While you’ll still be looking for a bit of a winter coat in the Upper Peninsula during July and August, it doesn’t mean that Michigan’s northernmost region is devoid of great beaches. In fact, you may find more seclusion and fewer crowds than at other beaches in the state. If you are looking for a cheap place to have a vacation, look to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Keep reading to learn about my top five beach picks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
McLain State Park
McLain State Park is located on a small peninsula jutting out into Lake Superior. It’s a great place to spend the day swimming, fishing, and boating. You can also hike along the shoreline or explore historic buildings that date back to 1904 when the park was founded by lumber barons who wanted to create an exclusive getaway for their families.
If you’re headed up north for vacation this summer, McLain State Park should be on your list of places to visit!
Presque Isle Park Marquette
Located on the western shore of Presque Isle Bay, Presque Isle Park is a great place to swim, surf, and fish. The beach is one of the most popular spots in Marquette for families to spend time together. There are also plenty of other things to do such as picnicking, boating or just hanging out on the grassy knoll near Lake Superior.
Amenities include:
- Beach
- Picnic area/grill (fire pits available)
- Playground equipment
- Public dock access
- Public restrooms with showers
Escanaba Municipal Beach
Escanaba Municipal Beach is a popular Upper Peninsula beach on Lake Michigan. The beach has soft sand and is a great place to swim, surf, sunbathe and fish. There are also public bathrooms onsite as well as plenty of parking spaces.
Beaches in the U.P. aren’t just for the summer months; they can be enjoyed year-round! The Escanaba Municipal Beach offers a unique opportunity for snowmobilers who are looking to explore local areas during the winter months.
Wilderness State Park
As the name says, this park is wild. It’s located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where you’ll find sand dunes and beaches that are ideal for quiet walks and bike rides. The beach at Wilderness State Park is also great for sunbathing, swimming, and playing games on the sand with your kids or friends. You’ll need to bring lots of sunscreens though because these beaches are often very sunny throughout most of the year!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a great place for swimming, hiking, and kayaking. This is the closest beach to Munising and the most popular one in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). Located on Lake Superior, it has perfect water conditions for activities such as swimming and surfing. You can also walk along the sandstone cliffs that form its boundaries while you enjoy some fresh air and take in views of Lake Superior.
If you plan on swimming here at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, make sure you’re aware of local regulations regarding glass containers because they’re forbidden at this location. Alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed either—although we don’t blame you if you want to bring your own since this area is home to some excellent beer breweries! You’ll need sunscreen if you’re planning on spending time outside anywhere near Lake Superior because there’s not much shade provided by trees or other plants around here.
These five beaches are tops for swimming and surfing.
- What to bring: A towel or blanket for sitting on when taking breaks from swimming and sunbathing; sunscreen; sunglasses; water bottle for rehydrating after getting out of the water (and washing off the sand).
- What to expect: The waves are relatively small here, but can get stronger during strong winds—this beach is good for beginners who want to learn how to surf or bodyboard in a relatively safe environment without being splashed by huge waves constantly all day long. It’s also perfect for people who just want some time by themselves without having other swimmers splash them constantly!
- If you are traveling with someone in a wheelchair or has a disability there are many beaches in Michigan with assessability aids and special beach wheelchairs to use. See 40 Spectacular Handicap Accessible Beaches In Michigan for details
- How best can I maximize my experience at this spot? Make sure not only that you have plenty of sunscreens so none gets into your eyes when swimming; also make sure not only that no one else uses it while they’re swimming too close by so they don’t accidentally get some on their hands either! If both these things happen then wash off any residue immediately after getting out since it could cause irritation later on down the line (or worse).
Final Thoughts on Beaches in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Hopefully, we’ve got you more excited about visiting the lakes and beaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We know the struggle, and we came to these tips—even the one about watching badminton!—through our own trial and error.
There are many other great beaches in Michigan. So if you don’t find one in the UP the important thing is to keep on trying. As we covered earlier, you don’t have to go super hard on yourself for slip-ups, because this journey can take time and looks different for everyone. Plus, don’t forget that the best way to keep yourself on track is to keep it fun, keep positive, and keep yourself engaged with the people and the world around you. After all, caring about others is a great reason to switch to this lifestyle in the first place!
