Vacation On Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has always been a major draw for tourists from Chicago and all over the Midwest, but with all the development of hotels, resorts, and condos along the shoreline it’s difficult to find that home away from home.
The dream vacation of millions of Americans every summer has to be the shores of Lake Michigan. The beautiful shoreline, cool water, marinas and ferry docks are just the beginning. More and more people are discovering there is so much more to do on the shores of Lake Michigan than simply sunbathing.
Ready to unwind and relax during your summer vacations? Why not making a trip along the majestic Lake Michigan.
Located in Lake County, Indiana, the village of Illinois is home to over 12,000 residents who enjoy the hometown atmosphere. Visitors are also attracted to this quiet beach community because of the course waterfront and the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
If you are longing to take a vacation, but can’t afford it, then I have the perfect idea for you. The most beautiful place on earth is not the Galapagos Islands, and it’s not Bora Bora, it’s a little known place located just minutes from downtown Chicago. The brackish waters of Lake Michigan and the majestic dunes of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offer endless opportunities to explore America’s near-shore.
Vacation On Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan borders Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
This provides plenty of destination choices, activities and attractions for the best Lake Michigan family vacations.
It’s the third largest of the Great Lakes and the only one located entirely in the U.S.
Our neighbor to the North, Canada, shares shorelines with the rest of the Greats.
If you’re searching for ideas for a day trip, weekend getaway or seven-day adventure, keep reading to find some of the best Lake Michigan family vacation spots.
1. Traverse City
101 West Grandview Parkway
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 947-1120
Located along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City offers 180 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, swimming and sunning.
Four seasons of fun Lake Michigan family vacation ideas are ready and waiting.
Turn the tykes, tots and teens loose at Great Wolf Lodge, which features an indoor array of waterslides, pools and a lazy river.
If golfing is in your blood, check out the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at The Bear.
Discover the dunes or go snowshoeing and nature viewing at Sleeping bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Opt for the urban side of life and spend time shopping, dining and exploring downtown Traverse City.
Recommended Hotel: The Baywatch Resort
Related: Best Resorts in Michigan for Families
2. South Haven
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546 Phoenix Street
South Haven, MI 49090
(800) 764-2836
Western Michigan’s South Haven is a veritable “haven” of beach town perfection.
Walk around downtown and visit wineries, boutiques, cafes and art galleries.
History buffs can check out the Michigan Maritime Museum, the South Haven Lighthouse and the Maritime District Harborwalk.
Go hiking at the Black River Preserve, golfing at Beeches Golf club or bicycle 34 miles to Kalamazoo on the Kal-Haven Trail Head, which is popular with cross-country skiers in the winter.
Book a sunset cruise, tug boat ride or a fishing charter for the whole fam.
Kayak, canoe or paddleboard along the 23-mile Bangor-South Haven Heritage Water Trail.
Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn South Haven
3. Harbor Springs, Michigan
160 Zoll Street
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
(231) 526-2104
Northern Michigan’s Harbor Springs is situated on sheltered bay on Little Traverse Bay.
It’s near Boyne City and Petoskey Beach, so it makes a nice day trip to or from either place.
Attractions include the True North Golf Club, Odawa Casino, Nub’s Nob Ski Resort, Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery and Sturgeon Bay Beach.
Fall leaf-peeping, winter snowmobiling and skiing and springtime bicycling all make great Lake Michigan family vacations.
Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Petoskey
4. Ludington State Park
8800 M-116
Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 843-2423
Ludington State Park, located between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan, offers 5,300 acres for camping, fishing, kayaking and playing on the beach.
Spend the day with your crew hiking the forests, climbing the sand dunes and visiting the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Not just for summer time fun, you can go hiking and snowshoeing in the winter.
Recommended Hotel: Best Western Lakewinds
5. Muskegon, Michigan
610 W. Western Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
(800) 250-9283
Muskegon, located in western Michigan, has some of the best lake Michigan beaches for families.
Pere Marquette Beach, Kruse Park and Muskegon Dog Beach, to name just a few.
If sand dunes, gardens, fall festivals and scenic fall drives aren’t enough, you can ride the roller coasters at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement and Water Park or learn to luge at the Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Complex.
Maritime attractions include the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper and the USS Silversides Submarine Museum.
Take a cruise aboard the Aquastar for a fun family adventure with the whole crew.
Recommended Hotel: Shoreline Inn & Conference C, Ascend Hotel Collection
6. Chicago, Illinois
301 E. Cermak Road
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 567-8500
For a city vibe in a lakefront location, you can’t go wrong with Chicago.
Located on the western shores of Lake Michigan, in Illinois, it’s a great idea for day trips in Michigan for families.
Visit unique neighborhoods, museums, parks and stunning skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower (former Sears Tower).
Try a Chicago-style pizza or hot dog, check out a game at Wrigley Field or peruse the Art Institute of Chicago.
Don’t miss the fun of shopping, dining and entertaining at Navy Pier.
Recommended Hotel: The Langham Chicago