OT- Michigan Beaches

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July 23rd, 2012 at 1:32 PM
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RationalBuckeye
Joined: 04/06/2012
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OT- Michigan Beaches

Michigan experts/natives, please take a moment to help out your friendly rival,

I'm looking for a place to vacation for a week before I go back to school, and was considering a trip to MI. However, I've been to Saugatuck before, and it really didn't impress me. 

Can anyone recommend some beaches along Lake Michigan that you think are especially good for a vacation, so I can do some research? Distance is a bit of a factor, but I live in Akron, so any place along the eastern coast won't be an issue as far as travel.

Of course, I could look on a travel site, but I thought I'd get some views from genuine Michigan-ers, who could no doubt give me more insight. Thanks in advance.

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July 23rd, 2012 at 1:36 PM | Eastern side will be no good. (Score:4 Normal)
WolvinLA2
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Joined: 11/13/2009
MGoPoints: 17601

Eastern side will be no good. If distance is a factor, Grand Haven is much better than Saugatuck, IMO. Saugatuck is a cool town, not a great beach. GH has a lot of action, nice sandy beach, and lots of restaurants and such to check out.

If you want to go a little further, I think Ludington is one of the best in the state. But most along the West side should do you well, Holland, Muskegon (Hoffmaster), etc.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:28 PM | it's pretty fun to just (Score:2)
Wisconsin Wolverine
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Joined: 05/18/2011
MGoPoints: 1570

it's pretty fun to just explore up the coast & see what you can find.  the state parks are awesome (Grand Haven, Holland), but if you poke around, you can find a lot of really nice little beaches with far less people ... for instance, Tunnel Park:

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:03 PM | Tunnel Park--Holland (Score:2)
DutchWolverine
Joined: 01/09/2011
MGoPoints: 233

I have to agree with this.  I live a block from Tunnel Park in Holland and walk there multiple times per week in the summer with my family.  Great beach area.  Holland State park is nice as well.  If you come this way, I definitely recommend hiking up the top of Mnt Pisgah just east of the State Park.  Great views from the top.  The downtown area of Holland is also great--good shops and restaurants.  The only drawback of the downtown is that it is not right on the water like Grand Haven.

Keep the change ya filthy animal.

July 23rd, 2012 at 5:55 PM | Holland shops (Score:2)
triangle_M
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and dining is better than grand haven, in general. grand haven state park is better than Holland state park. the camping i'd give Holland the edge.

 


And when we play as a team, when the old season is over, you and I know it’s going to be Michigan again. Michigan!

 

July 23rd, 2012 at 5:01 PM | Grand Haven (Score:2)
DaJimmer
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Joined: 04/29/2011
MGoPoints: 63

I'm from Grand Haven and it's a good vacation spot with a great beach but next week is coast guard festival and people flock from everywhere to the city so it's pretty congested. I'm not sure when you're looking to come up but I'd keep that in mind. If you want less people but some pretty nice beaches still I'd head north up the coast. Ludington is up that way and it's pretty nice as well.

"Sometimes ya just gotta look at it."

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:37 PM | Head up North towards (Score:3 Normal)
Andrew Jackson Jihad
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MGoPoints: 1008

Head up North towards Traverse City. You'll find some awesome beaches. 

www.eatacheeseburger.blogspot.com Brian Cook has read this blog!

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:46 PM | Sleeping Bear dunes and Petoskey (Score:2 Normal)
markinmsp
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MGoPoints: 493

 Yes, just west of Traverse City is Sleeping Bear dunes, also great to hike.

 One of my favorites is Petoskey, not as well known as Traverse City, but all the charm, sights, and good restaurants, especially if you are talking late Aug/Sept timeframe.

                                          

July 23rd, 2012 at 7:34 PM | Or skip stones (Score:1)
CarrIsMyHomeboy
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 356

"I have long thought that anyone who does not regularly - or ever - gaze up and see the wonder and glory of a dark night sky filled with countless stars loses a sense of their fundamental connectedness to the universe."

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:59 PM | I've gone to Traverse City (Score:2)
Dubs
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MGoPoints: 1648

I've gone to Traverse City every summer for the past 20 or so years.  Absolutely love it up there.  Sleeping Bear Dunes, nice little shoppes, good restaurants, and many many good wineries.

"Welllllllll..."

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:17 PM | Agreed (Score:5 Normal)
sULLY
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Joined: 01/29/2010
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Agreed, I'm getting married on a beach in Traverse City in twelve days.  No place like it in my mind.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:48 PM | Congratulations! (Good move (Score:3 Normal)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4683

Congratulations!

(Good move to get married in the summer and not during the season...)

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:02 PM | Congrats on getting married. (Score:3 Normal)
no joke its hoke
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Congrats on getting married. I hope you two have a long happy marriage!

