Lake Michigan is one of Michigan’s best kept secrets. It has all the qualities of an ocean beach and none of the drawbacks!
Sandy beaches and beautiful fresh water with no salt, no sharks, and no jellyfish. But one incredibly delightful part of Lake Michigan is the little towns that line the coast. My personal favorite is South Haven, Michigan.
Start your day with a bike ride along Kal Haven Trail but be careful when you leave! The draw bridge goes up every hour on the hour and blocks traffic. Along your bike ride, make a stop at one of the blueberry farms where you can pick your own fresh blueberries. When you get back, it’s time to hit the beach! There are many sandy beaches to choose from that are free to the public. From the beach, you can walk up to town and check out the shops.
On weekends you’ll find the farmer’s market and at the beginning of August you’ll find the annual Blueberry festival. Both events offer fresh produce and work from local artists, and the Blueberry festival will feature some excellent blueberry dishes. After walking around town, swimming, and biking, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Eat at Clementine’s—a local favorite for its delicious food and historical architecture. After dinner, grab some ice cream at Sherman’s and eat it while watching the boats come and go from the Black River into Lake Michigan. And finally, see the brilliant sunset over the lake at the lighthouse. You won’t want to miss out on all that South Haven, Michigan has to offer!
