9 Great Lake Michigan Beach Towns

Lake Michigan's beach towns have outsized claims for their size. Two Rivers in Wisconsin says it invented the ice cream sundae in 1881. Saugatuck has been an artist colony since the early 1900s. Charlevoix once hosted Ernest Hemingway's summers and shows up in his Nick Adams stories. Beverly Shores in Indiana holds five surviving show homes from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. These nine towns make a memorable summer road trip across Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois. Let us begin in southwestern Michigan and work our way north.

Saint Joseph, Michigan

First up is the Southwestern Michigan waterfront community of Saint Joseph, or "St. Joe," in Berrien County. Given its accessible location, St. Joe attracts out-of-state visitors from nearby Indiana, as well as Illinois, particularly the greater Chicago area. The wave of Midwest tourists can fan out across Silver Beach, Grand Mere State Park, Jean Klock Park, Weko Beach, Warren Dunes State Park, Lions Park, and Rocky Gap Park. All of these enticing spots are located in and around town, and all of them offer a sandy frolic right next to the lake.

South Haven, Michigan

This Van Buren/Allegan County beach town is located around 25-miles up the shore from Saint Joseph. Though technically a city (a recurring theme in Michigan), the modest population of just over 4,000 residents ensures the laid-back vibes. South Haven has an excellent beach set up, with long sandy stretches sub-divided by the South Haven Piers, complete with an eye-catching, red lighthouse. Aside from the shoreline, South Haven also has a captivating downtown core, and a wealth of nearby inland lakes and nature trails to explore.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Another 20 miles up the coast from South Haven lies Saugatuck, also a city, but with fewer than 1,000 residents. Saugatuck stacks waterfront on top of waterfront: Lake Michigan to the west and the sizable Kalamazoo Lake adjacent. Beaches are the headline draw, but they are not the whole show. Saugatuck Dunes State Park has a 2.5-mile shoreline and dunes as tall as 200 feet. Inland, the splendor continues along forested trails.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Continuing another 35-miles Northbound (or about equidistance East from Grand Rapids), the popular lakelife getaway of Grand Haven awaits. Here, visitors will have their choice between Grand Haven City Beach, Grand Haven State Park, or North Beach Park, which is actually just North of Grand Haven in Ferrysburg. For some sneaky alternatives during peak season, one can also make for Olive Shores Park, Buchannon Beach, Rosy Mound Natural Area, or Windsnest Park. Basically, if you are staying in Grand Haven, then you are never far from a natural tanning bed, a refreshing swim, or a beautiful sunset.

Muskegon, Michigan

A mere 15-miles on is Muskegon, the most populous city along Michigan's Western shore, but still quaint enough for a classic "beach town" feel. This two-for-one lake special in Muskegon County provides not only the expected Lake Michigan shoreline goodness, but also the expanded bounty of Muskegon Lake, which is only separated from the Great Lake by a small ferry channel. Between these two bodies of water, there are over a dozen sites, totaling 26-miles of beaches, for visitors to choose from. To add some excitement after all the lounging, head on over to Michigan's Adventure Amusement and Water Park.

Charlevoix, Michigan

The final stop on the Michigan tour is a 190-mile northbound haul to the City of Charlevoix, in Charlevoix County. This sprightly community sits between Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Charlevoix to the east, with Round Lake right in the middle of downtown. The bascule drawbridge over the Pine River Channel rises every half hour to let boats pass. In town, a surprising number of quality breweries, wineries, and distilleries keep the adult beverages flowing. No wonder Ernest Hemingway summered nearby on Walloon Lake. Charlevoix delivers the expected Michigan waterfront beach magic, plus some memorable quirks like the 26 Earl Young Mushroom Houses scattered around town.

Beach Park, Illinois

Representing the Illinois beach town scene is the aptly named but relatively unknown Beach Park. This quiet village is part of the Benton and Waukegan townships in Lake County. Beach lovers can set up base camp here and then make for the six-miles of beaches and sand dunes in Illinois Beach State Park. Recent reviews suggest that the amenities are a little rough around the edges, but those with a bohemian beach-town attitude will not be deterred. In fact, the overgrown parking lot just adds to the aesthetic of the wild natural shoreline. The dune areas of Illinois Beach State Park harbor over 650 species of plants, so tread lightly. This area offers a basic campground, bike rentals, hiking paths, day-use facilities, and of course, the opportunity to splash around until one's heart's content.

Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Wisconsin's contribution to this list is the small city of Two Rivers in Manitowoc County. To get those feet in the sand, visitors can choose between several locations. Point Beach State Park has a six-mile stretch of beach along with 3,000 acres of forested land, campsites and cabins, and the Rawley Point Lighthouse, in operation since 1853. Another good spot to sprawl out, swim, play volleyball, or stage a horseshoe toss is Neshotah Park & Beach. If you do not mind leaving the lake, head slightly inland to the Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve. Worn out on a hot day? Treat yourself to an ice cream sundae, which Two Rivers claims to have invented in 1881 (Ithaca, New York, also claims it, but local pride here is unshakable).

Beverly Shores, Indiana

Putting Indiana on the beach town map is the humble community of Beverly Shores, within Pine Township, in Porter County. This little gem is part of Indiana Dunes National Park and right next to the Indiana Dunes State Park. Kemil Beach has a rugged yet pleasant feel and does not pull the same crowds as some of the other beaches on this list. If clouds roll in and you need to pass an afternoon another way, drive by the Century of Progress Homes, five surviving show homes from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair that were barged across Lake Michigan and reassembled here.

Hopefully, that gives you a bit of summertime road trip inspiration. If you live around or are planning to visit the American Midwest, then head on over to a few of these great Lake Michigan beach towns. The soft sands and fresh, inviting (and shark-free) waters await.