BEACHES and WATER - Once you visit America's North Coast - Traverse City and Northern Michigan, BEACHES
and WATER may be the first thing that comes to your vacation list of things to do. Walks on the beach,
swimming, snorkeling, treasure hunting and building sand castles -- Ahhhhh....The Good Stuff!
We may be biased, but the most stunning features of the Traverse City area are its sandy shorelines and
crystal clear lakes. The pictures and video opportunities are endless while staying at your lake rental home.
The Traverse City region has a total of 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 149 deep, freshwater lakes.
Area beaches are some of the best in the country.
During the busiest of seasons there are plenty of places to enjoy this great place all by yourself. Remote
beaches are easy to find. Or, if you want some action, one of the many beaches right in Traverse City are
great for people watching, beach volleyball and a family friendly beach atmosphere.
TRAVERSE CITY and NORTHERN MICHIGAN AREA BEACH LISTINGS
Acme Township Park
Four miles north of Acme off US 31 North, 12 miles east of Traverse City, this beach offers picnic grounds, a
playground and a sandy beach on the eastern shore of East Grand Traverse Bay. Acme, MI
Alden Depot Park & Museum
On the eastern shore of beautiful Torch Lake is the Village of Alden, whose restored 1908 train depot
features photographs and memorabilia from the community's past as a railroad and resort area. This beach is
open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. 10670 Coy PO. Box 204 Alden MI 49612
Antrim County Park (Barnes Park)
On East Grand Traverse Bay, this park features a sandy beach, hiking trails, a playground, rest room facilities,
and covered picnic facilities. It located west of US 31 and M 88 in Torch Lake Township. Bellaire, MI
Arbutus Lake
A shallow, spring-fed lake, Arbutus Lake is 30 minutes south of Traverse City, off Garfield Road and has a
nice playground near the beach. Traverse City MI
Bayside Park
The combination of 600 feet of sandy beach with the bathhouse and the picnic and playground areas make
Bayside Park not only lovely but also fully equipped for beach goers to stay the whole day. The water is
shallow a long way out with a sandy bottom, perfect for wading. It's on East Grand Traverse Bay off US 31
North, just south of the M 72 junction in Acme and eight miles from Traverse City
Bowers Harbor Beach
Tucked into protected Bowers Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula, this beach offers picnic facilities as well as a
nearby boat launch with rest rooms. Bowers Harbor Beach looks out West Grand Traverse Bay at Power
Island. It is 15 miles north of Traverse City on Peninsula Drive. Traverse City, MI
Bryant Park
Picnic area, a playground, rest rooms, charcoal grills, tall pines, a long stretch of sandy beach and lifeguards
(mid-June -- August) make this a popular beach spot near downtown Traverse City off M 37. Often you'll find
excellent sunset views overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, bright sun and cool shade. It is located where
Garfield and Front Streets intersect at the base of Old Mission Peninsula. Traverse City, MI
Centerville Township Park
This beach on Lake Leelanau is off Highway 643 south of the Village of Lake Leelanau. It has picnic facilities,
a playground, and rest rooms. Lake Leelanau, MI
Central Lake Municipal Park (Thurston Park)
In the village of Central Lake you will find a picnic area next to a beach, and a boat launch on
Lake. It is off M 88 in Antrim County. Central Lake, MI
Clinch Park
The area's most populated and most popular beach features over 1500 feet of sandy shore along West Grand
Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City. Clinch Park has picnic tables, lifeguards (mid-June -- August) and
rest rooms. It is adjacent to Clinch Park Marina, east of Union Street on Grandview Parkway. Grandview
Parkway, Traverse City MI
East Bay Park
This beach is popular with young families. It has shady picnic areas, shallow water with a gradual slope,
lifeguards, a playground and rest room. Find it at the base of East Grand Traverse Bay and the foot of Front
Street. Traverse City MI
Elk Rapids County Day Park
A 13-acre park with a large beach, a bathhouse, rest rooms and playground; this beach park also features a
