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Camper
Perspectives
Beaches
Fisherman’s Island State Park, Charlevoix, is one of those “don’t miss” parks. Despite its name, it’s not an island in its entirety (there is a small island off the coast), but it does have five miles of sandy, unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. Since it’s so large, there’s plenty of
space for visitors to explore and lounge. Or, you can choose to walk the easy hiking trail through the woods and along the beach. It’s the ideal place to spend a day.
Even the name evokes a sense of magic: Christmas Cove Beach, located in the Leelanau Peninsula near the town of Northport. This peninsula was ranked among the top peninsulas
in the United States by Readers Digest in 2020. Christmas Cove Beach is part of the reason. It’s a narrow beach with a mostly sandy beach and rocky as you get closer to the water. It’s comfortable enough to lay down and get a tan or to search for beach glass. The parking lot is
within easy walking distance of the beach. If you’re looking for a secluded spot, this is it.
Duck Lake Park, Interlochen, may not rest on one of the Great Lakes, but it’s still a great inland lake at which to prop an umbrella – historically, it was the first state park established. A popular choice for locals who know what’s what and those fortunate visitors who want to get away from bustling tourist town Traverse City during the summer, Duck Lake is a warm, clean inland lake with a sandy beach. It’s not large, of course, but there’s plenty of room for all. A playset and a small general store make it more fun for the kids, and there are three launch sites for boats if you want to do some fishing.
Cross Village Beach, Cross Village, is truly off the beaten path. Cross Village is a tiny, quiet hamlet and one of many towns you’ll encounter if you drive the Tunnel of Trees in the fall. Yet the drive is serene and beautiful in every season. Cross Village Beach offers unbelievable views of Lake Michigan and a tranquil atmosphere.
Kayaking
Lake Dubonnet is a sheltered inland lake located near Interlochen, just a short drive from Traverse City. It is a quiet and serene place – and the lake is loaded with fish. Kayakers can
put in at the state forest campground and work their way around the perimeter of the lake, exploring the shoreline nooks and crannies and seeing abundant wildlife. Bring the fishing
rod along!
Further west is beautiful Glen Arbor, which is situated between two lakes and near Lake
Michigan. The Crystal River is a 6.3-mile winding water trail that gently flows from Glen Lake through parts of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and into Lake Michigan
just north of town. You may choose, instead, to end your paddle in town so that you can
peruse the shops and restaurants or a glass of wine. One of the best, most exciting parts according to those who have paddled this river before is “Shooting the Tube.” You’ll just have
to visit this clear, sandy-bottom river to find out what that means.
MARVAC Staff Recommendation
from Bill Sheffer, MARVAC Executive Director
“My wife and I always enjoy going to The Landing restaurant just five miles southeast of Charlevoix on M-66. They have a
great menu featuring fun appetizers, a variety of burgers, and several fish items including my favorite, Lake Perch! Their marina makes it easily accessible by boat and provides for a great view of the entrance to the south arm of Lake Charlevoix. Adjacent to the restaurant is the loading sight for the Ironton Ferry, which allows you to cross the narrow passage to the south arm. Upon arriving on the other side, it is just a short trip to Boyne City, where you will be welcomed by a number of great shopping opportunities including my favorite, Provisions Wine Emporium & Market. A great stop for a wide selection of wines, spirits, and specialty food items!”
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