Top Michigan Beach Town is Ready for the Season
As a lifelong Michigander, I like to think of myself as being pretty versed in beach towns. I mean, in the summer, that’s kind of the thing you do in Michigan. You go to a beach. Now, one top Michigan beach town is ready for the summer season.
First of all, I should say that there are many “top” beach towns in Michigan. From Holland to Muskegon to Grand Haven, we’re simply blessed with so many fantastic beach towns. What’s extra cool is that while many of the biggest beach towns are on the Great Lakes, this state has many great lake towns in inland lakes, too.
Top Michigan Beach Town:
One of the most popular lake towns in Michigan, Ludington, is ready for the season. Pure Ludington, their tourism promoter, has released a list of their five favorite off-the-beaten-path locations in the area. It’s choc-full of travel ideas for anyone who plans to visit Ludington this summer or fall.
Of their five picks, my personal favorite is the Big Sable Lighthouse, which is officially open for season. “The joy is in the journey when it comes to this remote Lake Michigan beacon,” Pure Ludington writes. “It’s located within Ludington State Park, 8800 W. M-116. Pure Ludington recommends parking in the lot north of the entrance booth, hiking to Pines Campground and following the lighthouse symbols painted on the road until you reach the gravel trail between campsites 58 and 59. From there, it’s a 1.5-mile hike to the lighthouse.”
They add that it’s a two-mile hike along the shoreline from the Lake Michigan Beach House to the lighthouse. The scenery at the lighthouse is known to be Instagram-worthy.” Pretty much anything along Lake Michigan is Instagram-worthy, actually. Find their full list of their five favorite off-the-beaten-path locations here. Find more information on all things Ludington and what to do in the town here.
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
