5 things you must know before visiting Lake Michigan Beaches

Growing up in Michigan I think we take for granted the abundance of water here. I think it was the time I was watching a morning talk show when it hit me. She says, “as I stood on the Lake Michigan beaches I thought I was at the ocean.” Or maybe it was when my niece visited from the south. She paused in complete awe at the vastness that spanned before her.

Long winters way up here make me think about a sandy shoreline and sunny skies.

And even our summers as resort owners keep us too distracted to enjoy the incredible unsalted sea.

We have a vacation coming up in Florida – don’t most Michiganders go there at some point in the winter? And while I love the ocean, nothing beats the fresh water of a Great Lake in Upper Michigan on a hot summer day. The U.P. has nearly a whole shoreline of Lake Michigan beaches. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Water so blue you’ll swear you were closer to the equator. That’s until you decide to jump in, of course. This won’t be like a bathwater dip of the Caribbean.

Remember that our lakes are full of ice most of the winter. The month of August might get you to a comfortable temperature. At least enough to be refreshed after a long hot day.

Lake Michigan Beaches

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I remember as a kid traveling to Texas. It was sooo freaking hot! I was super excited because we finally nailed down a day to go swimming. I even tried knee-boarding that summer. We drove up to a grassy lakeside park and it was all I could do to contain myself as the grown-ups strapped me into a life vest.

This was actually kinda bizarre to a kid who pretty much came out of the womb swimming. I can’t even think of time when I didn’t know how to swim. But I complied to the vest as it was my only salvation of jumping in that murky water.

I cannot even explain to you how disappointing it was. Strange that I can still feel it to this day. It’s been at least 30+ years.

The water was like it had just poured from the hot side of the tap. I could never describe it as “refreshing.” Worse probably, because it wasn’t clear like our Lake Michigan beaches.

And now thinking back on it, I’m pretty sure if this was today I’d never even dream of splashing into that so-called, “lake.” Don’t get me wrong…Texas is an awesome state. I was born there actually. And even Michigan has it’s fair share of mucky lakes. A few I’ve even ventured into.

I’m not exactly sure how I’ve never had a leech stuck on me. Ewwww!

Lake Michigan beaches are absolutely stunning but there’s also a few things to keep in mind before you decide to make a day of it.

When visiting Lake Michigan Beaches

#1 There probably aren’t any bathrooms!

The best sandy lakeside beaches will be found along an unpopulated roadway. My favorite are the sand dunes along U.S. 2, west of St. Ignace. It’s sort of an unspoken known when someone wades into some freezing waves, just barely waist deep. No judgies! We’ve all been there!

#2 There are strong currents!

Large seas such as these have very strong rip currents. It’s important to be aware your swimming abilities and educate yourself on current conditions and how to get out of them. Be smart and be safe!

#3 No trash cans!

Most of our serene roadside beaches don’t have waste baskets available. Don’t be THOSE people! Pick up after yourself!

#4 Don’t take glass!

While I’m super interested in finding myself some beach glass (aka sea glass), I’m not interested in cutting myself on it. Or witnessing anyone else getting injured. I’m a nurse so the site of blood isn’t my issue, I simply cannot pull out my Harry Potter wand and fix it. Not to mention the infection potential.

#5 Be sun safe!

I don’t care if it’s cloudy out! Or cold out! I’ve heard every excuse under the sun (no pun intended) to not wear sun screen. Sun safety is no joke and I’m constantly worried about the damage I’ve done in my sun loving past.

Our Lake Michigan shoreline is over 1,600 miles long. That’s a lot of Lake Michigan beaches to enjoy!