I have to say right up front that I am spoiled when it comes to summertime here in Michigan. My family moved to the town of Ludington when I was in third grade and even though I didn’t realize it at the time, that move would change how I viewed summertime for the rest of my life. Although I don’t remember much from my third-grade year, I do remember moving. I remember it was dark and snowy the night we moved in and the moving truck got stuck in the driveway of our new house.
The best part about moving to Ludington was revealed in the morning. My parents were renting this new house, and it sat on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Although this setting might give the impression, we weren’t rich. My dad was a State Farm agent, my mom did some art classes through the schools, but somehow they managed to make it work. We were now living on the banks of the big water, in a great summer town.
I did not travel much as a kid so my world was that lake – a 100 foot drop off to the beach and the water. This house and the view made me fall in love with Lake Michigan, especially during summertime!
As I grew up and started working with Michigan Out of Doors TV, I was able to see much of the state I never knew existed. Who knew there was an east side? Who knew of the marinas of Lake St. Clair? Who knew about all the cool port towns up along the sunrise side of our state? Although all those areas are great, I soon learned that where I grew up was one of the best places to spend the summer in the entire state. Every year tourists would come from all over to fill the state park and the downtown was always busy. However, you could always find a nice spot on the beach to call your own.
Between the mild weather and abundant fresh water, Michigan offers a summertime experience that few states can match. The beaches of Michigan are incredible. The endless miles of sand and the quant little towns that line our shoreline are destinations for residents and non-residents alike.
So, here is the question for you – and for me. What are you going to do so that this summer doesn’t pass you by? Here are a few suggestions. Get your calendar out now and block off several weekends, whatever you think is doable. You don’t need to worry about the exact plans right now, but hold the dates and think about some places you want to go this summer to experience summer in all its glory!
Being a west-sider and now living in another tourist location of Grand Haven, I am definitely biased to the gold coast! So here you go. Try the beaches of New Buffalo, there are some great establishments for food and beverages and lots to see. Consider heading north to South Haven, Saugutuck, Holland, or look for me on the beaches of Grand Haven! Take a trip to Silver Lake and rent a jeep to explore the dunes. Slip up to Pentwater and have dinner overlooking Pentwater Lake. Ludington has the most popular state park in the state; why not give it a try! If you’re a golfer, stop in and play Manistee National or splurge and try Arcadia Bluffs. Take the time to check out Frankfort and Leeland, both a little off the beaten path but both are great! Traverse City is crowded, but there is a reason, it’s awesome.
That’s only the west side of our great state; the east side and the Upper Peninsula are home to some great options as well! The main thing is this – get out and enjoy all our summertime can offer because we have a limited amount of time and we don’t want to waste it!
To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
