The Best Swimming in Michigan

Only accessible by a kayaking adventure, Turnip Rock is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder.Although it is close to shore, all land surrounding it is privately owned and therefore not accessible by foot. Kayak rentals can be found in downtown Port Austin.Most of the trek is over shallow water. Upon ar...

The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is located south of Manistee along an extremely isolated shoreline. Most hikers prefer to camp two nights along the shores of Lake Michigan, but some choose to call the dunes home for weeks at a time. This is an area of backwoods camping, where sites can be est...

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Michigan. A 3.6 mile round trip hike along the Lake Michigan shoreline will bring you to the destination, which is nestled among sprawling sand dunes. Each evening, it offers a stunning sunset along the sandy beaches.A shor...

South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Man...

This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...

Laketown Park is located between Saugatuck and Holland Michigan. The parking lot is at the end of 142nd Ave, and is directly next to the stairs that take you up and over the dunes to the beach. There are no official restrooms here, but there is a small pit toilet.It takes about 5-15 minutes to cl...

Marquette, Michigan is known for its natural beauty and Presque Isle Park may be the loveliest place of all. Referred to as the “Island” by locals, this oval-shaped peninsula cuts into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior.Make sure to check out Black Rocks Cove located on Island's western si...

The best place to start a kayak tour of the main section of cliffs along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is Miners Beach, located just outside of Munising. Miners Beach features a good size parking lot, along with a beautiful sandy beach that serves as a great launching point within sight o...

This adventure starts at a trailhead on the North Trail just north of Marquette, Michigan leading you straight to a beach on Lake Superior. Keep going north on a slightly beaten path up the coastline to reach Hidden Beach. The coast is full of cliffs and massive rocks to stand on to take a step o...

If you find yourself cruising M22 between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, be sure to check out this beautiful lighthouse. Turn off of M22 on to Point Betsie Rd. and follow the curving road all the way to Lake Michigan. There isn't a designated parking lot for the lighthouse, but you can park anyw...

If you are looking to see numerous waterfalls without going too far off of the beaten path, the Dead River Falls are for you. Located just a few minutes outside of Marquette, the falls are situated along a half-mile stretch in which the Dead River drops over 90 feet. Several of the falls along th...

Very short hiking trail (walk) along the river to view the falls from various parking lots. There is a boardwalk with viewing platforms from the lower parking area or a gravel path from the roadside parking area that lead to stairs down to the board walk. Along the boardwalk there are multiple pl...

Lumberman’s Monument is truly a hidden gem. Most people don’t realize there are towering sand dunes in the Oscoda area. While the majority of visitors stay at the overlook, there is a breathtaking trail for the more adventurous. The main parking for this trail is at the Lumberman’s Monument parki...

This is a challenging 7 mile loop that rewards hikers with some of the best sights in Lower Michigan. The trailhead begins at the Silver Lake State Park Pedestrian Dune Access. Your difficult hike starts with a steep flight of steps from the parking lot. After the steps, keep climbing until you r...

The trailhead begins at the Gilette Visitor Center inside PJ Hoffmaster Park. Behind the visitor center, you will see the gigantic sand dune which you will be climbing. Unfortunately, the park rangers do not want you climbing this dune's backside from the parking lot. Instead, get on the foreste...

Outside of Agate, MI, this spot is a couple of miles west of the town on MI-28. With parking on the side of the road, follow the main path under the bridge to reach the wooden walkway to the overlook. If you'd like to see the falls from above, before the walkway, there is a path up the hill that ...