There’s reason the Great Lakes region is called the Third Coast. With its abundance of jaw dropping waters, beautiful beaches, and sandy shorelines, there’s nothing quite like a Michigan beach day. Happily, the Great Lakes State isn’t just home to some of the best beaches in the country, it’s also a place where you’ll find some truly spectacular swimming holes. For those who didn’t grow up around here, a swimming hole is a Midwest summer rite of passage; a place for letting loose and jumping in feet first! If you didn’t know about these nine swimming holes in Michigan, well, now you do! They’re some of the best swimming holes in Michigan, and are sure to make a splash with your group. Let’s jump in!
- Bay Mills
Kate Ter Haar/Flickr Situated at Waiska Bay on Lake Superior, this resort community is absolutely perfect for swimming!
- Cheboygan State Park
prettyemmy/Flickr This Michigan State Park is great for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing (during the winter), and, of course swimming. It’s crisp, blue waters will draw you in.
- North Bar Lake
jimflix!/Flickr North Bar Lake is the perfect beach destination for families. North Bar Lake is one of the most popular beaches in the Lakeshore, hailed for its shallow, clear water over a sandy bottom that makes for warmer, gentler Michigan swim.
- Silver Lake State Park
Jason Mrachina/Flickr Mile upon mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline will give you that splendid for a dip at the beach on Lake Michigan. Silver Lake State Park is a true Michigan treasure.
- Platte River
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore/Flickr This shallow, slow moving river at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore empties out into Lake Michigan. It’s simply perfect for kayaking, tubing, and swimming.
- Au Sable River
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Float on down these sleepy, peaceful waters. Au Sable River really is Michigan’s very own lazy river.
- Warren Dunes State Park
Andrew Evans/Flickr Climb the dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan and then cool off in the refreshing water. Whatever you decide, Warren Dunes State Park is a delightful day trip that’s peak #PureMichigan.
- Lake St. Clair Metropark
Harry Payne/Google Local You can wade out in Lake St. Clair; but if you’re not in the mood, opt for the chlorinated version in one of the pools and splash park located at this pleasant little park.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore/Flickr Gaze upon the spectacular views of Lake Michigan atop these gorgeous dunes or race to the crystal clear waters down below. Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of Michigan’s crown jewels, and truly a must-visit!
Ready to pack your swimsuits yet? Tell us, what do you think are the best swimming holes in the Mitten?
Kate Ter Haar/Flickr
Situated at Waiska Bay on Lake Superior, this resort community is absolutely perfect for swimming!
prettyemmy/Flickr
This Michigan State Park is great for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing (during the winter), and, of course swimming. It’s crisp, blue waters will draw you in.
jimflix!/Flickr
North Bar Lake is the perfect beach destination for families. North Bar Lake is one of the most popular beaches in the Lakeshore, hailed for its shallow, clear water over a sandy bottom that makes for warmer, gentler Michigan swim.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
Mile upon mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline will give you that splendid for a dip at the beach on Lake Michigan. Silver Lake State Park is a true Michigan treasure.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore/Flickr
This shallow, slow moving river at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore empties out into Lake Michigan. It’s simply perfect for kayaking, tubing, and swimming.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Float on down these sleepy, peaceful waters. Au Sable River really is Michigan’s very own lazy river.
Andrew Evans/Flickr
Climb the dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan and then cool off in the refreshing water. Whatever you decide, Warren Dunes State Park is a delightful day trip that’s peak #PureMichigan.
Harry Payne/Google Local
You can wade out in Lake St. Clair; but if you’re not in the mood, opt for the chlorinated version in one of the pools and splash park located at this pleasant little park.
Gaze upon the spectacular views of Lake Michigan atop these gorgeous dunes or race to the crystal clear waters down below. Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of Michigan’s crown jewels, and truly a must-visit!