Vice.com

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:41 PM | The beaches along Lake (Score:2)
andrewG
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Joined: 10/20/2010
MGoPoints: 970

The beaches along Lake Michigan tend to be better than those on the east side of the state, and the further north you go, the more scenic it is,. Which I'm sure is the opposite of what you want to hear. Grand Haven is a really nice little town with a lot going on in the summer. Traverse City is awesome if you're willing to make the drive up north.

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:41 PM | Are there no beaches in (Score:5 Normal)
Hoek
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Are there no beaches in Akron?

Go Blue

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:42 PM | I second Grand Haven. it is (Score:5 Normal)
those_who_stay
Joined: 09/09/2010
MGoPoints: 33

I second Grand Haven. it is beautiful. 

If you're going more north, Ludington is a great area.

Muskegon is near and dear to my heart, Pere Marquette is very nice and the state park on the N. Muskegon side is more of the same but WAY less crowded.

If looking for a family vaca, I'd recommend renting a beach house on Lake Michigan on the North Shore in Grand Haven, I've done it a few times and it is great! If with friends, may I suggest camping either at Muskegon State Park or Ludington State Park (Ludington imo is the best state park in the state)

July 23rd, 2012 at 9:23 PM | I would caution renting on (Score:2)
rob6reid
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Joined: 01/08/2012
MGoPoints: -75866

I would caution renting on North Shore Dr. (assuming thats what you are referring to) because It is about a 15 minute drive to downtown GH depending on where you are on North Shore Drive, and the rental homes there are a bit pricey. More importantly, Tom Izzos summer house is on North Shore Drive (dont ask how I know this) so you might have the unfortunate pleasure of having him as your neighbor.

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:43 PM | As a Grand Haven native, I (Score:5 Normal)
rob6reid
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As a Grand Haven native, I highly recomend giving the state park beach in Grand Haven a shot. The whole downtown area and the beach itself are tourist friendly and there is alot to do. FWIW its listed on the Pure Michigan website for beaches: http://www.michigan.org/things-to-do/outdoors/beaches/default.aspx  and beachtowns: http://www.michigan.org/Partners/BeachTowns/Default.aspx?link=feat To give you an idea of distance its about 40 minutes north of saugatuck . If you decide on going, DO NOT go on the first week of August, as Coast Gaurd Festival will be taking place. The beach is always beyond packed that week. picture? picture:

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:46 PM | Leland. (Score:3 Normal)
icefins26
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Leland.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:00 PM | No beach in Leland (Score:3 Normal)
yossarians tree
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Leland is a great town, don't get me wrong, as is all of the Leelanau Peninsula. But the only beach in Leland is a tiny little square of shipped in sand next to Fishtown.

"That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed.

"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:54 PM | False. Van's Beach is legit. (Score:2)
Gorgeous Borges
Joined: 10/07/2011
MGoPoints: 680

False. Van's Beach is legit.

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:46 PM | I'm personally a fan of (Score:2)
LexArborWolvCats
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MGoPoints: 132

I'm personally a fan of Luddington because it's not as far as Traverse City and not nearly as crowded.

Password is taco

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:50 PM | Avoid the ones too far south (Score:2)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28961

Avoid the ones too far south (Saugatuck, South Haven) - they tend to be overrun by Chicagoans and can be extremely crowded.  

Grand Haven is nice.  Some of the state parks nearby (Pere Marquette, Hoffmaster) have great beaches and aren't too crowded.

Sleeping Bear Dunes is gorgeous - although it can involve a lot of hiking.

 

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:06 PM | I agree, (Score:2)
rob f
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MGoPoints: 699

especially in regards to avoiding the ones along southern Lake Michigan.  If you feel you have to visit Warren Dunes (the southernmost State Park), at least do so on a weekday, otherwise it's usually wall-to-wall people.

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:53 PM | There's a reason they're packed (Score:2 Normal)
Drill
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 672

They're usually packed because they're gorgeous beaches.  I love Warren Dunes.

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:56 PM | I'm in the north camp. (Score:4 Normal)
TTUwolverine
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MGoPoints: 1873

The NW corner of the lower peninsula offer some beautiful beaches.  Traverse City and Petoskey are great places to try, and both offer a little more than just a beach.  If you want to stay a little father south, I would shoot for Ludington or Grand Haven... with the edge going to Ludington due to its smaller crowds.  Holland has a decent beach too, but it doesn't offer much else.  Avoid Muskegon, and anything south of Grand Haven. 

EDIT:  Give Manistee a shot.  Not as well known as Ludington and Traverse City, bit it's a nice town in a scenic area.  So basically go to the water, head north until you pass Muskegon, and stop somewhere.  Can't go wrong. 

EDIT TO THE EDIT:  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Really glad I could help narrow your search to approximately 200 miles of lakeshore. 

