With more than 1,600 miles of shoreline touching the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, Lake Michigan is home to many beautiful sandy beaches. In fact, the region has been nicknamed "The Third Coast" of the United States after the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Several islands as well as inland lakes and rivers near its shores add to the beauty and accessibility of Lake Michigan.
Water temperatures are chilly, especially in the northern area, and rarely top 70 degrees, even in summer. Lake Michigan's west coast and northernmost beaches are rocky, while southern and eastern beaches offer some of the largest lake dunes in the world due to prevailing winds from the west.
Many Lake Michigan beaches are located in national, state, and county parks with excellent facilities for visitors. Beach towns, lakefront resorts, cabins, campgrounds, historic inns, and hotels provide a wide variety of places to stay. We've rounded up a few of the many Lake Michigan beaches, some of which welcome your furry companions.
Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan
Set along the southeast coast of Lake Michigan near the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area and Kalamazoo River, Oval Beach offers clean white sand, rolling dunes, and natural beauty. Oval Beach is the main beach in the popular town of Saugatuck, where visitors can enjoy restaurants, theater, and shopping after a day at the shore. Restrooms, concession stands, parking, and a picnic area are available. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there's a fee for parking, and for the remainder of the year, entrance is free. There's a strict no dogs, no alcohol policy, and visitors should be aware that the parking lot fills early on summer weekends.
Ludington State Park, Ludington, Michigan
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Located midway along Lake Michigan's east coast, Ludington State Park is home to several beaches along its 28 miles of sandy shoreline. The 5,300-acre park includes ponds, sand dunes, marshlands, and forests. Set between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan, the park offers beaches on both lakes as well as the historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Stearns Park is the city of Ludington's largest beach, with free parking and free Wi-Fi as well as wheelchair accessible walkways from the parking lot to the water. Buttersville Park is a nearby dog-friendly beach featuring campgrounds, a picnic area, playground, restrooms, and a pavilion.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, Indiana
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15 miles of beaches in Indiana Dunes National Park offer a variety of settings for swimming, birding, kite flying, hiking, and exploring. Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the park includes nearly a dozen beaches, with parking lots featuring a new system of real-time information on space availability that visitors can access on smartphones, tablets, or computers. All beaches and parking lots are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and offer restrooms and drinking water. At West Beach, there are showers and lifeguards from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Leashed pets are permitted year round except at West Beach during the summer season.
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, Illinois
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Located near the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, Chicago is home to North Avenue Beach, one of the city's most popular beaches for its sandy shore and stunning view of the skyline. Its unique white and blue beach house, resembling a sleek ocean liner, features a restaurant, ice cream cafe, restrooms, and rental facilities for bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, beach chairs, umbrellas, and more. Swimming is permitted only during the beach season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) when lifeguards are on duty from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. in designated areas. Dogs are not permitted, nor is alcohol or smoking. Nearby museums, a zoo, restaurants, tennis courts, volleyball, golf, and sports fields offer plenty to do after a day at the beach.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, Michigan
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Located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a 71,187-acre park, including North and South Manitou Islands, featuring forests, dunes, bluffs, lakes, and beaches. The dunes are a prominent feature of the national lakeshore, and they are part of the largest freshwater dune system in the world. At least seven beaches are located in the park, including Platte Point Beach, where the Platte River flows into Lake Michigan and the waters merge. Beach fires are permitted only on mainland Lake Michigan beaches between the water's edge and the first dune. Leashed pets are permitted on certain beaches, but some are closed in spring and summer to protect the nesting areas of the lakeshore's Great Lake Piping Plovers, a protected endangered species.
