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The Beautiful Beaches of Northern Michigan
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere. Yes, the tropical climates offer some great beaches but here, well, our beaches rival the best. With so many great beaches in the northland, you don’t have to fight the crowds and the sun, sand, and surf are yours to enjoy. Pack a picnic lunch and the sun screen and head to the beach.
Here’s a sampling of some of Northern Michigan’s best beach spots:
Crooked Lake
On the shores of Crooked Lake in Conway is a spot favored by wind surfers. These shallow waters and sandy shores are great for families as well as serious wind aficionados.
Ferry Beach
Lake Charlevoix’s inviting waters lure swimmers into this great spot. Located within the city of Charlevoix, this is a great family spot and the place to be on windy days if you’re not a surf lover but the waters are calm. And the warm waters are great all season long.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Located just south of Charlevoix, Fisherman’s Island State Park has everything you could ask for in a beach. The views of the setting sun are million dollar moments.
Harbor Springs Zoll Street Beach
This tiny beach sandwiched between Wequetonsing and Walstrom’s marina is the area’s best kept secret. For a perfect summer swim, hit the water here and swim past the cottages of Wequetonsing. Many sailors and sail boarders love this beach. Dogs, too, as this is a dog friendly beach.
Harbor Springs City Beach & Park
Locally known as “the beach,” this spot really is a beach scene. If you want a social setting along with sun and fun, this is the place to be. Hang out on the sand, swim out to the rafts, and then walk a block to downtown Harbor Springs for an ice cream cone.
Michigan Avenue Beach
Few towns can boast such an incredible beach right within the city limits. Charlevoix can! This Lake Michigan beach has something for everyone including a view of the boats passing through the channel to Lake Charlevoix.
Middle Village Beach
Located down Lampkin Road from nearby Good Hart, this beach has great sand, sun, waves, and peacefulness. Watch the sailboats pass by on their way to Harbor Springs from the Mackinac Island races. On clear days, Beaver Island looks like it’s within stone tossing distance.
Petoskey State Park
One European family on their second visit to Northern Michigan spent a day at this beach and remarked, “Why didn’t we come here last year? It’s better than anything in Europe!” Miles of sand, Petoskey stones, great dunes, camping, picnicking, waves, and incredible sunsets await beach goers at Petoskey State Park.
Sturgeon Bay
Wow! That’s it in a nutshell for this special spot. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan between Cross Village and Mackinaw City, this beach has miles of sand and dunes and, on windy days, excellent waves for playing.
Young State Park
Just outside of Boyne City on Lake Charlevoix is a great inland lake beach. The shores of Lake Charlevoix are wonderful for swimming, sunning, and playing in the water.
Destinations Up North
More Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan Lighthouses
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
M-119 Tunnel of Trees
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Downtown Mackinac Island
Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.
Arch Rock – A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.
Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
The Trillium Up North are a Beautiful Site
Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Harbor Springs History Museum
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
Charlevoix’s History Museums
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.
The Little Traverse Wheelway
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Hike and Bike the North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.
Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
Charlevoix Circle of Arts
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.