This Michigan Inland Lake Has the Bluest Water
There’s one Michigan inland lake that never disappoints when it comes to viewing blue water. Every time I’ve visited this lake, it’s always been super blue and simply stunning. Now, I’m sure there are other inland lakes out there that are super blue, but to me, this is the bluest. While I love the Great Lakes that Michigan has to offer, often times, those lakes aren’t super blue. As a kid, I used to always think of lakes and the ocean as being super blue or turquoise.
Michigan Inland Lake with Blue Water
The Michigan inland lake I’m talking about is Gun Lake, which is located mainly in Barry County but extends into Allegan County. This area offers some adorable shops, as well as a great place to stay overnight in the Bay Pointe Inn. The first time I discovered this spot was when I attended my cousin’s wedding on the beach several years ago. I couldn’t believe the beauty of this lake, and I’ve gone back there to celebrate my birthday many times since then. The blue water got me right away. “There is just something special about spending time on the lake, and Gun Lake is no different, outside of the fact that it has everything to offer,” Gun Lake states.
Gun Lake also has a very nice public park and beach area, the Gun Lake County Park. This spot is a day use park on the west shore of Gun Lake. According to PureMichigan.org, this small park is about four acres and offers more than 450 feet of beach, a playground, a basketball court, picnic tables, grills, a pavilion and modern restrooms. Also, most of these amenities are ADA accessible. If you’re looking to get into the water, the park also offers a boat launch with an ADA accessible dock for loading and unloading boats. Another option of something to do near Gun Lake is to visit Gun Lake Casino, which is located off Exit 61 on U.S. 131, between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. I’m not a gambler, but if you are, this casino offers “2,500 state-of-the-art slot machines, 47 table games, a modern sportsbook and keno,” according to PureMichigan.org. It also has some great food options, such as Shkodé Chophouse, which offers American cuisine, the CBK brewery, 131 Sportsbar & Lounge, Harvest Buffet and more. If you love sports, that 131 spot offers more than 1,000 square feet of viewing surface for panoramic views of sporting events. I’d love to hear your favorite Michigan inland lakes. Reach out to me. I also love Lake Michigan, and you can see my post about the lake from this year below. It happened to be a day with blue water, too.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
Getty Images / NosUA
2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
Getty Images / Fly_dragonfly
3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
Getty Images / Tatomm
4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
Getty Images / Iryna-Imago
5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
Getty Images / pcess609
6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
Getty Images / stockstudio
7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
Getty Images / PeopleImages
8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
Getty Images / Giulio-Fornasar
9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
Getty Images / Astarot
10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
Getty Images / djiledesign
