As summer heats up, we look to cool off at one of the state’s many beautiful beaches.
A lot of us know the favorites, but what about Michigan’s hidden gems? Let’s have a look at some of those great beaches around our state.
In the Upper Peninsula, Brevoort Lake leads off the list. Hiawatha National Forest is home to this 4,200-acre hamlet west of St. Ignace.
Brevoort Lake is prime for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, among other things. Rentals are available on site. Brevoort’s beach is known for stunning sunsets.
Our second stop is Thumbcoast treasure Forester Park Beach.
Gorgeous vistas await here on Lake Huron six miles north of Port Sanilac off M-25. Along the scenic shoreline there's ample space for camping, plus picnic pavillions, nature trails, a swimming hole, horseshoes, basketball, volleyball and much more.
Next up is another gem in the Thumb. Take a turn off M-25 at Four Mile Scenic Turnout in the city of Palms.
Soak in the splendid sights from up above Lake Huron or take a trek down to the water. This special spot is certainly well worth a stop.
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve can be found in the West Michigan town of Frankfort. This Benzie County beauty boasts breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Director of Communications Jennifer Jay told,
“It is a gorgeous nature preserve, [about] a two-mile walk back, but when you get there [you’ll see] an incredibly private, permanently protected beach that is absolutely gorgeous. There’s also a very cool overlook above Upper and Lower Herring Lakes. It’s a very unique and special property."
Traverse City’s Haserot Beach Park is among the state’s best. The soft sands span half a mile surrounding scenic Old Mission Harbor. Haserot is a summer haven like few others.
Negwegon State Park Beach is a rustic, undeveloped area favored by birdwatchers, backcountry campers, hikers, hunters and beachgoers. The 4,118-acre locale offers seven miles of Lake Huron lakeshore, and includes a mile of pristine sandy beach.
Negwegon is rich in unique plant species and wildlife, such as bald eagles, Pitcher’s Thistle, Blanding’s turtles and more. Negwegon is also home to a designated sky preserve.
A short drive south of Saugatuck down I-196 to Fennville and you will soon find a slice of paradise.
The picturesque Pier Cove Beach is named for shipping piers that supported both the logging and fruit industries of the 1800s. The beach is very family-friendly with a small warm creek for wading, plus smooth stones for skipping. Pack a picnic full of snacks and stay for a nice relaxing day.
Pierport Beach is a West Michigan pearl with plenty of backstory.
Executive Director of Manistee County Tourism Authority Sammie Lukaskiewicz shared,
“There’s a really fascinating history to Pierport Beach. Several shipwrecks [can be seen] right off the shoreline. Four prominent ones that occurred in the 1800s are visible off Pierport Beach on clear days. They include: the SS Toledo (1856), Thomas Simms (1882), Napoleon (1887) and City of Toledo (1892).”
She added, “Pierport has spectacular sunsets. It is a pretty secluded beach and pet-friendly! Just outside of Pierport Beach is Old Facefull, an artesian spring with pure fresh water.”
Be sure to bring a jug and fill up with some clean spring water.
Stephens Park is a lesser-known haunt on Lake Huron. That jewel is only a short jaunt on M-25 north of Port Sanilac in Forestville. This park is simply a snapshot of summer bliss – the perfect place for a pit stop.
Sturgeon Point State Park of Harrisville sits on Lake Huron smack between Alpena and Oscoda.
The Alcona County coastline cuts into Lake Huron as waves off the point conceal a long and shallow reef extending for almost a mile beyond the visible confines of land. The park features a lighthouse and museum, as well as a variety of Michigan flora and fauna and is sure to please.
The phenomenal Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs borders Little Traverse Bay. This Emmet County enclave extends 950 feet along Lake Michigan with 300 feet of premier public beach access.
You can’t go wrong with any of these. Treat yourself to a day at the beach.