7 Best Lakeside Towns in Michigan

With 3,288 miles of shoreline, Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline in the country. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the state has some of the country’s best lakeside towns. From pristine sandy beaches to historic lighthouses and maritime history, there is always something to explore. Even in the winter months, many of the towns become a winter wonderland, offering ski slopes and cozy rustic cabins. No matter the time of year, get ready to have an unforgettable vacation in these seven lakeside towns.

St. Joseph

Located along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, St. Joseph is a lively resort town with beaches comparable to those of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Silver Beach is one of the most popular, accessible from downtown with a pier that offers panoramic views of the lake. Grand Mere State Park is another option, offering prime birding spots and interesting ecosystems such as beach woods, a hemlock swamp, cranberry bog, an old lake bed, and sand dunes. In the winter months, the park becomes popular for its cross-country skiing trails as well.

For a piece of St. Joseph’s history, make sure to explore its two lighthouses, situated on the North Pier with a history dating back to 1832. After taking in the sights, head to White Pine Winery in the downtown social district. Open year-round, this inviting spot offers wine tastings in its tasting room, perfect for unwinding.

Grand Haven

Lying along both the Grand River and Lake Michigan, Grand Haven offers a plethora of outdoor activities regardless of the season. Tourists are drawn to its beautiful summer beaches, easily accessible from popular spots like Kirk Park, Olive Shores Park, and Grose Park. The fall beckons fishing charters on the lake, a prime season for salmon. Winter attracts skiers of all kinds, with downhill skiers heading to Mulligan’s Hollow and cross-country skiers to Pigeon Creek Park.

Travelers can enjoy year-round attractions, including the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, which showcases Ottawa County’s history. Nearby art galleries, such as Gallery Uptown and Red Wall Gallery, also feature works by local and regional artists.

Indian River

The only thing better than being on one lake is being surrounded by two. Indian River sits between Burt Lake and Mullet Lake, earning its place as the ultimate lakeside town. Travelers can relax on the lakeside shores of DeVoe Beach Park and Veterans Pier, a township park nestled at the cove where Indian River meets Burt Lake. In addition to its sandy beach, the park has a picnic area and a pavilion. Those wanting to explore the lakes can also rent a boat from Howe Marine, which is on the Indian River, offering water access to both lakes.

Indian River has plenty of hearty cuisine options to choose from. For a mouthwatering sandwich or burger, stop by Christopher’s Cafe, operating for over 75 years. Michael’s Tavern And Steakhouse is also a unique option, located in a renovated historic log building from 1938.

South Haven

South Haven, located along Lake Michigan, is just a 30-minute drive north of St. Joseph and is rich in maritime history and culture. Visitors can explore local history on the Maritime District Harbor Walk, which stretches from pierhead to pierhead. The walk features historic markers along the Black River and offers scenic views of the river, lake, and harbor. At the entrance of the Black River, travelers can also visit the town’s historic lighthouse, constructed over 100 years ago.

To learn about the state’s maritime history, make sure to spend an afternoon at the Michigan Maritime Museum, which includes a fleet of both historic and replica boats, periodic waterfront festivals, and exhibits related to Michigan’s Great Lake history.

Holland

As its name suggests, Holland, sitting on Lake Macatawa, is a charming town with a rich Dutch influence. For pristine beaches, spend the day at Holland State Park Beach or Tunnel Park Beach, both having sandy beaches to sunbathe and swim. While visiting Holland State Park, do not miss the Big Red Lighthouse, located on the southern side of the Holland Channel. Accessible via a boardwalk, this bright red landmark has stood since 1870.

To immerse yourself in Dutch culture, take a tour of the Windmill Island Gardens, home to De Zwaan Windmill, the only authentic operating Dutch windmill in the country. To have a taste of what The Netherlands may have been like 100 years ago, spend a day out at Nelis' Dutch Village, which offers a variety of cultural experiences including wooden shoe carving, Dutch dancing, farms, and more.

Charlevoix

Charlevoix lies on a strip of land between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, meaning that visitors are never more than a short walk away from its beaches. Ferry Beach, along Lake Charlevoix, is popular for families, featuring a shallow swim area for kids. Mt. McSauba Recreation Area is also a summer favorite for its beach, but it transforms into a winter recreation hub during the colder months. Visitors can enjoy ski slopes, including an intermediate 1,100-foot run with a 150-foot vertical drop. At the summit, skiers are treated to panoramic views of the frozen shoreline and lake. The Mt. McSauba recreation area also features a skating rink on its south side.

After a chilly morning of skiing, visitors can warm up in one of Charlevoix’s shops, boutiques, or cafes. The Taffy Barrel is a local favorite, selling a large assortment of candy, while the Harwood Gold Store & Cafe is a cozy coffee shop selling warm hand pies, pastries, espresso, and teas to try.

Cadillac

The town of Cadillac has a population of roughly 10,400 residents and sits along both Lake Cadillac and Lake Michell. Both lakes are great destinations for anglers, filled with northern pike, walleye, crappie, perch, bluegills, smallmouth, and largemouth bass. The Pine River is also popular for winter paddling, with Pine River Paddlesports Center offering winter paddling and winter rafting trips to its offerings.

Travelers also have plenty of cozy cabins and lodges to choose from in Cadillac. Mackinaw Timbers Cabins is a great option, featuring 11 cabins, each uniquely named and themed, with a communal firepit and a sitting area, creating a nice space to unwind outdoors. To fuel up in the morning, consider stopping by one of Cadillac’s quaint and highly rated coffee shops, such as Owl Eye Coffee Roasters or Michigan Coffee Co.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are planning an immediate getaway, dreaming of spring break, or mapping out your summer plans, these lakeside towns are perfect for any season. With grand beaches, cute shops, and inviting cafes, they have something that will interest the entire family. So grab your swimsuit or bundle up in your ski gear, and get ready to explore the natural wonders these towns have in store.