picnic area, nature trails, and tennis and basketball courts. It's just outside of Elk Rapids on south Bayshore
Drive. South Bayshore Drive, Elk Rapids, MI
Elk Rapids Dam Fishing Park
Sandy beach and privies adjacent to the Elk Rapids Dam off Dexter Road. It borders East Grand Traverse
Bay. Elk Rapids, MI
Empire Village Park
This beach at the foot of Niagara Street in Empire has views of the stunning Empire Bluffs, part of the
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is located 22 miles west of Traverse City on M 22. Rest rooms,
picnic facilities. Empire MI
Esch Road Beach
Twenty miles west of Traverse City and 12 miles south of the Village of Empire, Esch Road Beach looks out
on the impressive aqua and deep blue waters of Lake Michigan's Platte Bay. Picnic facilities. Sleeping Bear
National Lakeshore or National Park pass required. Empire
Forest Home Township Park
A lovely beach on Torch Lake is the park's main attraction -- its a real gem. Other features include picnic
facilities, rest room, a playground, tennis and basketball courts in the Village of Bellaire. Bellaire MI
Gilbert Park
You'll find a sandy beach, picnic tables and privies on Long Lake in Gilbert Park. It is located eight miles
west of Traverse City on North Long Lake Road (Front Street). Traverse City, MI
Glen Arbor Municipal Beach
Thirty miles northwest of Traverse in the town of Glen Arbor, off M 22, the municipal beach has picnic
facilities, rest rooms and a playground. Glen Arbor, MI
Glen Haven Beach
Thirty miles northwest of Traverse City near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Dunes Climb, there is a quiet,
beautiful and almost private Lake Michigan beach in Glen Haven, a deserted village. Glen Arbor MI
Glen Lake Beach
Located on M 22 across from Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb on Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake Beach is
approximately 30 miles from Traverse City and has rest room and picnic facilities. Empire MI
Haserot Beach Park
Just east of the town of Old Mission and 20 miles north of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula lies Haserot
Beach Park. It boasts a variety of features -- a sandy beach on a protected bay of Lake Michigan, rest
rooms, picnic facilities, playground, and boat launch. Traverse City, MI
Interlochen State Park
This beach on Duck Lake is only 14 miles southwest of Traverse City in the Village of Interlochen and has
picnic facilities, a playground and rest rooms. Interlochen MI
Leelanau State Park
This Lake Michigan beach is at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in the Village of Northport. It's 30 miles
north of Traverse City on M 22. Besides the beach, it has rest rooms, hiking trails and historic Grand
Traverse Lighthouse, which is open to the public. Northport MI
Leland Municipal Beach
Twenty-four miles northwest of Traverse City off M 22 in the Village of Leland, this town beach looks out on
Lake Michigan. There's a marina nearby, as well as rest rooms and picnic facilities. Leland MI
Long Lake Township Park
Picnic facilities, rest rooms, playground, boat launch and warmish (mid-summer), crystal clear water makes
this beach popular. It is on Long Lake just off Highway 610 southwest of Traverse City. Traverse City MI
Northport Beach
This park has a beach area with playground and rest rooms. It is adjacent to the marina at the foot of
Nagonaba Street in Northport, which is 26 miles north of Traverse City on M 22. Northport MI
Old Mission Lighthouse Park
At the end of M 37, on the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, is a large, wide beach area with extremely shallow
water, a picnic area, a reconstruction of an early settler's cabin and privies. It is an ideal spot for wading.
The lighthouse there is not open to the public. Beach sites are accessible along the final mile of M 37 until
the road ends at the park. To reach this park, take M 37 to the end of Old Mission Peninsula. At this point
you are about 22 miles from Front Street in Traverse City.
Old Settlers' Park
This park, 18 miles northwest of Traverse City on the east shore of Glen Lake off Highway 675, has rest
rooms, a playground and picnic facilities. Empire MI
Peterson Park
On Lake Michigan in Northport, 26 miles north of Traverse City on M 22, Peterson Park's rock-strewn beach is
an excellent spot for finding Petoskey stones.
