Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
We residents of West Michigan are blessed to have one of the Great Lakes right in our backyard. Lake Michigan is a vast, fresh water lake that is a haven for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. The S.S. Badger carferry crosses Lake Michigan every day during the summer as a shortcut to Wisconsin.
Though not as warm as the oceans, temperatures of Lake Michigan do rise to the high 60s in July and August to make swimming enjoyable, and definitely refreshing! Rarely do temperatures make it to the 70s, unless air temperatures stay up in the 90’s for many continuous days.
Our beaches in West Michigan are some of the nicest and cleanest you’ll find anywhere. You can choose whether or not to join the crowds at the highly populated spots or find a private beach that’s less busy. Sunning, swimming, or building that special sand castle- West Michigan beaches offer it all!
If you find the water temperature of the “unsalted inland sea” is cooler than you prefer, no worries. When Lake Michigan is too chilly for your taste, head to the warmer inland waters of Hamlin Lake, Silver Lake, and many other inland lakes in Mason, Manistee, and Oceana Counties. Since these lakes are smaller and more protected by the surrounding land, they tend to warm more quickly than Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
West Shore Community College in Scottville offers classes, the West Shore Ice Arena, and a complete recreation center.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Enjoy the happiest of holidays in West Michigan! From Manistee to Ludington and every city in-between, there is holiday cheer all around!
There’s so much to do in Silver Lake! From hitting the dunes to camping out at the state park — it’s an outdoor adventure for everyone.