Silver Lake State Park, Mears, Michigan
Located on Lake Michigan's east coast, 3,000-acre Silver Lake State Park features more than three miles of shoreline, nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, hiking trails, and campgrounds, and a popular 500-acre off-road vehicle area, the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi River. Four-wheel ATV and other vehicle rentals are available from several local companies. Also, from mid-May through October, a 40-minute dune tour in a dedicated section of the park is offered by Mac Wood's Dune Rides. The pristine lakefront beach features soft sand for swimming, wading, and sunbathing. Boat launches and fishing are available at several of the park's beaches. The 1874 Little Sable Point Lighthouse is home to summer concerts, and visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of the forest, dunes, and lake.
Petoskey State Park, Petoskey, Michigan
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Located on the northeastern coast of Lake Michigan in the Little Traverse Bay area, Petoskey State Park offers a mile-long sandy beach, hiking trails, picnic facilities, volleyball courts, and a playground. Kayaks, paddle boards, and bikes are available to rent, and during summer, concessions sell ice cream, camping items, and souvenirs. A favorite activity at the beach is searching for Petoskey stones, the state stone of Michigan. Never heard of Petoskey stones? They are actually fossils of an ancient form of coral, and the stones are prized for their beauty and unique markings that show best after the stone is hand polished. Leashed pets are welcome in the park, but are not permitted along the lakeshore in an effort to protect the habitat of the endangered Piping Plovers. Two historic Inns, The Terrace Inn and Stafford's Bay View Inn, are reminders of the area's history, and there's the Petoskey Brewing Company dating back to 1898, located in one of Michigan's oldest buildings.
North Beach, Racine, Wisconsin
On Lake Michigan's west coast just north of downtown Racine, North Beach features 50 acres of soft sandy shoreline with a playground, volleyball courts, and snack bar. From mid-June through Labor Day, there's live music, lifeguards, and free parking. A wheelchair mat extends to the shoreline so everyone can enjoy the beach. North Beach is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and during the season (June through August), lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Pets are not permitted on the beach. Wind Point Lighthouse is open for tours, and there's lots to do and see in Racine.
Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer, Michigan
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This beautiful state park features three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline on the southeastern coast. In addition, the park's nearly 2,000 acres include forests, hiking trails, campsites, cabins, and massive sand dunes. Visitors enjoy climbing the dunes, gliding down the dunes on sand boards, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Equipment rentals and food concessions are available during the season from mid-May through Labor Day. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park's campgrounds, trails, boardwalk, and beach. Hang gliding from the dunes, with approved permits, is a popular activity. Three walkways between the sidewalk and the shore provide wheelchair access, and beach wheelchairs are available from the ranger station. Paved roads and boardwalks in the campground also offer wheelchair access. The park is open year round, and each season boasts natural beauty, wildlife, and things to do.
Holland State Park, Holland, Michigan
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This state park, located on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, features two white-sand beaches, campgrounds, a playground, concessions, and equipment rentals. At Tunnel Park, a concrete tunnel cuts through a sand dune to provide access to Lake Michigan for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The park offers beach volleyball, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a children's playground with a dune climb and stairway. Dogs are permitted in some areas in keeping with the park's guidelines. At Kirk Park, there's a sandy beach along Lake Michigan with high bluffs, dunes, hiking trails, restrooms, horseshoe pit, deck, picnic tables, and grills. There's an off-leash dog beach accessible year round using the south beach stairs. Michigan's most photographed lighthouse, Big Red Lighthouse, dates back to an original structure built on the site in 1870. The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk in Holland State Park offers one of the best views.
Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph, Michigan
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This county park is located at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan's southeast coast. It features a clean, wide, sandy beach, modern restrooms, outdoor showers, playground, picnic tables, volleyball, and seasonal concessions. Lifeguards are on duty from early June to mid-August, and the swimming season is generally from July to September. The park is open year round from dawn to dusk, and there's a daily parking fee. Leashed pets are permitted on sidewalks, but they're not allowed on the beach. During summer, beach wheelchairs are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis, and kayaks and paddle boards may be rented at the south end of the park. At South Pier, there's fishing as well as beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the North Pier Lighthouse. Nearby, visitors can enjoy St. Joseph's restaurants, boutiques, and wineries.
