17 low-key beaches within driving distance of Detroit to responsibly escape to

Despite all our rage, we're still just rats in a cage — and we're breaking out, baby. But not so fast.

Just because some of our restrictions have loosened up state-wide doesn't mean we should overwhelm some of Michigan's most beautiful beaches and hidden natural getaways.

Yes, these 17 beaches are open, but they will only stay open if we the people behave ourselves. In other words, continue to practice social distancing and if you see a place that appears crowded maybe, like, don't go there? It's actually pretty easy. It comes down to common sense, loving thy neighbor, and shaking off some of the collective anxiety, crippling depression, and those crusty-ass sweat pants you've been wearing for 60+ days.

Keep in mind that some of these state parks and beach fronts have restricted access to camping, lodging, restrooms, and other amenities. However, state park recreation areas, trails, boating access sites, forests, and other public land remain, well, public. These spots may also have their own staff to better assist you and your family in having the safest possible outing, so feel free to give them a shout (from six feet away, duh) if you're worried.

Other than that, get your feet wet. You, er, we, deserve it.

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W. J. Hayes State Park
Onsted; 1 hour, 17 minutes
Nestled within the gorgeous Irish Hills, Hayes offers visitors more than just a beach. Come for the shore, stay for the wide range of activities and facilities. Recreation passport required.
Photo via  W.J. Hayes State Park/Facebook

W. J. Hayes State Park


Onsted; 1 hour, 17 minutes
Nestled within the gorgeous Irish Hills, Hayes offers visitors more than just a beach. Come for the shore, stay for the wide range of activities and facilities. Recreation passport required.

Photo via W.J. Hayes State Park/Facebook
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Rosy Mound
Grand Haven; 2 hours, 57 minutes 
Honestly? We feel wrong saying Rosy Mound in public. The beach is so sequestered that it’s bound to feel like a private getaway. 
Photo via Screen Grab/YouTube

Rosy Mound


Grand Haven; 2 hours, 57 minutes
Honestly? We feel wrong saying Rosy Mound in public. The beach is so sequestered that it’s bound to feel like a private getaway.

Photo via Screen Grab/YouTube
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Wabasis Lake
Greenville; 2 hours, 22 minutes
In spite of its small size, this Kent County beach is rarely crowded. Not only that, but trips to Wabasis’ 300-foot shoreline are completely free.
Photo via Wabasis Campground/Facebook

Wabasis Lake


Greenville; 2 hours, 22 minutes
In spite of its small size, this Kent County beach is rarely crowded. Not only that, but trips to Wabasis’ 300-foot shoreline are completely free.

Photo via Wabasis Campground/Facebook
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Kirk Park Beach
West Olive; 2 hours, 58 minutes
Comprised of high bluffs and wooded dunes, Kirk Park one of the quieter stretches along Lake Michigan. The water appears endless from its scenic shoreline. Free.
Photo via  Screen Grab/YouTube

Kirk Park Beach


West Olive; 2 hours, 58 minutes
Comprised of high bluffs and wooded dunes, Kirk Park one of the quieter stretches along Lake Michigan. The water appears endless from its scenic shoreline. Free.

Photo via Screen Grab/YouTube
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Camp Dearborn
Milford; 50 minutes
Though it’s owned by the city of Dearborn, this 626-acre park is actually located in Milford. It contains several lakes and ponds, along with a half-mile swimming beach. 
Photo via Camp Dearborn/Facebook

Camp Dearborn


Milford; 50 minutes
Though it’s owned by the city of Dearborn, this 626-acre park is actually located in Milford. It contains several lakes and ponds, along with a half-mile swimming beach.

Photo via Camp Dearborn/Facebook
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Belle Isle State Park/ 'Hipster Beach’
Detroit; 5-15 minutes
Not only is this low-key spot may be minutes away from the city, but it feels like an entirely different world. Plus, it’s free to the public public and dogs are allowed; a total win-win.
Photo via  Belle Isle Park/Facebook

Belle Isle State Park/ 'Hipster Beach’


Detroit; 5-15 minutes
Not only is this low-key spot may be minutes away from the city, but it feels like an entirely different world. Plus, it’s free to the public public and dogs are allowed; a total win-win.

Photo via Belle Isle Park/Facebook
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Kensington Metropark
Milford; 42 minutes
Kensington Metropark’s beach is proof that you don’t have to travel far to escape.
Photo via Huron-Clinton Metroparks/Facebook

Kensington Metropark


Milford; 42 minutes
Kensington Metropark’s beach is proof that you don’t have to travel far to escape.

Photo via Huron-Clinton Metroparks/Facebook
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Pinckney State Recreation Area 
Pinckney; 1 hour
At 11-thousand acres, this one can get a little overwhelming. But once you’ve chosen your preferred lakeshore, you’ll be sure to enjoy the park’s quiet seclusion. Recreation passport required.
Photo via Pickney State Recreation Area/Facebook

Pinckney State Recreation Area


Pinckney; 1 hour
At 11-thousand acres, this one can get a little overwhelming. But once you’ve chosen your preferred lakeshore, you’ll be sure to enjoy the park’s quiet seclusion. Recreation passport required.

