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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rosy Mound Grand Haven; 2 hours, 57 minutes Honestly? We feel wrong saying Rosy Mound is public. The beach is so sequestered that it’s bound to feel like a private getaway. $7 entry. Photo via IG user @_dani_lynn_
Ramona Park Beach Portage; 2 hours, 27 minutes Thanks to a full staff of lifeguards and a spacious playground area, this beach is the place to go for a summer family gathering. $5 per vehicle for Portage residents, $10 for non-residents. Photo via IG user @sarah_czuleger
City of Hancock Recreation Boating and Camping Facility Hancock; 8 hours, 48 minutes You won’t regret making the trek to this tranquil recreation area. Its beach is the perfect place to cap off a beautiful day in downtown Hancock. Free. Photo via IG user @kanteramy
Rogers Harbor Lakeside Park Rogers City; 4 hours, 9 minutes Featuring a variety of recreational activities and amenities, this park is the pride of Rogers City. With 10 acres of yellow sands bordering Lake Huron, how couldn’t it be? Free. Photo via IG user @marissarosej
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 IG user @juliesophiew

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