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Michigan Beach Crowned the Best in the State

Author Anne Erickson
Gorgeous sandy beach stretches to the horizon.

Michigan is the Great Lakes state, so Michigan beaches are obviously a big deal. Of course, we have more than beaches. In the summer, Michiganders can also do grilling outside, gardening, watch baseball and enjoy the warm summer months. But, back to beaches. 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.

10 Beautiful Michigan Rivers You Have to Experience

  • 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.

    Jordan River

    Rafting down the Jordan River

  • 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.

    Rifle River Recreation Area

    Rifle River Recreation Area provides year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more. The park is home to 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including Grousehaven and Devoe, the Rifle River and several scenic streams. There is an observation tower located along Ridge Road overlooking many of the parks features and a swinging (suspension) bridge across the Rifle River.

  • 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.

    Big Manistee River - Manistee County Tourism - Manistee, Michigan

    This river is wide and smooth flowing. Some parts have tighter navigation and fast switchbacks which may take you a little off guard, but this is a great river for the casual paddler. You will also find an abundance of rope swings and great sand bars at which to stop and socialize.

  • 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.

    The Boardman River

    This classic trout stream is located minutes from Traverse City and offers Trout fishing on its upper sections and Steelhead and Salmon on its lower sections closer to town.

  • 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.

    Welcome to the Huron River Water Trail! - Huron River National Water Trail

    The Huron River National Water Trail is a 104-mile (167 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river's natural environment, its history and the communities it touches in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

  • 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

    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.

    Detroit River -

    Detroit River urbanization and the river In the early 1900s, Detroit became one of the largest cities in the United States, and the Detroit River played a major role. The river is 28 miles long and serves as the international border between Canada and the United States, connecting Lake St.

  • 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.

    Pine River Campground, Canoe, Kayaking on the Pine River and Manistee - Michigan

    PRPC has a beautiful campground next to the Pine River and has the most extensive stock of canoes, kayaks, and raft rentals for trips on Michigan's Pine River and Manistee River. Perfect for paddle sport enthusiasts and families. Book online today!

  • 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.

    About the Platte River in Michigan - Riverside Canoes

    The Platte River wanders for nearly 30 miles across beautiful northwest lower Michigan, a popular destination for canoe trips, kayaking and tubing.

  • 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.

    Au Sable

    The Au Sable River runs approximately 130 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio and enters Lake Huron at Au Sable.Spend the day fishing, canoeing, tubing, having a picnic.& [...]

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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Author Anne Erickson
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