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:50 PM | Grand Haven or Holland (Score:1)
robbyt003
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Joined: 10/25/2010
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Grand Haven or Holland

“When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing” - Bo Schembechler

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:51 PM | Anything on Lake Michigan is (Score:2)
beenplumb
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Anything on Lake Michigan is going to be superb. Lake Huron is pretty rocky (like, lots and lots of really big rocks, for like no reason), and Lake Superior is pretty cold, most of the time.

I like South Haven, Holland, and Grand Haven beaches the most, though Luddington is also really nice.

@beenplumb

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July 23rd, 2012 at 2:02 PM | Munising (Score:2)
yossarians tree
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The beach at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. Though that is a long ways up.

 

"That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed.

"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:19 PM | Tip of the Thumb (Score:2)
Needs
Joined: 08/05/2008
MGoPoints: 4159

The exception to Huron's rockiness is the inner tip of the thumb on Saginaw Bay from about Caseville to Port Austin, which has very nice sandy beaches and sand bars that extend far into the lake (300-400 yards) and is therefore very nice for those with young kids. It's substantially warmer than Lake Michigan because it's so shallow and the kids can play in the water without much parental worry. Not a lot else to do there other than hanging out on the beach, but the beaches are very good. Mostly cottage rentals with a couple state parks (Sleepers and Port Crescent).

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:55 PM | Benton Harbor? (Score:3 Normal)
The team the te...
The team the team the team's picture
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MGoPoints: 642

I grew up spending my summers near Traverse City.  There are some amazing places, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Petoskey, Charlevoix, et al....But I recently took a trip from Minneapolis to New Hampshire.  Our family stopped in Benton Harbor and we were really impressed with the beaches there.  The sand was very fine and the water was warm!    The entire Lake Michigan coast is fantastic!

 

They will meet a dastardly fate here for that! There isn't a Michigan Man who wouldn't like go out and scalp those Buckeyes right now." -Bob Ufer, 1973 on OSU tearing down the M-Club banner

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:32 PM | I'm from there and most of my (Score:2)
Louie C
Joined: 11/16/2009
MGoPoints: 2006

I'm from there and most of my family resides there. They do have some nice beaches there, especially on the St. Joe side. I took the wife and kids down there just last month, and she fell in love with the scenery. Hell, you can even stroll one of the neighborhoods and ogle the waterfront property too.  I like that area because it is more low key than the other locations. I just wish BH and St. Joe could put that racist  and economical shit behind them and realize that they are located in one gem of an area.

"It's the only place to get the inside story on Wolverine football, so blee bluhh tahh!" - Bo

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:57 PM | Traverse City or bust. The (Score:4 Normal)
Gorgeous Borges
Joined: 10/07/2011
MGoPoints: 680

Traverse City or bust. The food, wine and beaches are unmatched. The best beaches are North Bar, Empire Beach, Van's Beach in Leland, and Good Harbor Bay beach.

July 23rd, 2012 at 1:58 PM | Holland or Grand Haven (Score:1)
JonSnow54
Joined: 08/26/2011
MGoPoints: 128

If you want to limit your travel time, Holland and Grand Haven are probably the two best options.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:00 PM | Manistee (Score:2 Normal)
Yo_Blue
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MGoPoints: 788

Manistee has a real small-town feel to it.  The beaches are tremendous and there is quite a bit to do.  If you like your town a bit bigger, then Petoskey and Harbor Springs is another alternative (winter sports here can't be beaten either).

Should we point instead of fist pump during the Victors?

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:01 PM | Northwest/Traverse City area (Score:3 Normal)
Meeeeshigan
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MGoPoints: 160

Northwest Michigan/Traverse City area is a bit further for you to travel, but well worth it. Unbeatable in my opinion. Incredible beaches, great restaurants, etc. It's great even into September as well.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:10 PM | You really can't go wrong (Score:3 Normal)
triangle_M
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MGoPoints: 1614

You really can't go wrong from Manistee to TC.

 


And when we play as a team, when the old season is over, you and I know it’s going to be Michigan again. Michigan!

 

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:04 PM | There Are A Few.... (Score:2)
LSAClassOf2000
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I will definitely second (or third) the Traverse City suggestion because you can hit up the vineyards and eat as well as sun, but Petoskey Beach is great as well and it is not too far from Traverse City (of course, "not too far" is a relative thing in northern Michigan).

I actually enjoy the beaches inside Muskegon State Park as well, so if you do go to Grand Haven, definitely check them out. They are pretty wide and you can typically find a place that is not terribly crowded.

"Funny isn't it, how naughty dentists always make that one fatal mistake."

