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Camper
Perspectives
Beaches
Clover Beach, Linden, is on Bryam Lake, in Genesee County. There are plenty of seating areas and a sandy beach. Afternoons can be quiet, making it an ideal retreat from the
busyness of metropolitan areas. Since it’s an inland lake, the lake water warms up sooner and stays warm throughout the summer. Stroll down to the Ice Cream Garage for a refreshing treat if you’re visiting on a hot day.
Marine City Beach, Marine City, is situated on the banks of the St. Clair River, a primary passageway for transporting ships. In fact, you just might see a freighter. When the ships
go by, the beach turns into a wave pool. There is plenty of shade and a nice pavilion at which to enjoy a picnic.
Thelma Spencer Park, Rochester Hills, has one of the safest beaches for families with younger children. The beach sits on the edge of a 38-acre, calm inland lake, and there’s a lifeguard
on duty. Behind the beach is a long stretch of thick green grass that is ideal for setting up a picnic or playing a game of catch. The town of Rochester Hills is fun to walk through, too, and there are several museums worth visiting.
Sterling State Park, Monroe, is the state’s only state park on Lake Erie and is about as far south as you can get. Sunbathers and swimmer will love the mile-long sandy beach, as well as the warmer water temperature. There are plenty of trees that offer shade, making this an easy spot to spend an afternoon.
Kayaking
You don’t need to travel Up North for an exceptional paddle. The Detroit River gives you a taste of both natural and urban worlds... plus some fantastic views of the magnificent city
skyline from a vantage point few get to see. There are four segments along the Detroit Heritage Water Trail: Belle Isle (seven miles), Lower Detroit River (10 miles), Rouge River (six miles), and the Huron River (10 miles). You may, instead, choose to go on a two-hour guided tour of Detroit’s historic canals starting from Maheras-Gentry Park ($40 with
kayak, $20 if you bring your own). Highlights include the Fisher Mansion and a view of the historic downtown. Paddlers have come to compare the experience to being in Venice.
For a decent day trip and an unforgettable experience, journey along the Krispin Blueway, which travels inland across Harsen’s Island in the St. Clair River. It’s a gentle journey on
the Blueway, but you first have to get there. You have two options: (1) Put in at the DNR boat launch on the mainland and paddle across the St. Clair River to one of the access points to the island
waterway, or take the car ferry across to the island and drive to one of the access points. The Krispin Blueway is a mellow paddle as well as a gorgeous one, as you’ll be in a wildlife refuge composed of mostly marshland. Wildlife abounds and you have the chance to see ducks, beavers, birds, and otters. This is definitely one of the more unique paddles on the list.
MARVAC Staff Recommendation
from John Lindley, MARVAC President & CEO
“There aren’t many attractions in Michigan more worthy of a full day (or two) as The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn. You get to literally walk around history. I love the old (and huge!) steam locomotives and early campers from the ‘50s! There are several presidential limos, including the one that carried President Kennedy on that horrible day in Dallas in 1963. Climb in the bus where Rosa Parks changed the country forever. This place is such a gem.”
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