Power Island
Accessible only by boat, this beach on West Grand Traverse Bay's Power Island, off Bower's Harbor on Old
Mission Peninsula, features picnic facilities, rest rooms and hiking trails. Traverse City MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This park contains numerous spectacular beaches on its 33 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline,
including D.H. Day Park in Glen Haven, north Bar Lake, Good Harbor Bay and Manitou Island. Stop at the
Philip Hart Visitor Center at the junction of M 72 and M 22 in Empire for directions. The Philip Hart Visitor
Center is located 22 miles west of Traverse City. Many trails are located within the 70,000-acre federally
owned park. Maps are available at the visitor center in Empire. Park fee is $10 for seven days or $20 for a
year paid at the visitor center. More information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 9922 Front
Street Empire MI 49630 (231) 326-5134
Suttons Bay Municipal Beach
On the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, 15 miles north of Traverse City on M 22 in the Village of Suttons Bay,
the Suttons Bay Municipal Beach is a fun spot at a beautiful location. It has a beach, picnic facilities,
playground and rest rooms. Suttons Bay MI
Tony Gilroy Township Park
On US 31 in Acme, the Tony Gilroy Township Park has picnic tables and a sandy beach on East Grand Traverse
Bay. Acme MI
Traverse City State Park
This popular beach offers 700 feet of sandy beach on East Bay. Beach goers enjoy the bathhouse, the picnic
area and ample parking. It is located across the street from the Traverse City State Park campgrounds on US
31 North in Traverse City. Traverse City MI
Traverse City West End Beach
Large, bay-front park and beach features ample parking and rest rooms. You will find it overlooking West
Grand Traverse Bay at the foot of Division Street, on Grandview Parkway, just west of downtown Traverse
City. Traverse City MI
Whitewater Township Park
At this beach there are picnic areas, playground, boat launch, rest rooms on Elk Lake east of Highway 685
north of Williamsburg. Williamsburg MI
and WATER may be the first thing that comes to your vacation list of things to do. Walks on the beach,
swimming, snorkeling, treasure hunting and building sand castles -- Ahhhhh....The Good Stuff!
We may be biased, but the most stunning features of the Traverse City area are its sandy shorelines and
crystal clear lakes. The pictures and video opportunities are endless while staying at your lake rental home.
The Traverse City region has a total of 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 149 deep, freshwater lakes.
Area beaches are some of the best in the country.
During the busiest of seasons there are plenty of places to enjoy this great place all by yourself. Remote
beaches are easy to find. Or, if you want some action, one of the many beaches right in Traverse City are
great for people watching, beach volleyball and a family friendly beach atmosphere.
TRAVERSE CITY and NORTHERN MICHIGAN AREA BEACH LISTINGS
Acme Township Park
Four miles north of Acme off US 31 North, 12 miles east of Traverse City, this beach offers picnic grounds, a
playground and a sandy beach on the eastern shore of East Grand Traverse Bay. Acme, MI
Alden Depot Park & Museum
On the eastern shore of beautiful Torch Lake is the Village of Alden, whose restored 1908 train depot
features photographs and memorabilia from the community's past as a railroad and resort area. This beach is
open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. 10670 Coy PO. Box 204 Alden MI 49612
Antrim County Park (Barnes Park)
On East Grand Traverse Bay, this park features a sandy beach, hiking trails, a playground, rest room facilities,
and covered picnic facilities. It located west of US 31 and M 88 in Torch Lake Township. Bellaire, MI
Arbutus Lake
A shallow, spring-fed lake, Arbutus Lake is 30 minutes south of Traverse City, off Garfield Road and has a
nice playground near the beach. Traverse City MI
Bayside Park
The combination of 600 feet of sandy beach with the bathhouse and the picnic and playground areas make
Bayside Park not only lovely but also fully equipped for beach goers to stay the whole day. The water is
shallow a long way out with a sandy bottom, perfect for wading. It's on East Grand Traverse Bay off US 31