Photo via Pickney State Recreation Area/Facebook
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Caseville County Park
Caseville; 2 hours, 32 minutes
Located on the Saginaw Bay shore, Caseville contains picnic and camping spots, a playground, and swimmer-accessible water. Everything within the park is a mere bike ride or walk away. 
Photo via Huron County Parks/Facebook

Caseville County Park


Caseville; 2 hours, 32 minutes
Located on the Saginaw Bay shore, Caseville contains picnic and camping spots, a playground, and swimmer-accessible water. Everything within the park is a mere bike ride or walk away.

Photo via Huron County Parks/Facebook
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Weko Beach
Bridgman; 3 hours, 2 minutes
Weko's sunny Lake Michigan shores are impressive, as is the solitude they offer. The park includes dune boardwalks with observation decks, and picnic areas. 
Photo via Weko Beach & Campground/Facebook
<>Weko Beach
Bridgman; 3 hours, 2 minutes
Weko's sunny Lake Michigan shores are impressive, as is the solitude they offer. The park includes dune boardwalks with observation decks, and picnic areas.

Photo via Weko Beach & Campground/Facebook
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Torch Lake
Torch Lake Township; 4 hours, 6 minutes
If you&#146;re willing to look, you&#146;ll find a couple public beaches along Michigan&#146;s largest inland lake. We recommend visiting William K. Good Day Park or shores in the nearby town of Alden. 
Photo via  Torch Lake Michigan/Facebook

Torch Lake


Torch Lake Township; 4 hours, 6 minutes
If you’re willing to look, you’ll find a couple public beaches along Michigan’s largest inland lake. We recommend visiting William K. Good Day Park or shores in the nearby town of Alden.

Photo via Torch Lake Michigan/Facebook
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Aloha State Park
Cheboygan; 3 hours, 55 minutes
Aloha&#146;s beach has all the charm of a classic state park, minus the chaos and crowds. 
Photo via Aloha Camp Store/Facebook

Aloha State Park


Cheboygan; 3 hours, 55 minutes
Aloha’s beach has all the charm of a classic state park, minus the chaos and crowds.

Photo via Aloha Camp Store/Facebook
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Fisherman's Island State Park  
Charlevoix; 4 hours, 15 minutes
With six straight miles of untouched shore, the white sand beaches at this state park are sure to please. Camp reservation is encouraged.
Photo via Wikipedia Commons

Fisherman's Island State Park


Charlevoix; 4 hours, 15 minutes
With six straight miles of untouched shore, the white sand beaches at this state park are sure to please. Camp reservation is encouraged.

Photo via Wikipedia Commons
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Little Presque Isle
Marquette; 7 hours, 8 minutes
The beach at Little Presque Isle may be among many in this bustling UP city, but it&#146;s lesser known among tourists, making it the perfect place to uproot yourself from civilization. 
Photo via Screen grab/YouTube

Little Presque Isle


Marquette; 7 hours, 8 minutes
The beach at Little Presque Isle may be among many in this bustling UP city, but it’s lesser known among tourists, making it the perfect place to uproot yourself from civilization.

Photo via Screen grab/YouTube
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Van Buren State Park Beach 
Belleville; 44 minutes
Van Buren is home to everything you could ever want in a beach: think hiking trails, pavilions, picnic areas, and concessions, all in stunning, wooded seclusion. $7 entry for non-residents.
Photo via Van Buren State Park/Facebook

Van Buren State Park Beach


Belleville; 44 minutes
Van Buren is home to everything you could ever want in a beach: think hiking trails, pavilions, picnic areas, and concessions, all in stunning, wooded seclusion. $7 entry for non-residents.

Photo via Van Buren State Park/Facebook
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Fort Custer Recreation Area
Augusta; 2 hours, 17 minutes
Bordering three lakes, Fort Custer offers a variety of possibilities for every type of beachgoer. Whether you&#146;re hoping to swim, fish, or just relax, Fort Custer can accommodate. 
Photo via Wikipedia Commons

Fort Custer Recreation Area


Augusta; 2 hours, 17 minutes
Bordering three lakes, Fort Custer offers a variety of possibilities for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re hoping to swim, fish, or just relax, Fort Custer can accommodate.

Photo via Wikipedia Commons
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Duck Lake State Park
Muskegon; 3 hours, 13 minutes
This forest-filled park stretches from the northern shore of Duck Lake to Lake Michigan. It&#146;s also home to a huge sand dune, providing beautiful views to those willing to climb. Recreation passport required.
Photo via Screen Grab/YouTube

Duck Lake State Park


Muskegon; 3 hours, 13 minutes
This forest-filled park stretches from the northern shore of Duck Lake to Lake Michigan. It’s also home to a huge sand dune, providing beautiful views to those willing to climb. Recreation passport required.
Photo via Screen Grab/YouTube
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