Michigan: This is the Top-Rated Beach in the State
Here in Michigan, summer means one thing: going to the beach. Okay, summer can also mean grilling outside, doing some gardening, watching baseball and a bunch of other things. But,…
A beautiful Michigan beach
Getty ImagesHere in Michigan, summer means one thing: going to the beach. Okay, summer can also mean grilling outside, doing some gardening, watching baseball and a bunch of other things. But, since we are the Great Lakes state, Michigan beaches are a big deal. Now, one Michigan beach has been named the top-rated beach in the state.
The crew at PlanetWare.com has put together a list of the best beaches in Michigan. These are considered the top-rated beaches, according to their research. "Surrounded by four of the Great Lakes and characterized by peninsulas and islands, Michigan has thousands of miles of beaches to visit, with experiences that are unique to each," they state in the article.
Looking through this list, I do love plenty of the beaches they mentioned. Holland State Beach Park is No. 4, and that's a great spot on the west side of the state. Mackinaw City Beach is No. 3. Of course, Mackinaw City Beach is one of the most popular tourist areas in Michigan, so it's not a surprise to see it high on the tally. No. 2 is Cheboygan State Park Beach, which is another popular spot. "This beach is perfect for families as it has plenty of space for building sandcastles and pitching a beach shade canopy," PlanetWare.com states.
So, what's the top-rated Michigan beach? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. That's a great pick. "With more than 60 miles of shoreline and majestic sand dunes that you will remember for a lifetime, the beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are some of Michigan's most prized gems," the outlet writes. They also mention that some of the "best beach access points" are at Platte River Point, Tiesma Road, Peterson Road and Esch Road. Moreover, forests surround the area, making it a beautiful spot. Find the full list via http://PlanetWare.com 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.
