One of the nice things about the Great Lakes region is that there are no shortages of one-of-a-kind beaches to enjoy. Better still, if any of these Great Lakes are just around the corner from you, then you don't have to go pretty far to have a great day at the beach. With over 10,000 miles of fantastic shoreline along the Great Lakes, it isn't too hard to find a way to enjoy yourself inland. That said, to ensure your next beach vacation is one to remember, here are ten marvelous Great Lakes Beaches you should absolutely visit this year.
10 Presque Isle State Park Lake Erie Beaches
The Presque Isle State Park beaches are the stuff that summer dreams are made of. With more than one sandy haven, beach goers will have their choice of areas for fun in the sun near Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. Visitors can bask in the sun, swim, go boating, kayaking, and fishing, have a lovely picnic, enjoy some hiking, and take in the stunning shoreline views. As a bonus, each Presque Isle beach is unique in its own way, so make sure to explore all these amazing beaches while there.
9 Singing Iona Beach On The North Shore Of Lake Superior
Midwest travelers likely know that there are more than a few excellent beaches in Minnesota. But none are quite like Singing Iona Beach on the North Shore of Lake Superior. A breathtaking sight to behold, Singing Beach is a must-see worthy spot in Minnesota this summer. The shore is full of brilliant small pink stones that just dazzle in the sun and create the most relaxing atmosphere. But that's not all; thanks to the lively waters of Lake Superior crashing into the shoreline, a sweet siren song can be heard, and this is actually where this one-of-a-kind beach gets its name from.
8 The North Avenue Beach Of Chicago On Lake Michigan
This particular Lake Michigan beach is the quintessential spot for lake lovers in Illinois. Here, beachgoers can enjoy one of Chicago's most popular beaches. With a unique sleek-looking beach house that's over 22,000 square feet, there is definitely something for everyone at North Avenue Beach. In addition to this ocean liner-inspired building, visitors can marvel at some of the best views in the city. This is also the perfect summer hang-out for bikers, runners, walkers, and roller-bladers, thanks to this lovely beach's lakefront trail.
7 Grand Bend & Ipperwash Beaches On Lake Huron
Located on these shores of Lake Huron in Canada, Grand Bend is the ideal spot for younger crowds, and Ipperwash is a picturesque haven for families looking for a bit of inland fun in the sun. Thus, beach goers can decide which sandy spot works best for their needs while enjoying a carefree day at the beach, complete with dunes, an ice cream shop, and summer vibes. While visiting, make sure to catch one of the best sunsets in the region. This particular summer destination also has a multitude of beach shops, pubs, restaurants, vacation rentals, and art galleries just around the corner from both of these fantastic beaches.
6 Headlands Beach State Park On Lake Erie
Lake Erie has more than a few amazing beaches across several states. Located in Ohio, Headlands Beach State Park happens to be a fantastic beach getaway locale with a mile-long stretch of sandy beach on Lake Erie. Here beach goers can have a full day of beach vibes with swimming, picnic areas, concession stands, walking/running trails, fishing, sunbathing, and more. The park itself boasts numerous activities for the outdoorsy and is a sight to behold, but the main attraction at Headlands is, without a doubt, its beautiful beaches.
5 Saugatuck Oval Beach On Lake Michigan
For those looking for a sleepy beach town tucked away in Michigan, then Saugatuck is for you. This coastal community is a summer getaway staple for Chicagoans and Michiganders alike. With an overall artsy vibe and a sandy, breezy beach ambiance, this Great Lakes Beach is a welcomed change of scenery for city dwellers and a fun time for friends, couples, and families. What's more, with nearby dunes, a pier, an old-fashioned concession stand, and breathtaking views, Saugatuck Oval Beach is worth visiting. That said, This particular area of Lake Michigan is known for its rip currents, so inexperienced swimmers should keep that in mind when cooling off in these waters.
4 North Beach At Racine On Lake Michigan
A consistently top-rated Great Lakes Beach, North Beach at Racine on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin is simply gorgeous. The sandy shore here is almost a half-mile long on Lake Michigan's western coast and is a downright beautiful place to visit this summer. Beach goers can soak up some rays, swim, or just appreciate all the beauty of nature at North Beach. A true beach contender, with live music, volleyball, the Kid's Cove playground, picnic areas, kayak, concessions, and more, there's no reason you shouldn't make it out to this beach this season.
3 Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore On Lake Michigan
Yet another sandy spot with stunning views of the Chicago skyline on a clear day is none other than Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana. Located on the opposite end of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes is an adventurer's paradise with its hidden enclaves, an outrageous dune system, several Lakes, a total of ten relaxing beaches, and lush wilderness. Here visitors can have the full beach experience or explore the park. This is an excellent destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city living.
2 Sandy Island Beach State Park On Lake Ontario
Situated on Lake Ontario's eastern edge in upstate NY, Sandy Island Beach State Park has it all and then some. Sandy Island visitors can enjoy first-rate sunsets, sandy beaches, a bathhouse, a picnic area, top-tier fishing, an extensive freshwater dune system, and ample bird watching. What's more, there is a car-top boat launch for sailors, boaters, and kayakers, which means visitors can take in all that Lake Ontario has to offer on land and at sea. So what are you waiting for? Check out this Great Lakes Beach oasis asap, if you haven't already.
1 Warren Dunes State Park On Lake Michigan
By far one of the most popular state parks and beach getaway spots, Warren Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan averages over 1 million visitors annually. Here beach goers can again have the full beach experience with incredible dunes, ample shoreline, lapping waves from Lake Michigan, surrounding greens from the park, nearby food options, and so much more. Another great thing about this Michigan beach location is that it is only an hour and a half drive away from Chicago, so visitors can have an amazing day at the beach followed by an incredible night out on the town if they so choose.