The 25 best hidden beaches within driving distance of Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Aug 24, 2017 at 7:31 pm

Like it or not, summer is drawing to a close. We can think of no better way to cap it off than with a trip to a quaint lakeside beach. Here are 25 sandy (and drivable) shores you may not have heard of.

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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. $7 for entry.
Photo via IG user @brenda.bravo66

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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, picnic areas, a beach house, and more. $10 per vehicle.
Photo via IG user @margajac

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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. For a more intimate experience, choose a day without special events. $10 per vehicle.
Photo via IG user @mkarg94

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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 IG user @jillkiepura

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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. Camp reservation is encouraged.
Photo via IG user @tdarko222

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Fort Custer Recreation Area
Augusta; 2 hours, 17 minutes
Bordering three lakes, Fort Custer offers a myriad of possibilities for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re hoping to swim, fish, or just relax, Fort Custer can accommodate. Free for day trips.
Photo via IG user @discoverkzoo

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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. The park also contains a whopping 285 modern campsites. Camp reservation is encouraged.
Photo via IG user @megaltizer16

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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 IG user @jezaiske

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Ross Township Park
Hickory Corners; 2 hours, 16 minutes
What makes this beach truly special is its scuba-diving area, where visitors can search the crystal blue water for remnants of Hickory Corners’ past. $5 entry for residents, $10 for non-residents.
Photo via IG user @olivia.beebe

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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 IG user @npbixler

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New Buffalo Beach
New Buffalo; 3 hours, 13 minutes
This public beach borders Indiana, but it couldn’t be more pure Michigan. New Buffalo offers stunning views, swimming, and kayak and paddle board rentals. Free.
Photo via IG user @lettie_anne

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Versluis Park Beach
Grand Rapids; 2 hours, 16 minutes
Once you’ve passed the park’s other attractions, you’ll reach this tranquil destination. Enjoy the views, take a swim, or get your tan on for just $10 per vehicle.
Photo via IG user @grkids

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Black Rock Beach
Marquette; 7 hours, 8 minutes
This scenic shoreline is nestled between two cliffs within Presque Isle Park. Take a dive, or admire the beach’s impressive collection of Lake Superior stones. Free for day trips.
Photo via IG user @drusillafish

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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 IG user @cerraleigh

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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 IG user @aprilhodges75

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Belle Isle's '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 IG user @stickerburrito

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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’s lesser known among tourists, making it the perfect place to uproot yourself from civilization. Free for day trips.
Photo via IG user @thrift.wise

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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. Free.
Photo via IG user @us31life

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Frankfort Lake Michigan Beach
Frankfort; 4 hours, 2 minutes
Frankfort Beach is known for its views of Sleeping Bear Dunes, quaint atmosphere, and its covetable surrounding houses. Not to mention, it's been called a "sunset haven" by regular visitors. Free.
Photo via IG user @jillian_n_charlie

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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’s also home to a huge sand dune, providing beautiful views to those willing to climb. Recreation passport required.
Photo via IG user @livewhitelake

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