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July 23rd, 2012 at 2:06 PM | Benton Harbor (Score:3 Normal)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 771

The St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area has many many beaches to offer.  Some are lush with tourists, but here are two that are pretty vacant and very beautiful:

Jean Clock Park Beach

Grande Mere Beach

Tiscornia Beach

I love Greg Mattison

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:34 PM | My mom and dad were married (Score:3 Normal)
Louie C
Joined: 11/16/2009
MGoPoints: 2006

My mom and dad were married at Jean Clock Park.

"It's the only place to get the inside story on Wolverine football, so blee bluhh tahh!" - Bo

July 23rd, 2012 at 4:01 PM | Down further from there are (Score:2)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

Down further from there are some nice smaller beaches in Harbert, Union Pier and New Buffalo. Not a lot of tourists, just really clean water. Up the road in Sawyer is Warren Dunes State Park, with some great dunes, a beach, and a freaky mud pit a little in off the beach. In New Buffalo, which is right on the Michigan Indiana border, is Redamak's - they have great burgers, and a good vibe. 

July 23rd, 2012 at 5:25 PM | Jean Clock (Score:1)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 771

It really is beautiful!  They fixed it up even more, and it is right on the edge of the semi-famous (at least around these parts) Harbor Shores Golf course.  Designed by Jack Nicholas and home to a recent Senior PGA tournament.  Quite a lavish and interesting course, if one can afford it.   Have managed to shake Jack's and Arnold Palmers hand there though!

I love Greg Mattison

July 23rd, 2012 at 5:58 PM | "Klock", not "Clock" (Score:1)
rob f
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Joined: 11/11/2010
MGoPoints: 699

I'm surprised none of the three of you got it right, as much as Jean Klock Park has been in the local news over the last few years.

The park has a really beautiful beach now, especially when one compares it to the filthy, litter-and broken glass-strewn mess it was prior to it being cleaned up as part of the deal to bring the Harbor Shores Golf Course and the surrounding development to reality.  Jack Nicklaus is the greatest Buckeye I've ever met, and the only one I will likely never speak badly of---if it hadn't been for his "vision", Jean Klock Park and surroundings would still be a dump.

August 17th, 2012 at 8:29 PM | You are right (Score:1)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 771

Woops, you are definitely right.  I've only seen "Jean Klock" in print about 500 times.....

I love Greg Mattison

August 17th, 2012 at 8:30 PM | You are right (Score:1)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 771

Woops, you are definitely right.  I've only seen "Jean Klock" in print about 500 times.....

I love Greg Mattison

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:59 PM | Second that (Score:2 Normal)
eamus_caeruli
Joined: 11/29/2010
MGoPoints: 546

Since I live there and all! 

Stay at the Boulevard hotel on the bluff, and drive up and down Red Hwy for some decent grub from St Joe to New Buffalo. If you get tried of the beach after a few days, you are still close enough to get to the train and head into Chi-town.  

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity, but nobody thinks of changing himself."                  - Leo Tolstoy

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:08 PM | I live in holland and haven't (Score:1)
switch26
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 2637

I live in holland and haven't been to the beach in years..  if that says anything.. But i spend a lot of time at our local marina.  There are a lot of free public beaches that are less crowded and much nicer on the lakeshore though.

 

Grand Haven has the coastgaurd fest going on July 27- Aug 5, so if you end up wanting to go to GH prepare for it to be extremely busy and even worse is the traffic.  But there is a ton going on if you get a hotel the bars are all pretty packed during this time and get really packed the last couple days of Coast Guard.  Everything is within walking distance around GH as well which is nice.  My friends own the brew pub down there and they have some tasty beers

 

They some beer tents and live music the last couple nights as well.

July 23rd, 2012 at 2:22 PM | I grew up in Holland and I (Score:2)
triangle_M
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Joined: 03/09/2011
MGoPoints: 1614

I grew up in Holland and I wouldn't take anyone to the State Park there.  Its just too crowded.  Kirk or Tunnel are much better, but my hangout was the Riley Street beech and the "private" beaches around Port Sheldon.

 

Port Sheldon beach

 

 


And when we play as a team, when the old season is over, you and I know it’s going to be Michigan again. Michigan!

 

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:19 PM | i also stuck around riley (Score:1)
switch26
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 2637

i also stuck around riley because i live a couple miles from it.   It also has a nice sandbar area at particular times

July 23rd, 2012 at 3:28 PM | There is also the new Olive (Score:2)
MGoMaizeAndBlue
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Joined: 10/07/2010
MGoPoints: 94

There is also the new Olive Shores Park in Port Sheldon (the death scene for Road to Perdition was filmed here).

 

July 23rd, 2012 at 5:03 PM | I just went to Kirk Park (Score:2)
Feat of Clay
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Joined: 08/10/2009
MGoPoints: 2865

I just went to Kirk Park beach in June for the first time.  There was a crappy backup getting in, but it was mainly because people were buying their season passes (it was the first really great beach day of the summer) and that took a long time.   i assume they handle traffic better on normal days.  Nice beach!

 

 

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