Lake Michigan borders Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This offers many destination options, activities and attractions for the best family vacation on Lake Michigan.
It is the third largest of the Great Lakes and the only one located entirely in the US Our neighbor to the north, Canada, shares shorelines with the rest of the Great Lakes.
If you're looking for ideas for a day trip, weekend getaway, or seven-day adventure, read on to find some of the best family vacation spots on Lake Michigan.
1. Transversal city
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| Family Vacation Spots on Lake Michigan |
Located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Traverse City offers 180 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing. Four Seasons of Fun Lake Michigan family vacation ideas are ready and waiting.
Set toddlers and teens free at Great Wolf Lodge, which features a variety of water slides, pools, and an indoor lazy river. If golf is in your blood, check out the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at The Bear.
Discover the dunes or snowshoe and observe nature at Sleeping bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Opt for the urban side of life and spend time shopping, dining and exploring downtown Traverse City.
2. South Shelter
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| Family Vacation Spots on Lake Michigan |
South Haven in western Michigan is a true "haven" from seaside-town perfection. Walk downtown and visit wineries, boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. History buffs can visit the Michigan Maritime Museum, the South Haven Lighthouse and the Maritime District Harborwalk.
Hike the Black River Preserve, play golf at Beeches Golf Club, or bike 34 miles to Kalamazoo at the Kal-Haven Trail Head, which is popular with cross-country skiers in winter.
Book a sunset cruise, tug boat ride or fishing charter for the whole family. Kayak, canoe or paddleboard along the 23-mile Bangor-South Haven Heritage Water Trail.
Recommended hotel: Hampton Inn South Haven
3. Harbor Springs, Michigan
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| Family Vacation Spots on Lake Michigan |
Harbor Springs in northern Michigan is situated on a sheltered bay in Little Traverse Bay. It's close to Boyne City and Petoskey Beach, making it a good day trip to or from anywhere.
Attractions include the True North Golf Club, Odawa Casino, Nub's Nob Ski Resort, Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery, and Sturgeon Bay Beach. Leaf-gazing in the fall, snowmobiling and skiing in the winter, and biking in the spring make for great family vacations on Lake Michigan.
Recommended hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Petoskey
4. Ludington State Park
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| Family Vacation Spots on Lake Michigan |
Ludington State Park, located between Lake Hamlin and Lake Michigan, offers 5,300 acres for camping, fishing, kayaking and beach play. Spend the day with your crew hiking through the woods, climbing the sand dunes, and visiting the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Not only for fun in the summer, you can also go hiking and snowshoeing in the winter.
Recommended hotel: Best Western Lakewinds
5. Muskegon, Michigan
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| Family Vacation Spots on Lake Michigan |
Muskegon, located in western Michigan, has some of the best Lake Michigan beaches for families . Pere Marquette Beach, Kruse Park, and Muskegon Dog Beach to name just a few.
If the sand dunes, gardens, fall festivals and scenic fall rides aren't enough, you can ride the roller coasters at the Michigan Water & Adventure Park or learn to sled at the Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Complex.
Maritime attractions include the SS Milwaukee Clipper and the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. Take a cruise aboard the Aquastar for a fun family adventure with the whole crew.
Recommended hotel: Shoreline Inn & Conference C, Ascend Hotel Collection