Michigan Has the No. 3 Place to Skinny Dip in America
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…
Woman on the beach
Getty ImagesIf 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.
Everyone loves to talk about the Great Lakes, but what about the amazing rivers in Michigan? Over Memorial Day weekend, I went on a pontoon ride down the Grand River. It was so perfect outside, and watching the water ripple as the boat moved along was very relaxing. I had to watch getting sunburned, though. It's so much easier to get burned on the water than on land.
Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are very popular activities in Michigan along our rivers. But, even if you don't do either of those, just laying by a river on a warm, summer day can be fun. There are plenty of rivers that run through our cities, too, so chances are one is just a short drive away.
You know what else is great to do in the summer? Set up a picnic right by a river. Sure you might have to chase some mosquitos away, but laying on a blanket and having a picnic on the edge of a river is a very special activity.
Read on for 10 of the best rivers in Michigan. These are my personal picks, and I'm sure I left out some great ones. Reach out to me on social media with your top choices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