Rosewood Beach, Highland Park, Illinois
The only swimmable beach in Highland Park, Rosewood Beach is a neighborhood gem. A major renovation project completed in 2015 restored the shoreline and created educational opportunities, a boardwalk, park, nature trail, restrooms, concession stand, and a stunning glass interpretive center. Volleyball courts and equipment rentals are available, and public swimming begins Memorial Day Weekend, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily. Dogs are not permitted on Rosewood Beach, but nearby Moraine Park is dog-friendly and includes picnic areas, a sculpture garden, and walking trails to the beach. Swimming is not permitted at Moraine Park.
FAQs
Which beach in Michigan has the clearest water? ›
Torch Lake Beach
Torch Lake is said to be one of the state's most beautiful natural wonders. It's also famous for having the clearest and bluest water, so pack your beach essentials and plan an outing here!
Named the “Most Beautiful Place in the United States,” Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-on any Lake Michigan travel bucket list.
Where are white sandy beaches in Michigan? ›1. Munising: Sand Point Beach. Located four miles northeast of Munising, on Lake Superior and the Pictured Rocks National Shoreline, Sand Point Beach features white sand and crystal-clear water.
What is the number one beach in Michigan? ›1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. With more than 60 miles of shoreline and majestic sand dunes that you will remember for a lifetime, the beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are some of Michigan's most prized gems.
What is the most popular beach on Lake Michigan? ›1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — Empire. Sleeping Bear Point Beach is on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and has been named among the 21 best beach destinations in the world by National Geographic.
What beach in Michigan has clear blue water? ›Torch Lake is known to Michiganders as both a summer party lake and a vacation destination for the rich and famous of Michigan. The crystal clear turquoise waters of Torch Lake, Michigan. Its famous sandbar is the location of summer parties, with boats anchoring alongside the sandbars.
Are there any white sand beaches in Michigan? ›Holland State Park, Holland, Michigan
This state park, located on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, features two white-sand beaches, campgrounds, a playground, concessions, and equipment rentals.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration maintains a permanent-moored buoy in Lake Michigan about 50 miles east-southeast of Milwaukee that has been archiving the lake water temperatures since 1981. The highest water temperature ever recorded there was 81.3 degrees, reached on Aug. 18, 1995.
What is the best beach to visit in at Lake Michigan? ›Grand Haven has two of the best beaches on Lake Michigan and is a very popular destination. Not only does it have loads of perfectly wonderful sandy shoreline, but you can also walk the 1.5-mile boardwalk starting at cute shops downtown all the way to the Grand Haven pier and its iconic red lighthouse.
Which side of Lake Michigan is better? ›So if you're a fan of swimming, waves, warmer weather and snowier holiday seasons, according to Leinbach, you're best bet is the Michigan side of the lake. But he does note that the differences aren't hugely radical – and that the Wisconsin side is still wonderful.
Is Lake Michigan worth visiting? ›
There are lots of opportunities for a swim in the crystal-clear freshwater or to relax on the white sand beaches that line Chicago, Milwaukee's North Point gardens (by the same designer of New York's Central Park) or at a secluded spot on the far side of Mackinac Island.
Are there sand dunes in Michigan? ›Silver Lake Sand Dunes is the one place in Michigan where you can drive on the sand dunes. Located just south of Ludington, Silver Lake is 90 minutes from the Grand Rapids area. The 2,000 acres of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes are nestled between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Why is Torch Lake So Popular? ›Torch Lake is famous for its sandbars and turquoise blue waters. Its color is often compared to the Caribbean, which is a fair comparison, from what we saw. When you are on the sandbar, the turquoise water and bright sand are definitely reminiscent of a tropical paradise.
