| Our snazzy new Swim Guide lets you locate beaches near you, figure out which ones are safe for swimming (the green ones!), and plan your next trip to the beach. It’s free, and it’s fun, and it’s available now online, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android devices. 16th Street Beach: Au Gres is located in eastern Arenac County a few miles from the Lake Huron shoreline. French explorers referred to the area as having “gritty stone,” hence the name Au Gres. A public boat launch operated by the Michigan DNR provides access to Saginaw Bay with walleye and perch fishing opportunities. 28th Street Beach: Au Gres is located in eastern Arenac County a few miles from the Lake Huron shoreline. French explorers referred to the area as having “gritty stone,” hence the name Au Gres. Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron contains one of the largest coastal wetland systems in the United States. A public boat launch operated by the Michigan DNR provides access to the bay and walleye and perch fishing opportunities. Arcadia Park: Arcadia Park Beach is located close to the Arcadia Campground Marina, which offers camping and boating at reasonable prices. The campgrounds feature tent and RV sites with full hook-up. The beach is clean and sandy, and has a playground area and shower facilities. Arenac County Park: Arenac County Park & Beach is located off of Rumsey Road and facilities includes rental cabins, day-use park with picnic tables, grills, volleyball, horseshoes and 900 feet of sandy beach. In 2011, entry fees are $3 daily pass to walk or bike in, $5 daily pass per car county resident, $7 daily pass per car non-county resident, $30 season pass per car. Bar Lake Outlet: Bar Lake Outlet Beach is easily accessible, with no steps and no bluff. Bar Lake is shallow and excellent for fishing. The beach is just five minutes from Manistee Riverwalk shops and restaurants. Bass Lake Outlet Beach: Bass Lake Outlet Beach has a shallow swimming area where the little ones can play, as well as an open beach with waves. You can reach the Outlet by boat. You will have your choice of resorts to stay at near the beach. Bayview Campground: Bayview Campground is just steps away from miles of sunny, sandy beach where you can view gorgeous sunsets. Drinking water and toilets are available throughout the campground. The site is host to red and white pine, oak, maple, and white birch trees. Bessinger Road Beach: Bessinger Road beach is located at West Bessinger Road and U.S.23. Au Gres is located in eastern Arenac County along the Au Gres River, a few miles from Saginaw Bay and the Lake Huron shoreline. French explorers referred to the area as having “gritty stone,” hence the name Au Gres. A public boat launch operated by the Michigan DNR provides access to Saginaw Bay and walleye, bass, and perch fishing opportunities. Big Pine Day Use Area: Big Pine Day Use Area is near the Hiawatha National Forest. The forest borders three different Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron) and boasts more than 100 miles of shoreline. Big Pine beach is sandy and littered with coloured stones. Picnic tables, grills, and benches are available for visitors. Big Shoal Cove Beach: Big Shoal Cove Beach is found on Drummond Island’s peaceful south shore. The beach is located within a park that has a parking lot, outdoor toilet, picnic tables, and impressive vistas around the islands of the cove. The beach is mostly sandy with a few round pebbles. Black River Public Access: Black River is an unincorporated community located on Lake Huron at the mouth of the Black River, just south of Negwegon State Park. Public access is located at the mouth of the Black River and includes a boat launch for fishing, including perch, salmon, and trout fishing. Negwegon State Park, located at the north edge of town, offers several miles of beaches and hiking trails. Brimley State Park: Brimley State Park Beach is quite popular. It has soft sand and a marked swimming area. Brimley State Park is one of the oldest state parks in the Upper Peninsula, and offers fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, and camping. Bronson Kruse Park: Bronson Kruse Park boasts about one mile of beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This is a great place for picnicking, with four shelters and a handicap accessible ramp leading to the beach and dunes. Bryant Park Beach: Bryant Park Beach is a popular spot. Located close to downtown Traverse City, this beach offers a picnic area, a playground, restrooms, charcoal grills, lifeguards, and exquisite views of the sunset over West Grand Traverse Bay. Burtchville Twp Park: Burtchville Township Park is a 15-acre park with a swimming beach on Lake Huron. The park also includes a roller blade area, tennis and basketball facilities, skate board park, pavilion, play scape, lookout deck, and a 1/4 mile walking path. Buttersville Park Beach: Buttersville Park Beach is located