friend who hails from New York, quipped when she saw Lake Michigan for the first time, This is a lake?? This is a small ocean!’ Which is true in terms of size. And better than an ocean our lakes contain freshwater instead of salt water. Besides our monumental Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior Michigan boasts hundreds of smaller inland lakes.
Here is a guide for travelers to Michigan to find the ten best beaches in Michigan. I am listing beaches mainly in terms of swimming, camping and onshore activities. I’ve written another article for boaters. I’ve also written a separate article on Upper Peninsula beaches, resorts and places of interest. I’ve based my selection of beaches on several factors: clean water, access, water safety, water temperatures, DNR services, amenities and distance from industrial waste. I have listed beaches located on Lake Michigan. Eastern Michigan has more industry and the lakes tend to be dirtier. Also, those areas are fronted by Lake Erie and Lake Huron, which have a rockier bottom than Lake Michigan. It is difficult to swim in a lake without a soft sand base.
Ludington, Michigan: Ludington has an interesting beach configuration. If you turn off from US 31 at Ludington and basically go straight west you will eventually hit Lake Michigan, going through the town of Ludington. At that point, you have a beautiful city beach with shady, grassy picnic area. If you turn north, you will essentially drive along the lake to the Ludington State Park. The park is located on the Au Sable River which empties into Lake Michigan at one point and into a nice small inland lake.
Silver Lake Silver Lake is a summer resort community located on Silver Lake. Silver Lake forms a sort of junction with Lake Michigan and is famous for splendid dunes and gorgeous water.
Pentwater: Pentwater is a tiny community with a back in time feel. There are lovely, inexpensive cottages and resorts. If you like a homey feel, Pentwater is for you. Be sure to check out Gustafson’s Gifts on main street.
Grand Haven, Michigan: My home town has a beautiful board walk which runs along waterfront and out to the pier. Our beach is clean and beautiful. Since Grand Haven is located at the mouth of the Grand River, we have a natural staging area that faces Dewey Hill with the river running past and out to the Big Lake. Spring Lake is a beautiful inland lake just over the bridge.
Manistee, Michigan: Manistee is small community with a boat-lined river that runs along main street and out to the lake. The campground is lovely.
Petosky, Michigan: Named for the legendary Petosky stone (Michigan’s state stone) Petosky is an upscale, cosmopolitan community. The beaches are lovely.
North Muskegon, Michigan: Had I written this article 30 years ago, Muskegon’s beaches would have topped my list. Unfortunately, Muskegon was hit pretty hard by unemployment upheaval of its major industries. It does have some nice beaches, particularly in North Muskegon.
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