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Address: 11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715, USAAddress: State Park Drive, State Park Dr, Indian River, MI 49749, USAAddress: North Bar Lake, Empire Township, MI 49630, USAAddress: Silver Lake, MI 49436, USAAddress: Platte River, MI 49617, USAAddress: Au Sable River, Michigan, USAAddress: Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125, USAAddress: Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Twp, MI 48045, USAAddress: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor Township, MI 49636, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Swimming Holes in Michigan April 27, 2021 Sarah What are some must-visit beaches in Michigan? The above list of best swimming holes in Michigan really is just the tip of the iceberg in the Michigan beach department. But there are some beaches that get a lot more attention than others, drawing big crowds that you may wish to avoid. We prefer to visit the lesser-known spots, such as the beautiful Oscoda Beach Park. There’s something for everyone at this scenic beach, which offers soft sand, picnic tables, recreation equipment, and breathtaking access to Lake Huron. The beach isn’t big – just a few hundred feet of shoreline – but it’s perfect for families seeking a day on the water without getting lost in crowds. Port Austin is another perennial favorite; this tiny yet charming town is situated near some of the area’s prettiest beaches, including Oak Beach County Park. In addition to a swimming and sunbathing area, the park offers camping, fishing, and a variety of special events throughout the year. What’s the most popular beach in Michigan? That superlative would have to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes, a 35-mile-long stretch of sandy shores and dunes along Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline. The dunes themselves are as impressive as they are scenic, with some measuring up to 450 feet tall! But while people come for the epic sand dunes, they’re dazzled by the water. With some of the brightest, bluest water in Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes really is one of the state’s most resplendent treasures. How many lakes are in Michigan? Known as The Great Lakes State, Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. Within the state, there are more than 11,000 inland lakes, each of which are 5 acres in size or larger. That’s a lot of water!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Swimming Holes in Michigan
April 27, 2021
Sarah
What are some must-visit beaches in Michigan? The above list of best swimming holes in Michigan really is just the tip of the iceberg in the Michigan beach department. But there are some beaches that get a lot more attention than others, drawing big crowds that you may wish to avoid. We prefer to visit the lesser-known spots, such as the beautiful Oscoda Beach Park. There’s something for everyone at this scenic beach, which offers soft sand, picnic tables, recreation equipment, and breathtaking access to Lake Huron. The beach isn’t big – just a few hundred feet of shoreline – but it’s perfect for families seeking a day on the water without getting lost in crowds. Port Austin is another perennial favorite; this tiny yet charming town is situated near some of the area’s prettiest beaches, including Oak Beach County Park. In addition to a swimming and sunbathing area, the park offers camping, fishing, and a variety of special events throughout the year. What’s the most popular beach in Michigan? That superlative would have to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes, a 35-mile-long stretch of sandy shores and dunes along Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline. The dunes themselves are as impressive as they are scenic, with some measuring up to 450 feet tall! But while people come for the epic sand dunes, they’re dazzled by the water. With some of the brightest, bluest water in Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes really is one of the state’s most resplendent treasures. How many lakes are in Michigan? Known as The Great Lakes State, Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. Within the state, there are more than 11,000 inland lakes, each of which are 5 acres in size or larger. That’s a lot of water!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The above list of best swimming holes in Michigan really is just the tip of the iceberg in the Michigan beach department. But there are some beaches that get a lot more attention than others, drawing big crowds that you may wish to avoid. We prefer to visit the lesser-known spots, such as the beautiful Oscoda Beach Park. There’s something for everyone at this scenic beach, which offers soft sand, picnic tables, recreation equipment, and breathtaking access to Lake Huron. The beach isn’t big – just a few hundred feet of shoreline – but it’s perfect for families seeking a day on the water without getting lost in crowds. Port Austin is another perennial favorite; this tiny yet charming town is situated near some of the area’s prettiest beaches, including Oak Beach County Park. In addition to a swimming and sunbathing area, the park offers camping, fishing, and a variety of special events throughout the year.
What’s the most popular beach in Michigan?
That superlative would have to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes, a 35-mile-long stretch of sandy shores and dunes along Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline. The dunes themselves are as impressive as they are scenic, with some measuring up to 450 feet tall! But while people come for the epic sand dunes, they’re dazzled by the water. With some of the brightest, bluest water in Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes really is one of the state’s most resplendent treasures.
How many lakes are in Michigan?
Known as The Great Lakes State, Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. Within the state, there are more than 11,000 inland lakes, each of which are 5 acres in size or larger. That’s a lot of water!