close to a state-licensed campground. Visitors can reserve the pavilion for picnics, walk on the beautiful beach, spend time at the Pere Marquette Shrine, or make use of the boat launch. Cemetery Beach: This beach is located north of the Whitney-Sims Cemetery. The shoreline is publicly owned but is not yet developed for public use. The water quality is monitored regularly, though, so if you are looking for an out-of-the way place to swim, this may be it. Cherry Beach: Cherry Beach is a small beach with limited parking. Visitors can view the lake from the shady observation deck, which is handicap accessible. Steps lead to secluded beach. There is no lifeguard on duty. Chrysler Park Beach: Chrysler Park Beach is located on the banks of the St. Clair River south of Port Huron, Michigan. If you look across the river, you can easily see Canada. To the south, you’ll see Stag Island. Claybanks Township Park: Claybanks Township Park contains 2700 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Take a dip in the water, enjoy a campfire, and take in the scenic beauty of this spacious park. Clinch Park: Clinch Park Beach is arguably the most popular beach in the area. This beach features over 1500 feet of sand along West Grand Traverse Bay, and is located in downtown Traverse City. Picnic tables, lifeguards, and restrooms are available. Conger Lighthouse Beach: The city of Port Huron owns and operates 17 waterfront areas containing 102 acres and 3 1/2 miles of water frontage. This includes two public beaches and six parks with picnic facilities. Port Huron also operates the largest municipal marina system in Michigan and has five separate locations for boat mooring. Lighthouse Beach is not recommended for swimming, due to the deep water and strong current. There is no lifeguard on duty so swim at your own risk. Covert Township Park Beach: Covert Township Park Beach is nestled away in Covert Township’s quiet neighbourhoods. This ¼ mile sandy beach is quiet and relaxing. From the shore you will have the opportunity to see breathtaking sunsets over the lake. Detour Albany Beach: Detour Albany Beach is located in the quaint Detour Village. This is a popular vacation spot for families and fishermen. The village is often referred to as the “Gateway to the North Channel”. Douglas Beach: At Douglas Beach, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over Lake Michigan. Douglas offers many restaurants, B&Bs, hotels, as well as shopping opportunities. Drummond Island Township Park: Drummond Island Township Park Beach boasts a stretch of clean sand and shallow water for about 100 yards. Just a short distance from the beach you’ll find a series of small islands. Duck Lake Channel Beach: Duck Lake Channel Beach offers a quiet stretch of smooth sand. The creek is often warm enough for swimming even when Lake Michigan is too cold. Dunbar Park: When visiting Dunbar Park Beach, be sure to bring along your binoculars to enjoy the fantastic bird watching that the park offers. Have a leisurely picnic in the park, or a relaxing day on the boat. The park features a boat launch, picnic tables, and grills. Dyer Road Beach: This beach is located at Dyer Road and US-23, north of Brown’s Landing Campground, in Tawas City. Twawas City lies at the mouth of the Tawas River, which flows from Tawas Lake to Lake Huron, providing beach access and fishing opportunities. According to Michigan DNR, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, and Walleye have been extensively stocked in the Tawas River and Tawas Bay. East Bay Park (Milliken Park): East Bay Park Beach offers a shady picnic area, shallow water, lifeguards on duty, a playground, and public restrooms. Fifth Avenue Beach: Fifth Avenue Beach features an emergency call station, a handicap ramp to the waterfront, bathhouses, a playground, picnic tables, grills, and a coast guard station. There is no lifeguard on duty at this beach. First Street Beach: Manistee Dog Park at First Street Beach is a popular dog park where pets an run off-leash within a fenced ½ acre of shoreline. This beach also offers an emergency call station, a handicap ramp to the waterfront, bathhouses, a playground, picnic tables, and grills. There is no lifeguard on duty at this beach. Forester County Park: This park is six miles north of Port Sanilac on along the Lake Huron shoreline. The 68-acre facility features 190 camping sites, picnic pavilions, a park arcade, a swimming beach, nature trails, and fishing. Fort Gratiot County Park: Fort Gratiot County Park is located in the northern part of St. Clair County. This 30 acre park offers views of Lake Huron and 852 ft of beach. Facilities at the park include beach access, restrooms, picnic areas, a playground and .85 miles of paved walking trails. Life guards are not on duty, so take caution and swim at your own risk. Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed in the rest of the park if on a leash. The park is named for one of the USA’s first engineers. Foster Road Beach: Foster Road beach is one of four water access points in Sims Township, near the City of Au Gres. Sims Township has over 10 miles of Lake Huron shoreline, providing swimming, boating access, and fishing for walleye, bass, and perch. Grand Beach: At Grand Beach, enjoy white fine sand, tall dunes, and varied wildlife. This beach is located in a resort community with a population of less than 150 people, featuring public golf courses. Greenbush Township: Greenbush is located in Greenbush Township in the southeastern corner of Alcona County and hosts several resorts along the Lake Huron shoreline. Historically, Greenbush was home to a fishery and lumber operations beginning in the mid-1800s. Hagar Township Park: Hagar Township Park is a favourite location for boating, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy hiking through Sarett Nature Center wildlife sanctuary, golfing, or relaxing in the many parks found here. Hammel Beach Road Access: Hammel Road beach is located on the shore of Lake Huron in Whitney Township, near the City of Au Gres. Harbert Beach: Harbert Beach is a peaceful sugar-white beach on the shore of Lake Michigan, ideal for sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying exquisite sunsets. Nearby is an array of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Harbor Towne Beach: Harbor Towne Beach runs along the shore of Muskegon Lake. This beach is popular with locals, and it is a great place to go for walleye and salmon fishing. Harrisville Public Access: This boating access site, operated by the Department of Natural Resources, allows direct access to Lake Huron’s offshore fishing opportunities. Nearby Harrisville State Park has a campground and day-use area along Lake Huron’s sandy shores. Holland Road Beach: Holland Road Beach is located on the clear waters of Lake Huron, just south of Lakeside Park, which has playground facilities, picnic areas, and restrooms. Huron National Forest North: According to the US Forest Service, the Huron National Forest is part of the Huron-Manistee National Forests in northeastern Michigan. It is 450,336 acres. There are 14 developed campgrounds in the Forest and about 240 miles of trails for non-motor users. These trails range from the 220-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore trail and the North Country Trail. Although the Huron National Forest has no formally designated canoe routes, a 23-mile segment of the Au Sable River was designated a Scenic River in 1984 and there are now several “rest stops” along the river with vaults and small campsites for canoeists. Bald eagles, ruffed grouse and Kirtland’s warbler are among the bird species present in the Forest. This beach is sampled at two points: north and south. Huron National Forest South: According to the US Forest Service, the Huron National Forest is part of the Huron-Manistee National Forests in northeastern Michigan. It is 450,336 acres. There are 14 developed campgrounds in the Forest and about 240 miles of trails for non-motor users. These trails range from the 220-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore trail and the North Country Trail. Although the Huron National Forest has no formally designated canoe routes, a 23-mile segment of the Au Sable River was designated a Scenic River in 1984 and there are now several “rest stops” along the river with vaults and small campsites for canoeists. Bald eagles, ruffed grouse and Kirtland’s warbler are among the bird species present in the Forest. This beach is sampled at two points: north and south. Jean Klock Park: Mr. and Mrs. Klock gave the park to Benton Harbor City in 1917, dedicating it to the memory of their daughter Jean. At the dedication ceremony, Mr. Klock called the park a gift from a little child: “Perhaps some of you do not own a foot of ground. Remember then, that this is your park. It belongs to you. Perhaps some of you have no piano or phonograph, the roll of the water murmuring in calm, roaring in storm, is your music, your piano and music box … The beach is yours, the drive is yours, the dunes are yours, all yours. It is not so much a gift from my wife and myself, it’s a gift from a little child. See to it, that the park is the children’s.” Jean Klock Beach Park is one of the oldest parks in Michigan. This park has an observation trail, picnic areas, and swimming facilities. Jeddo Road Beach: Jeddo Road Beach is one of many beaches along St. Clair County’s Lake Huron shoreline. Keewahdin Road Beach: Keewahdin Road Beach is part of Fort Gratiot county park and is one of the “little known treasures” in the Township. The name of this beach may come from the Ojibwe word meaning “up north”. Krafft Road Beach: Krafft Road Beach is located on the clear waters of Lake Huron just north of Lakeside Park, which has playground facilities, picnic areas and restrooms. Lake Harbor Park: Lake Harbor Park Beach offers beautiful dunes, a