Is there any sea beach in Michigan? ›The Michigan beach town of Empire is a great starting point to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and you can visit a variety of beaches in the area – both active and secluded. Some of the nearby popular beach spots include Esch Road Beach, Peterson Beach, Platte River Point, and Good Harbor Bay Beach.
Which Great lake has the prettiest beaches? ›- Long Point (Lake Erie)
- Bluffer's Park Beach (Lake Ontario)
- The Grotto (Lake Huron)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Lake Michigan)
- Pancake Bay Beach (Lake Superior)
Saugatuck/Douglas is one of the best Lake Michigan vacation spots to spend a day on the beach. Pristine Oval Beach has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the nation by travel magazines and TV shows, making it an avid beach-goer's must-see Lake Michigan vacation spot.
Is it illegal to take sand from the beach in Michigan? ›Yes. Depending on the location of the threatened home or structure within a sand dune area and the intended use for the removed sand, either a letter of authorization or a permit is required from EGLE to remove greater than 3,000 tons (2,222 cubic yards) of sand.
Which Great Lake has the clearest water? ›Lake Superior is the Cleanest and Clearest Great Lake
As the coldest (it's refreshing!) and most northern of the lakes, Superior is also the clearest. Because of its somewhat isolated location and long cold winters, not much farming is done along Superior's shores.
Surface area: 82,097 square kms. Watershed's surface: 209,000 square kms. Lake Superior is the largest, cleanest, and wildest of all the Great Lakes.
Does Michigan have hot springs? ›Relax body and mind in hot tubs, pools and saunas at this hot springs resort in a lovely mountain, forest and river setting.
What is Saugatuck MI known for? ›
Known as Michigan's Art Coast, Saugatuck was awarded Best Beach Town 2020 by Midwest Living Magazine. Art lovers can find many galleries and studios here to explore. The area is also known for its pristine Lake Michigan beaches, award-winning wineries and breweries, and LGBTQ community.
Is Torch Lake Worth Visiting? ›Torch Lake has all of the prerequisites for an epic Michigan summer vacation – plus the crystal clear, Caribbean blue waters it's famous for. In fact, it's often referred to as the “Caribbean of the North.” The lake was a local hidden gem for years but social media has changed that for good.
Does Lake Michigan have sandy beaches? ›Each town has its own vibe and unique attractions, but all boast pristine miles of sugar-sand beaches and spectacular sunsets along Lake Michigan. Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From St.
What's the warmest Lake Michigan gets? ›The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 70.5°F / 21.4°C.
Which Great Lakes is the warmest to swim in? ›Erie is the most southerly, shallow, and biologically diverse of all of the Great Lakes. Its shallow depth makes it the warmest Great Lake and a favourite destination for summer recreationists and migrating birds.
What temperature is too cold swimming? ›No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.
What is the temperature of the water in Lake Michigan right now? ›Today. Lake Michigan's current water temperature is 57°F.
Are there private beaches on Lake Michigan? ›While certain states have given up some shoreline ownership to private citizens, the public always has access to the water. In Michigan, private shoreline property stretches to the water's edge, but private beaches are treated like thoroughfares, with foot traffic allowed up to the natural high water mark.
Is Lake Michigan getting cleaner? ›But in the past 20 years, Lake Michigan has undergone a dramatic transformation. In analyzing satellite images between 1998 and 2012, researchers at the Michigan Tech Research Institute were surprised to find that lakes Michigan and Huron are now clearer than Lake Superior.
Is Grand Haven worth visiting? ›We'll get right to it: Grand Haven MI is a must-see spot for any Michigander or tourist. With the infamous long, spacious pier to walk on, nicely paved boardwalks, soft sandy beaches, and a perfect accommodating beach town, there's not much more you could ask for when looking for a Michigan getaway.