North, just south of the M 72 junction in Acme and eight miles from Traverse City
Bowers Harbor Beach
Tucked into protected Bowers Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula, this beach offers picnic facilities as well as a
nearby boat launch with rest rooms. Bowers Harbor Beach looks out West Grand Traverse Bay at Power
Island. It is 15 miles north of Traverse City on Peninsula Drive. Traverse City, MI
Bryant Park
Picnic area, a playground, rest rooms, charcoal grills, tall pines, a long stretch of sandy beach and lifeguards
(mid-June -- August) make this a popular beach spot near downtown Traverse City off M 37. Often you'll find
excellent sunset views overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, bright sun and cool shade. It is located where
Garfield and Front Streets intersect at the base of Old Mission Peninsula. Traverse City, MI
Centerville Township Park
This beach on Lake Leelanau is off Highway 643 south of the Village of Lake Leelanau. It has picnic facilities,
a playground, and rest rooms. Lake Leelanau, MI
Central Lake Municipal Park (Thurston Park)
In the village of Central Lake you will find a picnic area next to a beach, and a boat launch on
Lake. It is off M 88 in Antrim County. Central Lake, MI
Clinch Park
The area's most populated and most popular beach features over 1500 feet of sandy shore along West Grand
Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City. Clinch Park has picnic tables, lifeguards (mid-June -- August) and
rest rooms. It is adjacent to Clinch Park Marina, east of Union Street on Grandview Parkway. Grandview
Parkway, Traverse City MI
East Bay Park
This beach is popular with young families. It has shady picnic areas, shallow water with a gradual slope,
lifeguards, a playground and rest room. Find it at the base of East Grand Traverse Bay and the foot of Front
Street. Traverse City MI
Elk Rapids County Day Park
A 13-acre park with a large beach, a bathhouse, rest rooms and playground; this beach park also features a
picnic area, nature trails, and tennis and basketball courts. It's just outside of Elk Rapids on south Bayshore
Drive. South Bayshore Drive, Elk Rapids, MI
Elk Rapids Dam Fishing Park
Sandy beach and privies adjacent to the Elk Rapids Dam off Dexter Road. It borders East Grand Traverse
Bay. Elk Rapids, MI
Empire Village Park
This beach at the foot of Niagara Street in Empire has views of the stunning Empire Bluffs, part of the
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is located 22 miles west of Traverse City on M 22. Rest rooms,
picnic facilities. Empire MI
Esch Road Beach
Twenty miles west of Traverse City and 12 miles south of the Village of Empire, Esch Road Beach looks out
on the impressive aqua and deep blue waters of Lake Michigan's Platte Bay. Picnic facilities. Sleeping Bear
National Lakeshore or National Park pass required. Empire
Forest Home Township Park
A lovely beach on Torch Lake is the park's main attraction -- its a real gem. Other features include picnic
facilities, rest room, a playground, tennis and basketball courts in the Village of Bellaire. Bellaire MI
Gilbert Park
You'll find a sandy beach, picnic tables and privies on Long Lake in Gilbert Park. It is located eight miles
west of Traverse City on North Long Lake Road (Front Street). Traverse City, MI
Glen Arbor Municipal Beach
Thirty miles northwest of Traverse in the town of Glen Arbor, off M 22, the municipal beach has picnic
facilities, rest rooms and a playground. Glen Arbor, MI
Glen Haven Beach
Thirty miles northwest of Traverse City near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Dunes Climb, there is a quiet,
beautiful and almost private Lake Michigan beach in Glen Haven, a deserted village. Glen Arbor MI
Glen Lake Beach
Located on M 22 across from Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb on Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake Beach is
approximately 30 miles from Traverse City and has rest room and picnic facilities. Empire MI
Haserot Beach Park
Just east of the town of Old Mission and 20 miles north of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula lies Haserot
Beach Park. It boasts a variety of features -- a sandy beach on a protected bay of Lake Michigan, rest
rooms, picnic facilities, playground, and boat launch. Traverse City, MI
Interlochen State Park
