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We've gathered for you the best things happening around Lake Michigan. Browse through the categories, or, if you are looking for something in particular, use our search engine
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Viewing Recreation : Beaches
14 listings found
Showing listings 1 to 10Grand Haven State Park
1001 Harbor Av
Grand Haven, Mich.
(details)
Description This park is a beachgoer’s dream, as it consists entirely of beach sand and paved camping sites. With amenities like a beach house, playground and picnic areas, the beaches of Grand Haven State Park are a popular getaway in western Michigan’s pleasant summer months. Visitors can stay at a 174-site modern campground. Nearby the park find the world’s largest musical fountain and the Harbor Trolley, which travels to the shops and restaurants in the area. There is no boat launch in the park, but boaters can find one at nearby Harbor Island. Open daily 8 am-11 pm.
Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, Mich.
(details)
Description This park is divided into two separate units: one on Lake Michigan and the other along Lake Macatawa. The expansive, sandy Lake Michigan shoreline offers views of “Big Red” lighthouse; also discover an easy-going, youngish scene that exudes Frankie and Annette-type energy. Facilities include two large campgrounds, picnic areas, shelter, playground, beach house, concession and boat launch. Summer adventure programs and “Fishing in the Parks” program for children. No dogs on beach. Entrance vehicle fee. Campground reservations can be made online or call 800-44-PARKS.
Illinois State Park
Zion, Ill.
(details)
Description A 4,160-acre park and 6.5-mile stretch of beach, about one hour’s drive north of Chicago near the Wisconsin border. The dunes area has 5 miles of hiking trails and several small fishing ponds including Sand Pond, with a pier for the disabled available. Also, areas for boating, picnicking and camping. Swimming is a major attraction off the sandy shorelines, with ample parking and a bathhouse, but no lifeguards on duty. (The Interpretive Center for education is closed this year and visitor center hours are reduced due to staffing shortages.) Reservations are recommended for the 244 campsites with electricity and shower facilities available in the southern unit of the park. Though campsites are assigned on first-come-first-served basis, the ground is usually filled by early Friday morning. No dogs allowed on the beach, but are permitted in camp area. Open daily at sunrise and closed at sunset.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Dorothy Buell Visitor’s Center, Kemil Rd at US 12
Beverly Shores, Ind.
(details)
Description Beach access, with parking, at West Beach (fee in summer), Porter Beach, Kemil Beach, Dunbar, Lake View, Central Beach, and Mt. Baldy. Stretching nearly 25 miles along southern Lake Michigan, this stunning remnant of undeveloped lakeshore contains sand dunes, bog, wetlands, woodland forests, an 1830s French Canadian homestead, and a working 1900-era farm. It is ranked seventh among national parks in native plant diversity; recent research reveals more than 1,400 vascular plant species within park boundaries. Mount Baldy, located in the easternmost section, is a “living” 123-foot sand dune that shifts several feet every year. Numerous ranger-guided hikes and activities. Campground offers 79 campsites on a first-come, first-serve basis. Showers and restrooms at West Beach; restrooms at Kemil and Central beaches, Lake View and Mt. Baldy. No dogs on beach. The National Lakeshore is an easy day trip for Chicagoans; parking is limited, so beaches are rarely overcrowded. Arrive before 10:30 am or after 2:30 pm on sunny summer days, as lots tend to fill up.
Indiana Dunes State Park
1600 N 25 E
Chesterton, Ind.
(details)
Description Surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore land, this 1925-established state park offers three miles of shoreline, one-half mile of which is ready for swimming with lifeguards on staff. Dunes rise as high as 192 feet (Mount Tom). Crowded in summer; be ready on weekends to wait in lines of cars unless you arrive before 9 or 10 am. Picnic area with tables, grills and shelters. Campgrounds are closed this season. On a clear day, you can see Chicago. No pets by swimming areas. Open daily 7 am-11 pm; swimming allowed 11 am-7 pm. Take I-94 Exit 26B to Ind. 49 North.
Ludington State Park
SR 116
Ludington, Mich.
(details)
Description Beach-goers can find everything they need here, whether it’s the populated beach scene, vast remote spaces, small-lake fishing or even mountain biking. Situated between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park’s 5,300 acres are loaded with all of nature’s beauties, with miles of shoreline, sand dunes and forests. Visitors can choose to spend their time either at the beach on Lake Michigan’s expansive shoreline, or at the more intimate 300-ft beach at Hamlin Lake. The park’s three campgrounds have a total of 345 modern campsites. Facilities include a park store, two beach houses, concession stands, playgrounds and picnic shelters. Those coming from Wisconsin can travel to Ludington on the S.S. Badger, a carferry service which runs from May to October between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Mount Baldhead and Oval Beach Recreation Area
Saugatuck, Mich.
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Description Rated among the 25 best shorelines in the world by Conde Nast’s Traveler, Oval Beach has the right combination of sand dunes, seclusion and services that create its cachet. Discover it best by riding across the Kalamazoo River on a hand-pulled chain ferry from the town of Saugatuck, climbing 282 steps to Mount Baldhead, and descending onto the grassy coastal sands. Lifeguards, concession stand. Ferry open June: Mon-Fri noon-6 pm, July-August: Mon-Fri 11 am-8 pm; open Sat-Sun, holidays 9 am-9 pm.
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
6585 Lake Harbor Rd
Muskegon, Mich.
(details)
Description While the three-mile long beach is a highlight of this park, there is plenty more to do besides swim. The Gillette Visitor Center, recognized as a top Midwest attraction, offers several interactive educational programs for students and adults alike. Plus, the park’s 1,100 acres of forest area make for good hiking (10 miles of trails) and wintertime intermediate cross-country skiing trails. The park is also a designated watchable wildlife site. The beach features picnic areas, a beach house with changing rooms, a playground and metal detecting areas. Also find 293 shaded campsites. Visitor Center open Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun noon-5 pm, Memorial Day-Nov 1. Park open dawn to dusk.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
138th Av
Saugatuck, Mich.
(details)
Description Birdwatchers and hikers love this solitary escape. Formerly the property of a seminary, this pristine,1,000-acre park is crowned by dunes towering more than 200 feet. Fifteen-minute hike through woods and sand dunes to two-and-a-half miles of lakeshore beach. Thirteen miles of sandy hiking paths. Parking lot, two vault toilets and picnic area with tables, grills and shelter. No camping. Pets welcome. Open daily 8 am-10 pm. Take I-196 Exit 41, west to 65th St, then north following signs.
Silver Beach County Park
Lake St
St. Joseph, Mich.
(details)
Description Ideal urban beach with picturesque views of pier and lighthouse. Ten-minute walk up the bluff to downtown St. Joseph. Ten volleyball courts, playgrounds, Shadowland concert pavilion and concession stand. Modern restrooms and changing rooms. Wheelchair accessible. No pets on beach.
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