wooden walkway with an observation deck, and many nature trails leading towards Lake Michigan. Within the park there are approximately 18 picnic tables, and a picnic shelter with space for 8 tables. Lakeport State Campground: Along the shores of Lake Huron, Lakeport State Park contains a total of 250 camping sites divided between two campgrounds. All sites have a picnic table, fire circle, electricity, modern toilet/shower buildings along with several pull-through sites and camp pads for ease of leveling campers. Lakeport State Park – Day Use: Located along the shores of Lake Huron, Lakeport State Park contains a total of 250 camping sites divided between two campgrounds. All sites have a picnic table, fire circle, electricity, modern toilet/shower buildings along with several pull-through sites and camp pads for ease of leveling campers. Lakeside Beach: Lakeside Beach is located in Port Huron, the “Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes.” Lakeside Beach has a designated swim area but lifeguards may not be on duty so swim at your own risk. Laketown Township Park: Laketown Township Park Beach offers an incredible view of Lake Michigan. A stairway leading over the dune helps protect the fragile dune environment while providing visitors with lake access. Lexington Beach: Sanilac County is located less than two hours from Detroit and 30 miles north of Port Huron. As part of Michigan’s Thumb, the county is home to 42 miles of lakeshore. Lexington Beach is located in the Village of Lexington, a small harbor community along the shores of Lake Huron. Lexington County Beach: Located three miles north of Lexington, this 27-acre park offers a swimming beach, picnic area, tennis courts, and playground. A scenic wooden bridge connects the north and south portions of the park. Sanilac County is located less than two hours from Detroit and 30 miles north of Port Huron. As part of Michigan’s Thumb, the county is home to 42 miles of lakeshore. Lighthouse – Sylvan Beach: Lighthouse – Sylvan Beach is found in the Northern end of Muskegon County. This beach offers public restrooms and picnic areas. Lighthouse Beach at Silver Lake State Park: Lighthouse Beach at Silver Lake State Park is located across the lake from the famous Silver Lake sand dunes. Facilities include a boat launch, picnic tables, fishing, hiking trails, and restroom facilities. A day pass is required to use the beach area. Lincoln Township Park: At Lincoln Township Park you will find a public beach, 4 tennis courts, a basketball court, a picnic shelter, and playground equipment. The Lincoln Township Library is conveniently located next door, so study breaks can be spent at the beach! Magoon Creek: There are about 2 miles of sandy shoreline at Magoon Creek Beach, featuring a picnic pavilion, well water from a hand pump, and restrooms. Take a hike on the beautiful nature trail. Marine City Beach: Marine City Beach is located on the banks of the St. Clair River. Marine City was once an important ship-building hub for the Great Lakes, and many captains and sailors made their homes here. Car/pedestrian ferry service runs regularly from Sombra, Ontario to Marine City, Michigan. Marine City Diving Area: Marine City Diving Area is located on the banks of the St. Clair River. Marine City was an historic ship building center of the Great Lakes where many captains and sailors made their homes. Marine City has five waterfront parks are interspersed between shopping and dining venues along the historic waterfront and boardwalk. Marquette South Beach: Marquette South Beach has a popular swimming area. Two sets of stairs and a handicap ramp provide easy access to the beach, restrooms, playground, and parking area. Volleyball poles are available; visitors must bring their own net and ball. McCarty’s Cove: McCarty’s Cove Beach is great for swimming; there is a lifeguard on duty. Visitors can enjoy two volleyball areas, picnic tables, park benches facing the lake, a restroom facility, drinking fountain, grills, a parking areas, and a playground. Mears State Park: Mears State Park Beach has fine sand and a swimming area adjacent to the harbour pier. The park is located in the charming village of Pentwater. Paved campsite lots can be found within the park. Medbury Park: Medbury Park Beach offers a small picnic area, restrooms without running water, a beach volleyball court (visitors must bring their own net), and park benches placed along the channel for visitors to relax and enjoy the pleasant view. Meinert State Park: Meinert State Park is 88 acres of tall dunes, and scenic views of Little Flower Creek and the Lake Michigan shoreline. You can climb the trail to the top of a dune for a fabulous view of the lake and surrounding countryside. Metcalf Road Beach: This beach is located on the northern edge of Fort Gratiot County Park, a 30 acre park in northern St. Clair County that offers 852 ft of Lake Huron beach access. Current facilities at the