It goes without saying Michigan is home to some prime beaches along our Great Lake coasts. But sometimes lake swimming can be tricky, depending on the beach. Maybe it’s too rocky. Maybe its tide is too high (yes, there are powerful waves in Lake Michigan). Or maybe that river or creek has a strong current. We’ve identified some great Michigan swimming holes that are a bit more user-friendly, especially for little ones who might need shallow waters. Read on:

12) Belle Isle, Detroit
Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
sj carey/Flickr
One of the most beloved spaces in Detroit, Belle Isle also has beaches for swimming and wading.
11) Burt Lake State Park, Indian River
Burt Lake State Park, 6635 State Park Dr, Indian River, MI 49749, USA
Don...The UpNorth Memories Guy... Harrison/Flickr
Just south of Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, this state park is great for a number of aquatic activities, including swimming at the beach.
10) East Lansing Family Aquatic Center
East Lansing Family Aquatic Center, 6400 Abbot Rd #1422, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
East Lansing Aquatic Center Facebook Page
Sure this is more of a manmade swimming hole, but if you can't get out of the city, it really is chock full of fun for kids of all ages, with zero-depth entry, slides for all age levels, and a sandy play area.
9) Kensington Metropark, Milford
Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
Karl Zeissky/Flickr
Next up on our list of where to go swimming in Michigan is the Kensington Metropark. Enjoy long walks along the shore of the small lake, have a picnic, and when the weather's right, dip your toes in the water and splash around.
8) Miners Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Shingleton
Miners Beach, Miner Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA
Scott Smithson/Flickr
Miners Beach gives you the opportunity to skip the other big beach crowds at this little-used spot along Lake Superior.
7) North Bar Lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
North Bar Lake, Empire Township, MI 49630, USA
woodleywonderworks/Flickr
Popular for its shallow, clear water, this spot located at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is also idyllic for small children - so long as they're supervised of course.

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6) Holland Aquatic Center
Holland Aquatic Center, 550 Maple Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
Holland Aquatic Center Facebook Page
This place is definitely NOT your average city pool. Water slides, zero depth entry for the little kiddies, and room for lap swimming, this is a great community asset.
5) Ocqueoc Falls Campground, Millersburg
Ocqueoc Falls Campground, Millersburg, MI 49759, USA
Stephen/Flickr
Ocqueoc Falls is the only real waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. The campsite gives you access to the falls, where you can wade, swim, or splash about.
4) GM Plaza Fountains, Detroit
GM Plaza Promenade, 300 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Maia C/Flickr
Not a swimming hole per se, this fountain overlooking the Detroit River has become a favorite destination for families wanting to cool off, but who are perhaps unable to venture outside of the city.
3) Pickerel Lake Campground
Pickerel Lakeside Campground, 12666 N Woodbridge Ave, Bitely, MI 49309, USA
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
Complete with a picnic area, a canoe launch, and a swimming beach, this spot is an all-around great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
2) Platte River
Platte River, MI 49617, USA
Kari/Flickr
The shallow, slow-moving Platte River at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore empties out into Lake Michigan. Perfect for kayaking, tubing, and swimming.
1) Stonycreek Metropark
Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316, USA
Wigwam Jones/Flickr
Stonycreek Metropark is home to one of the most popular beaches in Metro Detroit, so make sure you stake your spot on the sand early as this place tends to get crowded.

These are just a few great places to swim in Michigan. Have you ever been to any of these exciting spots? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that they are among the best swimming holes in Michigan? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

We know there are many more hidden swimming holes in the state that you’d love. Be sure to check out the swimming hole at beautiful Torch Lake.

If you’re still in the mood for more Michigan adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 30, 2023

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  • Arturo's Tacos in Grand Haven serves up a wide variety of traditional as well as special taco combinations.
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Read on to learn about some of the many other delicious Mexican restaurants in Michigan.

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  • The Flint Institute of Art is the second largest museum in Michigan.
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Read on to learn about some of the many other unique museums in Michigan.

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  •  The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is one of the best in the state, drawing folks from all over the area.
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