|
The idea of a picnic conjures up memories of childhood summers, of families, fried chicken and wooden picnic tables. During the ’50s, it seemed that every family owned a gallon-size thermal jug with a spigot, a set of picnicware and a wicker picnic basket. In days before fast-food, the picnic basket symbolized the very essence of summer: freedom, outdoor sociability and carefree fun. It was all about great food, too: savory potato salads, devilled eggs, thick chocolate brownies — just about any meal tasted better outdoors.
Answer the call of the outdoors by packing it all in and heading for a lakefront picnic area.
Portable meals and summer landscapes, from community parks to roadside tables. Lake Michigan’s shores abound with outdoor dining possibilities for everyone, from families to romantic couples. So fire up your imagination, pack a picnic, and head out on the highway to discover a special picnic site just right for making your own summertime memories. Here are LAKE’s suggestions to get you started.
Jean Klock Park, Benton Harbor, Mich. The sparkling atmosphere of this secluded duneland area seems to have been made for great picnics and beachside fun. There’s a large paved parking lot, a brick entrance road, volleyball courts and a well-equipped playground. A pleasant pavilion sits right among the dunes and provides plenty of seating for large groups. A pristine swimming beach lies just beyond the boardwalk. For panoramic views of Lake Michigan, climb the observation tower and soak in the sights. You will remember this park for its charm and privacy.
From St. Joseph take M-63 north for approximately one mile. Turn left on Klock Road and follow for two miles. Turn right on Jean Klock Drive, travel about 2 miles to the park entrance.
Silver Beach, St. Joseph, Mich.. In this lakeside town, the weekend open-air Farmer’s Market will tempt you with the makings of a last-minute picnic. Walk a bit further, and at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, you will discover Silver Beach beckoning you to stay for a picnic. This park has all the amenities: public access to the South Pier, Lake Michigan swimming, beach volleyball and playground structures. The landmark lighthouse invites you to gaze out into the waters and watch for sailboats while savoring your lunch in the sunshine.
From I-94: Take Exit 33 and follow Business 94 West through downtown Benton Harbor over the St. Joseph River. Stay on Business 94 going past the Berrien County Courthouse on the right. Go through the stoplight at M-63 to the stop sign on State Street. Turn right on State Street and proceed down the hill along the river. Turn right on Broad Street and go over the railroad tracks to the park entrance. The Farmer’s Market, Broad Street and Lake Boulevard, is open each Saturday throughout the summer and fall, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Holland State Park (Ottawa Beach), Holland, Mich. Admire a parade of sailboats and Holland’s landmark harbor lighthouse on the south side of the channel right across from the park. Known for its prime campgrounds, this park is divided into two distinct units: one along Lake Michigan, the other along Lake Macatawa.
Picnic-enthusiasts are well-supplied with tables, grills and fire pits. An expansive sandy beach along Lake Michigan promises great swimming and divine sunsets.
From US 31, take the Lakewood exit west; stay in the left lane. It turns into Douglas Avenue, which turns into Ottawa Beach Road to the park entrance. From US 31, it is about a nine-mile drive to the park’s entrance.
South Park Beach and Riverfront Park, South Haven, Mich. Everything you need is right here: grills, picnic tables and concessions. For the young-at-heart, there is playground equipment and even a skateboard park. From the beach the South Pier and lighthouse are accessible, so you can stroll out to the lighthouse and watch the boats in the harbor. This park is open every day from sunrise until 11 p.m.
South Park Beach can be found off I-196 by taking exit 20 to Phoenix Street west through South Haven, about a mile and a half to the beach. Riverfront Park is on Water Street, just before South Beach.
Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer, Mich. Rugged dunes formations seem to throw down their challenge to serious hikers, as do six miles of hiking trails and three miles of shoreline. Afterwards, dine exuberantly; there is a picnic area and a shelter equipped with tables, grills, even a fire pit. Open year-round.
The park entrance is on Red Arrow Highway, about two miles south of I-94’s exit 16.
Lake View, Beverly Shores, Ind. A great roadside picnic park overlooking the beach with carefree access to the dunes’ sunshine. Enjoy the glorious perspective from the picnic shelter or wander down to the beach for a stroll along the shore. A friendly beach for kicking back and soaking up the afternoon rays. A refreshing swim will awaken your appetite for more.
From US 12, take Broadway to Lake Front Drive and follow the signs.
Picnic, Inn Style, For the ultimate picnic experience, consider an elegant catered event on the shores of Lake Michigan, with food specialties, wine and champagne included. The Lakeside Inn in Lakeside, Mich., a stylish location since the early 1920s, will cater your meal. Located on a bluff overlooking its private beach, the Inn offers a comfortable, polished retro atmosphere alongside all of today’s amenities. To picnic lakeside, all you’ll need to do is step off the porch, cross the road and descend the steps to your own personalized waterfront banquet. Contact Connie Williams, 269-469-0600;
www.lakesideinns.com.
| 
subscribe today!