Which famous American city is on the shore of Lake Michigan? ›
Ports along its shores include Milwaukee and the City of Green Bay in Wisconsin; Chicago in Illinois; Gary in Indiana; and Muskegon in Michigan.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Michigan? ›Swimming in Lake Michigan is an ' at your own risk' activity. All beaches managed by Milwaukee County parks do NOT have lifeguards. For current water quality reports along Lake Michigan visit the Wisconsin Beach Health website for water-quality reports. Break the Grip of the Rip!
How long is the drive around Lake Michigan? ›As the only Great Lake that lies entirely within US borders, you can drive around the whole thing without having to do a border crossing into Canada. The driving distance around Lake Michigan is roughly 1,100 miles and will take about 15 hours without stopping.
What are the largest waves recorded on Lake Michigan? ›The largest seiche on record to strike the Illinois coast of Lake Michigan reached a maximum height of 10 feet, caused lakeshore damage, and drowned eight people. The illustration explains the 1954 seiche (view a larger image).
Are there good beaches on Lake Michigan? ›Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From St. Joseph in the south of Michigan to Silver Lake to the north, every beachtown on Lake Michigan will bring you idyllic views and days of sun-soaked fun.
Are there any white sand beaches in Michigan? ›Warren Dunes State Park Has The Whitest, Most Pristine Sand In Michigan. Longing for a getaway? You owe yourself a trip to an amazing white sand beach in Michigan. With so many gorgeous beaches to explore throughout the Great Lakes State, it would be nearly impossible to visit each and every one.
Which Great Lake has the prettiest beaches? ›- Long Point (Lake Erie)
- Bluffer's Park Beach (Lake Ontario)
- The Grotto (Lake Huron)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Lake Michigan)
- Pancake Bay Beach (Lake Superior)
Saugatuck/Douglas is one of the best Lake Michigan vacation spots to spend a day on the beach. Pristine Oval Beach has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the nation by travel magazines and TV shows, making it an avid beach-goer's must-see Lake Michigan vacation spot.
What is the best beach to visit in at Lake Michigan? ›Grand Haven has two of the best beaches on Lake Michigan and is a very popular destination. Not only does it have loads of perfectly wonderful sandy shoreline, but you can also walk the 1.5-mile boardwalk starting at cute shops downtown all the way to the Grand Haven pier and its iconic red lighthouse.
What beach in Michigan has clear blue water? ›Torch Lake is known to Michiganders as both a summer party lake and a vacation destination for the rich and famous of Michigan. The crystal clear turquoise waters of Torch Lake, Michigan. Its famous sandbar is the location of summer parties, with boats anchoring alongside the sandbars.
Which side of Lake Michigan is better? ›
So if you're a fan of swimming, waves, warmer weather and snowier holiday seasons, according to Leinbach, you're best bet is the Michigan side of the lake. But he does note that the differences aren't hugely radical – and that the Wisconsin side is still wonderful.
Which Great Lake has the clearest water? ›Lake Superior is the Cleanest and Clearest Great Lake
As the coldest (it's refreshing!) and most northern of the lakes, Superior is also the clearest. Because of its somewhat isolated location and long cold winters, not much farming is done along Superior's shores.
Surface area: 82,097 square kms. Watershed's surface: 209,000 square kms. Lake Superior is the largest, cleanest, and wildest of all the Great Lakes.
Why is Lake Michigan so clear? ›They say there are so many mussels they can filter the entire volume of Lake Michigan in four to six days, and they've reduced the amount of light-absorbing algae by over 50 percent. Since there's less algae, the water is less green. “20 years ago Lake Michigan's color was driven by phytoplankton absorption.
What is the warmest of the Great Lakes? ›Erie is the most southerly, shallow, and biologically diverse of all of the Great Lakes. Its shallow depth makes it the warmest Great Lake and a favourite destination for summer recreationists and migrating birds.
Are there private beaches on Lake Michigan? ›While certain states have given up some shoreline ownership to private citizens, the public always has access to the water. In Michigan, private shoreline property stretches to the water's edge, but private beaches are treated like thoroughfares, with foot traffic allowed up to the natural high water mark.