park include beach access, restrooms, picnic areas, a playground and walking trails. Metropolitan Beach Metropark: The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) operates over a dozen parks in southeast Michigan that offer recreation including hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and cross-country skiing. Metro Beach is 770-acre facility that includes 1.25 miles of Lake St. Clair frontage, a large lake beach area, swimming pool with water slides, picnic areas and shelters, three marinas, day sail area, nature center, a nature interpretive area, a paved hike/bike trail, boat launch, an 18-hole par 3 golf course and an 18-hole adventure golf course. An open-air pavilion offers day and evening concerts during the summer months. In the winter, park users enjoy ice-fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing, weather permitting. Michiana Village: Michiana Village Beach is the perfect place to go on a clear night and star gaze. It is found in the charming, hidden Village of Michiana, a summer residence for some Chicago celebrities! The village is dotted with log cabins and cottages. Mona Lake Park Beach: Come to Mona Lake Park Beach and see the many shorebirds feeding on aquatic life. Bring your binoculars and take advantage of the excellent birding opportunities. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic. There are restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and a playground at the park. No dogs are allowed. Muskegon State Park: Muskegon State Park Beach is a two-mile long stretch of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Many attractions are found near the park, including the Michigan Adventure amusement park, the Gillette Nature Center, and the Muskegon County Museum. Muskegon State Park Lake Side: Muskegon State Park Beach spans over two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. This beach ranks among the most beautiful in the world. The forested dunes found here are enjoyed by many visitors each year. Muskegon State Park Shoreline Beach North: Muskegon State Park Shoreline Beach North contains dunes, interdunal ponds, and is close to forests, fields, and a coastal plain marsh. Bicycling is not allowed on any of the trails due to the Protected Dune status of the park. Negwegon State Park: Negwegon State Park is located on the north edge of the town of Black River. The park offers hiking, hunting, backcountry camping, paddling, and swimming along an undeveloped sandy beach on Lake Huron. Visitors should note that the roads into the park are often so sandy that a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed. A nearby public access area at the mouth of the Black River, operated by the Department of Natural Resources, offers a boat launch for fishing opportunities including perch, salmon and trout. New Baltimore Park Beach: New Baltimore is located on the north coastline of Lake St. Clair along Anchor Bay. It offers a public park, beach, and downtown-shopping district. New Buffalo City: New Buffalo City Beach is more than just a beach. In addition to swimming, visitors can view beautiful dunes from the wooden walkways. The beach amenities include: restrooms and showers, a full service snack bar, handicap access, pavilions, picnic tables, grills, a playground, bicycle parking, and car parking for a fee. No pets are allowed at this beach. North Beach: North Beach is located in a popular 20 acre park. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing along the 745 feet of shoreline, or walk a walk on the barrier-free beach walkway. A wooden stairway climbs over a dune and offers a great view of Lake Michigan. North of Picnic Rocks: North of Picnic Rocks Beach is in close proximity to the Northern Michigan University Campus, and has become extremely popular among university students. Picnic tables are available. Old Channel Beach: Old Channel Beach is found on the shores of Lake Michigan, close to White River. Wildlife, including white tail deer, mink, muskrats, waterfowl, beavers, sand cranes, and blue herons can be found along the banks of the river. It is also a popular place for fishing. Onekama Township Beach: In Onekama you can enjoy many restaurants, lodging facilities, retail stores, golf courses, and marinas. Summers here are great for charter boat fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing, and sunbathing. “Onekama” means “portage”. Orchard Beach State Park: Orchard Beach State Park Beach is located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. There is a stairway leading from a campground to the beach. Self-guided hiking trails are close by. While in Manistee, be sure to take the trolley on a historic tour of the town. Oval Beach: Oval Beach offers a stretch of clean sand. This beach does not get too crowded, and there is a restroom and a concession stand. The dunes offer a picturesque backdrop on a sunny day. