10 Great Lakes Beaches in the United States that You Must See

Introduction

There’s something freeing about a lake. You can jog along its edge, jump in the water, or simply lie there on your towel while enjoying the view. While oceans are beautiful and offer great accessible beaches, a lake beach is far more relaxing to visit. Without the crashing of waves or the undertow of saltwater currents, lakes are ideal for swimmers who appreciate open water without the risks that come with being in an ocean. Whether you love secluded spots or bustling beach towns, these 10 must-see Great Lakes beaches have something for everyone:

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Empire, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a national park located in Michigan’s northwest Lower Peninsula. The park is known for its massive sand dunes and waterfalls, which are major draws for tourists and nature lovers alike. On your next trip to the U.S., be sure to add Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to your itinerary!

Marquette Beach, Marquette, Michigan

Marquette Beach is located in Marquette, Michigan, which is a scenic city on the eastern shore of Lake Superior. This particular beach is a great place to go if you want to see Lake Superior up close and personal. You can also enjoy fishing or swimming at this beach if you are interested in doing so. There are also many hiking trails nearby that can offer an amazing view of the lake from various vantage points.

North Beach Park, Holland, Michigan

North Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. It’s also an excellent place to spend a day with the family or go for a walk or jog. The park has many amenities including two playgrounds, tennis courts, and volleyball courts.

The beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer months as well as restrooms and picnic tables that are free to use by patrons of the park. There are also changing rooms available at no charge if you would like some privacy while changing into or out of your swimsuit before heading into the water.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a 1,000-acre Michigan State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s a wonderful place to go for a hike or spend some time at the beach. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Saugatuck, you should check out its art galleries and shops, as well as its great restaurants and bars.

Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven State Park, located in Grand Haven, Michigan, is a popular spot for families and visitors to the area. The park covers over 1,200 acres of land along Lake Michigan and offers many amenities for beachgoers including picnic tables, a playground, and plenty of space to relax. The park also has a swimming beach where you can enjoy some time in the water or simply soak up some sun on the shoreline.

Grand Haven State Park is open from 8:00 am until sunset every day except Christmas Day. Parking fees are required for vehicles greater than 16 feet long – $10 per day or $25 for an annual pass (good at all Michigan state parks). Dogs are allowed at Grand Haven State Park but must be leashed at all times while outside of vehicles; dogs are not permitted inside beach buildings such as restrooms or concession stands due to food allergy concerns.[1]

Ludington State Park, Ludington, Michigan

Ludington State Park is a great place to spend the day with your family. It has a long sand beach, picnic areas and playgrounds, trails for hiking and biking, two campgrounds with over 400 campsites, and even a swimming pool. The park also features a historic lighthouse that was built in 1874 at the entrance of the harbor.

Located on Michigan’s southern shoreline of Lake Michigan, this beach is one of two public beaches in Ludington (the second being Pere Marquette Beach). The park covers over 300 acres with plenty of room for people to spread out on the soft sand or enjoy more active activities like surfing or boating. If you’ve got kids who like doing arts & crafts then they can make an artistic masterpiece using some special colored sand found only at this beach!

Stearns Park Beach, Ludington, Michigan

While you’re in Ludington, you might as well stop by Stearns Park Beach. This beach is located on Lake Michigan and has a range of activities available to visitors. A playground is available for kids who want to run around and play on the sand while their parents relax in the sun. The concession stand at this beach sells snacks, drinks, and ice cream to help keep energy levels up during long days at the beach. There are also picnic areas where families can enjoy a lunch together before heading back out onto the water for more fun in the sun!

Stearns Park Beach also has many amenities like a boat launch so that you can easily get into your vessel from shore with no hassle involved (and let’s face it: nobody wants any unpleasantries when they’re trying to enjoy themselves). Another benefit of this particular beach location is its proximity to Ludington State Park—additional opportunities may be found by exploring that site as well!

Lake Shore Park and Beach, Lake Shore Park and Beach

Lake Shore Park and Beach are located on the shores of Lake Superior, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset. It also has a beautiful view of the city and can be enjoyed even when it’s not warm enough to swim.

Lake Shore Park and Beach are open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm during the summer months (June 1st through August 31st) and from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm for other months.

North Shore in Minnesota on Lake Superior

• Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world by surface area. It’s also one of the cleanest and clearest of all the Great Lakes, which means that when you’re walking along its shoreline, you’ll be able to see for miles.
• The North Shore in Minnesota is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy all that Lake Superior has to offer. The area boasts some excellent beaches and plenty of activities, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• To get there from Chicago: The drive will take about six hours while traveling on Interstate 90/94 through Wisconsin into Minnesota via Madison; or five hours if you take Highway 53 instead (which would add another hour because it’s slower). You should allow yourself at least an extra two hours if traffic is heavy during your visit (especially on weekends).

Conclusion

So, if you haven’t decided which one to visit yet, go ahead and look up the nearest Great Lakes beach for your next vacation. It’s time to spend a little bit of time outside in nature and start enjoying yourself at one of these great beaches! Remember your skin and use sunblock. The sun can still cause sunburn, even in the northern part of the United States.