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Anne Erickson

Michigan Has the No. 3 Place to Skinny Dip in America

Author Anne Erickson
Woman on the beach

If you want to go skinny-dipping, you’re best to find a place that doesn’t have a lot of people or authorities to call you out. Apparently, Michigan has one of the best areas to get your skinny dip on in the entire US. Now, remember that skinny-dipping is not legal, so we don’t suggest that you do it. That said, here is the skinny, pun intended.

Dating advice website My Dating Adviser has released its 2023 list of the top 100 places to skinny dip in the world. “Our study compared 100 nude beach spots across the following categories: beach quality, safety, weather, and hotel cost (with seven data points),” they said. “We then ranked the top 25 nude beaches globally, with the best location per country.”

Now, before you go out there and get your nudeness on, note that Michigan law states anyone caught for indecent exposure could get slammed with a misdemeanor and up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. That’s a lot of trouble just to skinny dip. Honestly, some bikinis are so tiny these days, it’s almost like skinny-dipping anyway, in my opinion.

So, what’s the spot in Michigan? The list says Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the No. 3 best spot to skinny dip in the US and No. 31 in the entire world. Go there in the summer, obviously, as it’s freezing up there in the winter months. Lokrum Island in Croatia, a small uninhabited island, is the best skinny dipping location in the world, according to this study. Find the full list of the best places to skinny dip in America and the world here.

10 Best Rivers in Michigan

  • 10. Jordan River

    The Jordan River flows through the Jordan Valley, and it’s really beautiful. People who love to fish trout will find lots in this river. It’s also a very clear river, making it a beautiful spot for a picnic, and a moderately calm river, so it’s good for canoeing.

    Jordan River

    Rafting down the Jordan River

  • 9. Rifle River

    Rifle River is a shallow river, so it’s perfect for families. This river is located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. It’s always a popular spot in the summer months.

    Rifle River Recreation Area

    Rifle River Recreation Area provides year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more. The park is home to 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including Grousehaven and Devoe, the Rifle River and several scenic streams. There is an observation tower located along Ridge Road overlooking many of the parks features and a swinging (suspension) bridge across the Rifle River.

  • 8. Big Manistee River

    The Big Manistee River is actually part of the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its clean water and forests. This spot is also known for picturesque views. It’s a must-see spot for any nature lover.

    Big Manistee River - Manistee County Tourism - Manistee, Michigan

    This river is wide and smooth flowing. Some parts have tighter navigation and fast switchbacks which may take you a little off guard, but this is a great river for the casual paddler. You will also find an abundance of rope swings and great sand bars at which to stop and socialize.

  • 7. Boardman River

    Like the Jordan River, the Boardman is another great spot for trout fishing. The river runs a little over 28 miles and drains into the Grand Traverse Bay. Several other fish are also easy to find in this spot, including smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

    The Boardman River

    This classic trout stream is located minutes from Traverse City and offers Trout fishing on its upper sections and Steelhead and Salmon on its lower sections closer to town.

  • 6. Huron River

    The Huron River goes through so many cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Detroit and beyond. There’s something special about the nature feel of a river running through a bustling city. There are also good camping and picnic areas around this river.

    Welcome to the Huron River Water Trail! - Huron River National Water Trail

    The Huron River National Water Trail is a 104-mile (167 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river's natural environment, its history and the communities it touches in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

  • 5. Grand River

    The Grand River runs along the southwestern portion of the southern peninsula of Michigan and flows into Lake Michigan. It’s actually the longest river in Michigan and runs 252 miles. I’ve been on this river many times, and it’s a favorite.

    The Grand River

    The Grand River is a Michigan favorite.

  • 4. Detroit River

    The Detroit River runs about 24 miles west and south, from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. It’s also a strait in the Great Lakes system. The river is right between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It’s a landmark of the Motor City.

    Detroit River -

    Detroit River urbanization and the river In the early 1900s, Detroit became one of the largest cities in the United States, and the Detroit River played a major role. The river is 28 miles long and serves as the international border between Canada and the United States, connecting Lake St.

  • 3. Pine River

    Pine River offers exquisite views, as it flows through the Manistee National Forest. This is also a popular river for camping, and you’ll find campgrounds all along the banks.

    Pine River Campground, Canoe, Kayaking on the Pine River and Manistee - Michigan

    PRPC has a beautiful campground next to the Pine River and has the most extensive stock of canoes, kayaks, and raft rentals for trips on Michigan's Pine River and Manistee River. Perfect for paddle sport enthusiasts and families. Book online today!

  • 2. Platte River

    The Platte River runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan and goes into Lake Michigan. It has a very gentle current, which is good for a variety of activities. There is lots of greenery around this river, too, making it lovely.

    About the Platte River in Michigan - Riverside Canoes

    The Platte River wanders for nearly 30 miles across beautiful northwest lower Michigan, a popular destination for canoe trips, kayaking and tubing.

  • 1. Au Sable River

    The Au Sable River runs a whopping 138 miles through the towns of Grayling and Mio. It runs into Lake Huron at Oscoda. This is another prized spot for trout fishing and was even named a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

    Au Sable

    The Au Sable River runs approximately 130 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio and enters Lake Huron at Au Sable.Spend the day fishing, canoeing, tubing, having a picnic.& [...]

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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