Northern Michigan Lakes & Beaches: Where to Swim, Paddle & Relax
Guides and tips about Lakes & Beaches for your Northern Michigan vacation
Northern Michigan is built around the water. From the big Lake Michigan and Lake Huron beaches to the famous clear water of Higgins Lake and the inland giants like Houghton Lake, the lakes are the heart of any Up North vacation. This guide helps you find the best swimming spots, boat launches, paddling routes and quiet shorelines to base your cabin trip around. Looking for a lakeside cabin? Start with Higgins Lake or Houghton Lake.
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Browse all cabinsFrequently Asked Questions
Which lakes have the best beaches in Northern Michigan?
For Lake Michigan sand, it's hard to beat Ludington, Silver Lake and the beaches inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Glen Arbor. For famously clear inland water, Higgins Lake is a favorite. Houghton Lake, the state's largest inland lake, is great for boating and family beach days.
Are Northern Michigan cabins on the water?
Many are — lakefront cabins and cottages put you steps from your own stretch of shore. Others sit in the woods a short drive from public beaches and boat launches. Each listing notes its location, and you can confirm exactly how close it is to the water on its Booking.com page before you book.
Can I go boating or paddling from my cabin?
On the inland lakes — Houghton, Higgins, Burt and Mullett — boating, kayaking and canoeing are a big part of the appeal. Some cabins include a dock or kayaks; otherwise there are public launches and rental outfitters in most lake towns. Indian River, on the Inland Waterway, is especially good boating country.