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Campground: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Campground offers 293 campsites with electrical hook-ups and available water. The campground is located in a wooded valley with picnic areas, hiking trails, swimming and snowshoeing. The park is named for Hoffmaster, one of the founders of the Michigan state parks system. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Public Beach: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Public Beach has some of the most spectacular dune formations along Michigan’s western shore, and pristine sand stretching for 3 miles along the lake front. The sheltered valleys make fantastic habitat for migrating birds. The nature center is named for Gillette, who scouted for new parks for Hoffmaster. Pendills Beach: Pendills Beach offers a spectacular view over the lake. It is a long, narrow beach with some large rocks in the water. The tree line stands close to the water, creating plenty of shade for visitors. Pere Marquette Park: Pere Marquette Park Beach is a long, sandy public beach bordered on the north by the Muskegon Channel. There is an accessible walkway on the beach. The Park is named for a Jesuit missionary who came here from France (via Canada) and died in the area in the 17th Century. Picnic Rocks: Picnic Rocks Beach is a family-friend, soft-sand beach. There is a playground, and ample parking is available. Pier Cove Beach: This small public beach is open all year. Parking can accommodate about 10 cars. There is no lifeguard and no public facilities at Pier Cove Beach, and it is not wheelchair accessible. This beach is a beautiful place to view the sunset over Lake Michigan. Pierport Township Beach: Pierport was first known as Turnersport, named after Turnersport Pier Company, which built a pier there in 1866. The settlement was renamed Pierport in 1872. Pioneer County Park: Pioneer County Park is full of fun activities, including horseshoes, baseball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, a playground, swimming at the beach, and picnic areas. The park also has 213 modern campsites. Port Sanilac Park: This beach is one of two public beaches in Port Sanilac, Port Sanilac is also home to the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve, an underwater museum that features historical shipwrecks. Rocky Gap: Rocky Gap Beach overlooks Lake Michigan from a bluff in Rocky Gap County Park. The beach is 1,100 feet of shoreline and affords breathtaking views of the lake. Ross Park Beach: Ross Park Beach is a sandy beach with a swimming area. There is no lifeguard on duty. The beach offers a playground, picnic tables, volleyball court, and a boat area. Saugatuck Dunes Park: Saugatuck Dunes Park Beach is a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline. It is located 0.6 miles from Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which offers a picnic area, parking, and fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. Sherman Park: Sherman Park Beach is the only public beach in Sault Sainte Marie. Come enjoy the volleyball courts, playground, nature trails, cross-country skiing trails, and the rustic campground. Sherman Park is open from mid-May through mid-October. Shores Blossom Heath Beach: Shores Blossom Heath Beach is located just outside of Detroit. Be cautious when swimming here. This beach was declared the third most-polluted beach in the U.S. in 2010 by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) because of its high levels of pollution. Shores Memorial Park: Shores Memorial Park is located just 13 miles from downtown Detroit on the shore of Lake St. Clair. This park has playground facilities, a “splash zone” water play area, picnic areas, beach, fishing area, and a band shell for concerts in the park. Silver Beach: Silver Beach is found within Silver Beach Couty Park, which offers play areas, a guarded swimming area, volleyball, pier fishing, a ½ mile walkway, and picnic shelters that can be reserved. There are many outdoor concerts in this park during the summer. There is an entrance fee for the park and pets must be kept on a leash. Singing Bridge Beach: This beach is located at US-23 at N. Huron Road. According to monitoring reports, this beach has a history of E. coli contamination and as of May 2011 county health officials were still trying to figure out the sources of the contamination after sampling showed levels exceeding the state limit. According to the Great Lakes Echo, the beach was closed eight times in 2010 because of harmful levels of e. coli. South Haven, North Beach: South Haven, North Beach is open year-round from 8am-10pm. Visitors can enjoy swimming, walking along the pier, concession stands, playgrounds, and excellent fishing. Pets are not permitted. South Haven, South Beach: Come to South Haven, South Beach. This beach also contains a playground, skateboard park, concessions, and a lighthouse. Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and pets are not permitted. Stearns Park Beach: Stearns Park Beach is within walking distance of downtown. The beach is ½ mile long and hosts volleyball courts, a playground, a shaded picnic area, and two concession stands. Mini-golf and shuffleboard are available for a small fee. Stony Lake Channel: Stony Lake Channel Beach is situated at the point where the Stony Lake Channel joins Lake Michigan. It is a great beach for swimming and fishing, and popular with families. There is a small launch ramp on the inlet. Sturgeon Point Park: Sturgeon Point Park juts into Lake Huron. Visitors have access to the lighthouse and museum here. The Alcona Historical Society is responsible for maintaining the lighthouse owned by the US Coast Guard. Sturgeon Point is the most easterly point along the Lake Huron shoreline between Thunder Bay USA and Saginaw Bay. According to the National Park Service,”protruding lakeward from the point is a long, narrow cobble strand that frequently lies awash during lake storms while in calm weather. It is a haven for gulls.” Sugar Island Township Park: Sugar Island is a great place to go and view magnificent bird migrations, including the migratory snowy and great gray owls. The shoreline wetlands provide habitat for many kinds of wildlife, including mammals, fish, and birds. There are many resorts in town. Summit Beach – Sunset Boulevard: Summit Beach – Sunset Boulevard Beach is the perfect place to go for a relaxing picnic and a swim in Lake Michigan. There is a steep climb to and from the sandy beach. Summit Township Beach: Summit Township Beach is a small beach with sand dunes and a woody, grassy area. Picnic tables, restrooms, and parking are available for use. The park is gated and closes at dusk. Sundling Park: Filer City is a large community in Manistee County. It is known for industrial activity, including paper products and salt processing. Filer City is a scenic area overlooking Manistee Lake to the east. Tiscornia Park: Tiscornia Park Beach is just across the street from Silver Beach. The pier is just steps away from the parking lot. There is a fee for parking and no lifeguard on duty. Traverse City State Park: Traverse City State Park Beach is 700 feet of sandy beach located on East Bay. Visitors can enjoy the bathhouse, picnic area, and convenient parking. Just across the street you will find Traverse City State Park campgrounds. Twining Road Beach: This beach is located at US-23 and Twining Rd in Whitney Township near the City of Au Gres. The town is just one square mile. It is named after a 19th Century lumberman. Union Pier: Union Pier is a quaint community located on the shore of Lake Michigan. Walk around town and visit the galleries, Union Pier’s corner store, and the ice cream parlor. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and the sandy beach. You will find a number of resorts and bed and breakfasts here. The beach name reflects the community’s historic ties to timber. Ships loaded up with wood here and carried it away to Michigan more than a century ago. Van Buren State Park: Van Buren State Park contains high dune formations and sandy beach stretching for one mile along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing and surf-casting, and there is a picnic area close by. Warren Dunes Beach: Warren Dunes Beach is three miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors can swim and picnic and the beach and enjoy six miles of hiking trail near by. The dune formation rises 240 feet above the lake. You can view the Chicago skyline from the top of Tower Hill sand dune. Washington Street Park: Washington Street Park is located just south of Lakeport State Park on the shores of Lake Huron. The surrounding Burtchville Township is named after Jonathon Burtch. He was a lumberman who settled here around 1840. Weko Beach: Weko Beach is 900 feet of white sandy beach. The boardwalk passes over the dunes giving you a broad view of the coastline. There are plenty of shady areas to relax. Pay to park. West End Beach: Located within a large, bay-front park, West End Beach overlooks West Grand Traverse Bay. This beach offers ample parking and public restrooms. West Side County Park Beach: West Side County Park Beach consists of 630 feet of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan. Easy access to the beach is provided by two dune stairways. The nearby park has a baseball diamond, picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms, and a fenced playground. Whiskey Creek: Whiskey Creek Beach is quite close to a lot of parkland, including the Manistee National Forest. The Forest consists of hardwood forest and rolling meadows. A resort near by offers canoeing and fishing. Whites Beach: Whites Beach has no public facilities, but the water quality is monitored regularly. This beach is in Arenac County, which gets its name from latin and Native American words that combined mean “sandy place”.
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