In Part 1, we provided detailed driving tours to three beaches located on the shorelines of the Great Lakes. Here are three more driving tours leading to beaches on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior that any traveler with an affinity for beach life will enjoy. And the journey is just as much fun as the destination.
Lake Superior
Sault Ste. Marie to Miners Beach, Shingleton: 181 miles (3 hours, 34 minutes)
This drive is particularly gorgeous in the autumn, if you want to go outside the busier summer months. Begin in Sault Ste. Marie, which has a U.S. side and a Canada side. Go to the observation platform that gives you the perfect view of the Soo Locks and the boats that pass through them. There’s a public park along the canal with places to sit and observe.
If you were to go from Sault Ste. Marie to Munising directly, it would be a short drive just over two hours long. But since you’re in the UP, you can’t miss a drive up to Paradise and Whitefish Point. Paradise is home to Tahquamenon Falls. Both the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls are easy to access and worth a visit. Whitefish Point has the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and a beautiful lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. All vessels entering and exiting this big lake must pass this lighthouse.
Within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the town of Munising, and just 15 miles northeast of that is a little town called Shingleton. Miners Castle is a popular stop, which should not be missed, and then go on to the mile-long sugar sand Miners Beach. You’ll have phenomenal views of the Pictured Rocks. There are picnic sites as well. All in all, a wonderful place to spend a day. There are plenty of other activities around, and plenty of other beautiful things to see, but for a few hours, just simply enjoy the vastness and splendor of Lake Superior.
Lake Michigan – Upper Peninsula
Mackinac City to Lake Michigan Beach, Manistique: 94 miles (1 hour, 43 minutes)
Mackinac City, the last town before crossing the Mackinac Bridge, has fudge and views that can’t be beat. If you have time, visit Colonial Michilimackinac, which offers quite the panorama of the Straights of Mackinac as well as lots of history. In downtown Mackinac City, stop in at Mama Mia’s pizzeria. There’s a museum above the restaurant about the building of the Mackinac Bridge, including a video presentation in a small theatre about the entire process – and how people crossed the waters before there was a bridge.
Continue over the Mackinac Bridge (there is a toll), and then turn left onto US-2, the Lake Michigan Scenic Highway. Enjoy your drive, stop at a roadside stand or pasty shop along the way, and take in the natural sights that only Michigan can present.
Just off of US-2 in the town of Manistique is a large sandy beach on Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. The beach is close to downtown, including many eateries, near the mouth of the Manistique River and harbor, and has a great view of a fire engine red lighthouse. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and enjoy breathing in the fresh air, with a faint, indescribable fragrance that can only be expressed as “being by the water.”
Lake Huron – Lower Peninsula
Frankenmuth to Bell Bay, Presque Isle: 171 miles (3 hours, 12 minutes)
Frankenmuth is a Bavarian-inspired town with shops and one of the best chicken dinners around. A vacation in Michigan isn’t complete without stopping in at one of its more unusual attractions – Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. You’ll find all the decorations you need (and don’t), lights for the RV, and special ornaments for everyone on your list. The Spirit of Christmas truly lives on year-round here.
Get back on the road and head north for a couple hours, up past Bay City. In Standish, follow signs for US-23 to continue your drive along Lake Huron. Make a stop in the Tawas area (Tawas City or East Tawas) to stretch your legs on the Tawas Point – Sandy Hook Nature Trail. You’ll pass the Tawas Point Lighthouse and the U.S. Coast Guard’s fog horn. It’s about a 90-minute round trip. Grab some drinks in one of the towns and continue on north.
The town of Alpena, one of the larger cities on the Sunrise Side, is fairly peaceful. But you’ll still find variety in their downtown area (maybe with the tow vehicle or your toad, not the big RV). If you go there, stop at Scoops for an ice-cream and other confectionery delights. History buffs and lovers of all things marine-related will enjoy visiting the Thunder Bay Natural Marine Sanctuary. Your final destination is only 20 minutes away. Make sure you grab some snacks or lunch before you leave town.
Tucked in the upper right corner of the state is a serene, picturesque oasis: the Besser Natural Area. The parking lot is big enough to handle large RVs, especially since the lot is not usually busy. Take the sandy path a short distance through the woods until you reach Bell Bay, which is part of Lake Huron. Lay out your towels on the sand, head out to the sand bar, and simply enjoy the sounds of nature. Sometimes you’ll be able to see a Great Lakes freighter pass by in the distance. If you want, go on the mile-long loop through the virgin pine forests, which includes some century-old sites. But to be honest, it’s pretty tough to leave the shoreline.
Make your plans depending on when you want to arrive at one of these fabulous Michigan beaches. Safe travels!
As always, MARVAC member campgrounds, RV dealers, and RV suppliers are located around the state near these destinations. Find them through our online interactive map!