The Most Beautiful Beaches Along the Great Lakes

The largest freshwater system in the world is also home to some of America’s most beautiful stretches of beach.

In grammatical case you did n’t recognise , theGreat Lakesand its connecting river and channels take the crown for the largest fresh water system in the world . In addition to this impressive title of respect , the lake themselves are rightfully stunning with easygoing sand and shining bluish waters . Hell , the Great Lakes coastline is near twice as long as America ’s Atlanticcoastline , create a formidable playground in the middle of the continent . Our point being ? The Great Lakes are really , well , great . For some of these lakeshore beaches , pack your passport . For all of them , convey your swimwear and an adventurous attitude .

Big Bay State Park

Madeline Island , WIThe Apostle Islands are both the most beautifulandthe most underratedattraction in all of Wisconsin ( sorry , Mars Cheese Castle , we still love you ) . So when you get tired of kayaking through ridiculous sea caves , island - hopping , or hiking through serene backcountry , it ’s time to backpack the beach bag and plunk down it at Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island ( accessible via a 20 - minute ferry ride from the town of Bayfield ) . Wintertime bonus adventure : walk along the monolithic Methedrine lump that form when the top of Lake Superior freezes solid .

Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven , MIFor water lovers seeking idyllic sandy shores on Lake Michigan , Grand Haven State Park is a less - crowded alternative to its democratic neighbors . The 48 - Akko parking lot sits along a half - international nautical mile of Lake Michigan shoreline , which provides an ideal piazza for lounging , splash around , and blob purview of the Grand Haven pier plus two nearby lighthouses . When you ’ve had your filling of beach suspension , you may catch one’s breath easy at the campground or overnight lodge , fish off the boardwalk , or take the trolley to local shops and restaurants likeUnicorn TavernorLakeside Eats .

Holland State Park

Holland , MIThe most used park in the Michigan state park arrangement offers diffuse white backbone on a wide , interfering beach that ’s big enough for you to scratch out your own quiet blank . Stroll along the surf , toss the Frisbee around , or set up the barbecue in the picnic country . The dune lining the shoring are suitable for wandering off to find some purdah or vex a gull’s - optic horizon of the sunset over Lake Michigan . The beach is whatever you make it , kid .

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Porter , INIndiana Dunesis a sleeper hit when it comes to National Parks , but it in reality has more biodiversity than its famous boyfriend , Yellowstone . Beyond massive Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin dune , you ’ll find 15 miles of stunning lakeshore , divided into democratic beaches , like West Beach , Porter Beach , and Dunbar Beach . Over at Lakeview Beach , you’re able to go off up the grillwork and enjoy a lakeside BBQ . And do n’t draw a blank your four - legged ally — dogs are bid to stray around on most of these beach .

Margaret T Burroughs Beach

Chicago , ILIt ’s not often you get to bask the sun and sand with a cityscape overhead . Margaret T Burroughs Beach , often referred to as 31st Street Beach , offer impressive views of the Chicago skyline . Here you ’ll find a harbour for small sauceboat , a public fishing dock , a “ unripe roof ” picnic area , and a beach house fulfill with concessions . Rent some jet ski , kayaks , or boat paddle add-in at nearbyChicago Water Sport Rentalsfor some aquatic adventures , or simply slug around and click some pics — the beach is WiFi - enabled , too .

Oval Beach

Saugatuck , MIThe main attraction in one ofMichigan ’s good beach townsis easily the immaculate Oval Beach , where you could charter kayaks , sailboat , and even do a niggling sport fishing . The beach may not be as isolated as others , but it ’ll keep you busy , with George Sand dunes and paddleboat drive also compete for your attention at this Hamptons - style retirement . Not to note , in nearby Douglas , there ’s the excellentSaugatuck Brewing Company . Fill up your growler , rack up the beach , repeat as necessary .

The State with the Best Beach Towns Isn’t Even on a Coast

3,000 miles of sandy shores.

Park Point Recreation Area

Duluth , MNSandwiched between Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor in one of theMidwest ’s most underrated city , this seven - mile sand sand dune is the humanity ’s longest fresh water sandbar and a popular spot for kite flight , beach partying , and when the waves kick up , even surfing . The beach , penny-pinching though it is , abounds with wildlife and , in the peak of the summer , scantily clad sunbathers . So yeah , it ’s kind of like Miami Beach . Only it ’s Minnesota . So maybe Miami Beach crossed with Winnipeg .

Presque Isle State Park

Erie , PAThis Midwest gem juts out into Lake Erie on a stunning , arch peninsula surrounding Presque Island Bay and , in plus to historic lighthouse and 34 nautical mile of trails , bid 13 beaches to select from . They are all numbered and everyone has their favorite , but any beach you stumble across will extend everything you need . Plus the gentle sound of waves crashing onto the rocks give this local gem more of an sea feel , idealistic for staring into the wave and contemplating life .

Sauble Beach

Sauble Beach , OntarioThe motto of the townsfolk that share its name with this beach is " Live Life Slow , " which differentiate you reasonably much everything you involve to know . At seven miles long , it ’s one of the world ’s longest freshwater beaches — with shallow , strong waters colored a close - Caribbean turquoise . The well - maintained beach offers soft grit and splendid sunsets while the townsfolk sparkles with a nerveless California vibration . Despite being in , you know , the bottom of Canada .

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Empire , MIOne of themost beautiful places in Americahas all the common lake playfulness — kayaking , camping , hiking — set against capriciously huge glacial - deposit dunes . Here you may peep a lake sundown from a 450 - foot - tall , westerly - face mountain of sand , or you may stay in the cable car and take in the shot from the 7.4 - mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive . Nearby Glen Arbor as well is full of bars and restaurants with ok lake views , like the amorous waterside eateryBlu . The best way of life to drop the 24-hour interval ? Post up at one the several sunny , sheer - side beach that line this splendid 35 - stat mi stretch of Michigan coastline ( like the secluded Peterson Road Beach ) and just cool down .

Get Your ‘Dune’ Dupe Fix at This Spicy National Park Just Outside Chicago

Trade deep-dish pizza for sand dune paradise.

Warren Dunes State Park

Bridgman , MILocated about 20 hour north of the Indiana border , Warren Dunes State Park is where you go to play out yourDune - inspired fantasies , scale 240 - substructure - tall sandy hills and predicate that , yes , he who check the spice controls Southeast Michigan . After you tucker out , slide down into a lawn professorship and space out in the Baroness Dudevant , under a vacuous sky , surrounded by quiet nature trails . If you ’re hungry , the boozy townsfolk of Sawyer is just down the route .

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore