By now, it’s no secret that the Lake Michigan summer offers a wealth of opportunities for friends and family to forge cherished memories while enjoying fantastic weather. Grand Haven, Michigan, is an excellent place to start your adventure, as it is just an hour’s drive from some of the best summer activities in the area. Today, we’ll explore ten options you’ll have while staying with Unsalted Vacation Rentals.
Grand Haven City Beach
Grand Haven City Beach is one of the most popular beaches to enjoy on a Lake Michigan summer day, and for a good reason—its expansive shores and azure wavy waters make it the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or play in the sand, there is much to appreciate about Grand Haven City Beach.
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to combine a Lake Michigan summer day and a scenic lunch, a picnic in one of the many parks in the area is the perfect solution. For example, Duncan Woods and Hemlock Crossing are two popular options that offer picturesque landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Pack a basket of your favorite foods, bring a blanket, and settle in for a leisurely afternoon with your crew.
Go Fishing
Lake Michigan is an angler’s paradise, with many fish species to catch, including salmon, trout, and walleye. Plenty of fishing charters and boat rentals are available in the area, making it easy to explore the lake and find the perfect fishing spot. In addition to Lake Michigan, the area around Grand Haven also offers several rivers and smaller lakes to try your luck!
Take a Lake Michigan Cruise
There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset over