20 beaches that are under a three-hour drive from Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Tue, May 18, 2021 at 5:00 pm

Despite all our rage, we're still just rats in a cage — and we're breaking out, baby. Pale skin? No problem! Hairy legs? Let them breathe! No beach bod? Um, excuse us but aren't all bods beach bods as long as they're at the beach? That's what we thought. Bask and splash at some of these incredible — and incredibly local — beaches and waterfront parks.

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. Keep in mind that some of these state parks and beachfronts 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

1 hour, 17 minutes
1220 Wamplers Lake Rd., Onsted; dnr.state.mi.us

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 Natural Area

2 hours, 57 minutes
13925 Lakeshore Dr., Grand Haven; miottawa.org

Honestly, we kind of feel wrong saying "Rosy Mound" in public, but 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 Park

2 hours, 34 minutes
11220 Springhill Dr., Greenville; kentcountyparks.org

Despite its small size, this Kent County beach is rarely crowded. Not only that, but trips to Wabasis’s 300-foot shoreline are completely free. Feel like turning a day trip into a long weekend? They've got camping, too.

Photo via Wabasis Campground/Facebook

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Kirk Park Beach

3 hours
9197 Lake Shore Dr., West Olive; miottawa.org

Comprised of high bluffs and wooded dunes, Kirk Park is one of the quieter stretches along Lake Michigan. The water appears endless from its scenic shoreline.

Photo via Screen Grab/YouTube

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Camp Dearborn

50 minutes
1700 General Motors Rd., Milford; campdearborn.com

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’

5-15 minutes
99 Pleasure Dr., Detroit; belleisleconservancy.org

Not only is this low-key spot just minutes away from the city, but it feels like an entirely different world. Plus, it’s free to the public (as long as you have a recreational passport) and dogs are allowed; a total win-win.

Photo via Belle Isle Park/Facebook

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Kensington Metropark

40 minutes
4570 Huron Valley Pkwy., Milford; metroparks.com

Kensington Metropark’s beach is proof that you don’t have to travel far to escape. If you travel an hour north you'll find yourself in a sleepy, picturesque town of Milford, home to a beautiful 4,481-acre Metropark. Kensington Metropark surrounds Kent Lake and offers abundant wildlife, waterfowl, and wooded hiking areas. In addition to taking in the natural sights, Kensington also offers opportunities for biking, boating, and beachfront fun, as well as a splash zone, golf course, disc golf course, nature and farm center, and plenty of opportunities for a cute little picnic, because who doesn't love a picnic?

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Pinckney State Recreation Area

1 hour
Silver Hill Rd., Pinckney; dnr.state.mi.us

At a whopping 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 GoogleMaps

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Caseville County Park

2 hours, 45 minutes
6400 Main St., Caseville; huroncountyparks

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

3 hours
5301 Lake St., Bridgman; michigan.org

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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Lakeside Beach

1 hour, 15 minutes
3670 Gratiot Ave., Port Huron; dnr.state.mi.us

Lakeside Beach has everything you need to cool the eff down from the spring/summer heat. In addition to some glistening beachfront, there's also a kid-friendly splash pad.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Lake St. Clair Metropark

40 minutes
31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Twp.; metroparkscom/parks/lake-st-clair-metroparks

Not only does this park have a 1,600-foot boardwalk overlooking a mile of waterfront and scenic trails through marsh and wetlands, but it's a fun place to bring the whole family. There's a beachfront, public pool, mini golf, nature center and If you're extra lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a deer.

Photo via metroparks.com

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Lake Erie Metropark

30 minute
32481 W. Jefferson, Brownstown; metroparks.com/parks/lake-erie-metropark

When you're not enjoying this nature center, beach, or any of the many other niceties offered at Lake Erie Metropark, you can take a hike on their marsh trail. A popular bird-watching location, it's just a short drive from the city.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Stony Creek Metropark

1 hour
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Twp.; metroparkscom/parks/stoy-creek-metropark

Want to feel like you're “up north” without having to make the drive? Look no further than Stony Creek Metropark, which offers 4,461-acres that span Washington, Oakland, and Shelby Townships with hills, mills, orchards, and a 500-acre lake fit for swimming and boating. There's also a nature center, disc-golf course, 18-hole golf course, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and reservable shelters and grills.

Photo via WigWam Jones/Creative Commons/Flickr

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Van Buren State Park Beach

2 hours, 50 minutes
23960 Ruggles Rd., South Haven; dnr.state.mi.us

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. Entry fee is $7 for non-residents.

Photo via Van Buren State Park/Facebook

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Fort Custer State Park

2 hours, 20 minutes
5163 Fort Custer Dr., Augusta; dnr.state.mi.us

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

3 hours
4733 Scenic Dr., Whitehall; dnr.state.mi.us

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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Sterling State Park

35 minutes
2800 State Park Rd., Monroe; dnr.state.mi.us

William C. Sterling State Park is best known as the only Michigan park on Lake Erie. The park’s 1,300 acres include more than 1 mile of sandy beach, boating and shore fishing, a fishing lagoon, lakefront camping, wildlife viewing, and 7 miles of trails. The park is well known for its walleye fishing, three lagoons, and sandy beachfront near the mouth of Sandy Creek.

Photo via Wikipedia Commons

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Bald Mountain Recreation Area

55 minutes
3361 S. Lapeer Rd., Orion Charter Twp.; dnr.state.mi.us

If you're one for adventure, Bald Mountain Recreation Area offers 4,637 acres of picnic spots, modern shooting range, large hunting areas, fishing lakes, two trout streams, a sandy beach for swimming, paddle boards for rent, and 15 miles of marked hike-bike trails. Oh, you can camp here, too.

Photo via Bald Mountain Recreation Area/Facebook

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Bay City State Park

2 hours
3582 State Park Dr., Bay City; 989-684-3020; dnr.state.mi.us

Home to the Tobico Marsh, one of the largest coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, Bay City State Park is situated on the shores of the Saginaw Bay with more than a thousand feet of sandy beach. There are more than 2,000 acres of wetland woods, meadows, marshlands, and oak savannah prairies, making this park a perfect place to spot some migratory birds and wetland wildlife.

Photo via Bay City State Park/Facebook

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