3,000 MILES OF WONDERFUL BEACHES |
Bay: An open, curved indentation in the shoreline of a Sea, Ocean, or Lake. A bay is typically bigger than a cove but smaller than a Gulf. |
Beach: A gently sloping band of sediments, such as sand and stone, dropped by waves at the waterline of an Ocean or Lake. The upper limit of a beach is that line reached by the highest water level. A beach's size and shape depend on seasonal changes, the supply and type of sediments, the shape of the coastline, Winds, Tides, ocean currents, and waves. The water pounding on rocky coastlines smashes cliffs into smaller and smaller pebbles and sand. Beaches change rapidly as Wind and waves constantly carry away, move, and replace the sand and other materials. The sandy beaches of Grand Traverse bay which is part of Lake Michigan stretch over miles. The beaches on Mackinac Island are generally rocky and narrow. |
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BAYSIDE PARK |
| Off US-31 North, just south of M72 junction on East Bay in Acme. |
BRYANT PARK |
| Near downtown, at the base of Old Mission Peninsula facing West Bay |
CATHEAD BAY, NORTHPORT |
The beach and park by the lighthouse at the Leelanau State Park in Northport is a popular destination for tourists, but locals often choose to seek out its second and not as well known beach, a 1.5 mile stretch on Cathead Bay. It takes about a mile-long walk through a lush hardwood forest (the trail is marked) to reach the lakeshore, or is accessible by boat. Fans say to make a day of it if you're planning to visit the site.
Directions: Out of Traverse City, follow M-201 north, about four miles past Northport. Turn left into the Leelanau State Park, and follow the road that is further south, with access to the airport. |
CLINCH PARK |
| Off Union Street at Grandview Parkway on West Bay. |
EAST BAY BEACH |
| At the foot of Front Street on East Bay in Traverse City |
ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP PARK |
| One mile north of the M72 junction off M22 on West Bay |
EMPIRE VILLAGE PARK |
| Located at the end of Niagara St. in Empire. |
GILBERT PARK |
| Sand beach eight miles west of Traverse City on North Long Lake Road (Front Street) |
GOVERNMENT ISLAND, CEDARVILLE |
Not far from Search Bay in the Les Cheneaux area is the somewhat forbidding sounding Government Island. Don't let the name deter you from seeking out this highly regarded shoreline, part of a 36-island archipelago. But be forewarned-the only way to reach it is by kayak, canoe or outboard through the protected waters, a trek that takes about two hours. Enjoy bird watching and nature at its best along the way, and once on the island, seek out a cove on the north-west side. The island is just 1.5 miles long, and you can camp overnight
Directions: Take I- 75 north past Mackinac Bridge to M-l34, head east and look for the sign for Cedarville. |
HASEROT BEACH |
| Located in Old Mission, off M37 |
MT. McSAUBA RECREATIONAL AREA, CHARLEVOIX |
| This spot is well known for skiing in the Winter, but in the summer, the city-owned park is a haven for out- door lovers with a three-quarter mile stretch of beach and adjacent hiking trails through a forest. In between, there are some remarkable dunes that were restored back in the early 1980s.
Directions: Take U.S. 31 about two miles north of the drawbridge in downtown Charlevoix. Turn north on Mercer Boulevard, go one-half mile, and turn left on Pleasant St. Parking is at the dead end; and the beach is just a quarter-rnile further. |
NORTHPORT BEACH |
| At Nagonaba Street's end in Northport |
OLD MISSON LIGHTHOUSE PARK |
| Tak M37 to its end on Old Mission Peninsula |
PALMER-WILCOX-GATES PRESERVE, ELK RAPIDS |
There is 2,500 feet of beautiful and unspoiled beach located on 16 acres on the waters of East Grand Traverse Bay at this nature preserve, and another 18 acres without trails across the road. It has been on the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy's list for unusual plant life, so botanists are in for a treat, along with the fact that the beach is secluded and the view expansive.
Directions: Take U.S. 31 to Elk Rapids and turn west at the light, then immediately right onto Bayshore Rd. look for the signs to the preserve, about a mile north. |
SEARCH BAY, LES CHENEAUX |
Located about a half-hour northeast of the Mackinac Bridge, Search Bay boasts a quarter-mile-long Great Lakes beach known for waters that are warmer than many of its counterparts, with a sandy, less rocky bottom that gradually descends. Locals often gather at night around a bonfire, but generally, this is considered to be an extremely quiet and rustic spot..
Directions: Take I- 75 north from the Mackinac Bridge to the Les Cheneaux exit Go east on M-l34 approximately eight miles to NSFS-3436. Turn south and go 1.5 miles to the end of the road. |
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE |
| Miles of sand dunes, bluffs and protected Lake Michigan shoreline including: D.H. Day Park in Glen Haven, North Bar Lake and Good Harbor Bay. |
TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK |
| Popular 700' beach on East Bay across the street from the state park campground on US131 North in Traverse City. Day or Seasonal Permits are required. |