This beach on Duck Lake is only 14 miles southwest of Traverse City in the Village of Interlochen and has
picnic facilities, a playground and rest rooms. Interlochen MI
Leelanau State Park
This Lake Michigan beach is at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in the Village of Northport. It's 30 miles
north of Traverse City on M 22. Besides the beach, it has rest rooms, hiking trails and historic Grand
Traverse Lighthouse, which is open to the public. Northport MI
Leland Municipal Beach
Twenty-four miles northwest of Traverse City off M 22 in the Village of Leland, this town beach looks out on
Lake Michigan. There's a marina nearby, as well as rest rooms and picnic facilities. Leland MI
Long Lake Township Park
Picnic facilities, rest rooms, playground, boat launch and warmish (mid-summer), crystal clear water makes
this beach popular. It is on Long Lake just off Highway 610 southwest of Traverse City. Traverse City MI
Northport Beach
This park has a beach area with playground and rest rooms. It is adjacent to the marina at the foot of
Nagonaba Street in Northport, which is 26 miles north of Traverse City on M 22. Northport MI
Old Mission Lighthouse Park
At the end of M 37, on the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, is a large, wide beach area with extremely shallow
water, a picnic area, a reconstruction of an early settler's cabin and privies. It is an ideal spot for wading.
The lighthouse there is not open to the public. Beach sites are accessible along the final mile of M 37 until
the road ends at the park. To reach this park, take M 37 to the end of Old Mission Peninsula. At this point
you are about 22 miles from Front Street in Traverse City.
Old Settlers' Park
This park, 18 miles northwest of Traverse City on the east shore of Glen Lake off Highway 675, has rest
rooms, a playground and picnic facilities. Empire MI
Peterson Park
On Lake Michigan in Northport, 26 miles north of Traverse City on M 22, Peterson Park's rock-strewn beach is
an excellent spot for finding Petoskey stones.
Power Island
Accessible only by boat, this beach on West Grand Traverse Bay's Power Island, off Bower's Harbor on Old
Mission Peninsula, features picnic facilities, rest rooms and hiking trails. Traverse City MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This park contains numerous spectacular beaches on its 33 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline,
including D.H. Day Park in Glen Haven, north Bar Lake, Good Harbor Bay and Manitou Island. Stop at the
Philip Hart Visitor Center at the junction of M 72 and M 22 in Empire for directions. The Philip Hart Visitor
Center is located 22 miles west of Traverse City. Many trails are located within the 70,000-acre federally
owned park. Maps are available at the visitor center in Empire. Park fee is $10 for seven days or $20 for a
year paid at the visitor center. More information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 9922 Front
Street Empire MI 49630 (231) 326-5134
Suttons Bay Municipal Beach
On the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, 15 miles north of Traverse City on M 22 in the Village of Suttons Bay,
the Suttons Bay Municipal Beach is a fun spot at a beautiful location. It has a beach, picnic facilities,
playground and rest rooms. Suttons Bay MI
Tony Gilroy Township Park
On US 31 in Acme, the Tony Gilroy Township Park has picnic tables and a sandy beach on East Grand Traverse
Bay. Acme MI
Traverse City State Park
This popular beach offers 700 feet of sandy beach on East Bay. Beach goers enjoy the bathhouse, the picnic
area and ample parking. It is located across the street from the Traverse City State Park campgrounds on US
31 North in Traverse City. Traverse City MI
Traverse City West End Beach
Large, bay-front park and beach features ample parking and rest rooms. You will find it overlooking West
Grand Traverse Bay at the foot of Division Street, on Grandview Parkway, just west of downtown Traverse
City. Traverse City MI
Whitewater Township Park
At this beach there are picnic areas, playground, boat launch, rest rooms on Elk Lake east of Highway 685
north of Williamsburg. Williamsburg MI
| Beach Listings - Jimmy Mack Vacations |
| Vacation Rentals -- Homes - Condos - Cottages - Cabins |
| 231-715-1167 info@JimmyMackVacations.com |
| Helping Families and Friends Make Lifetime Memories |
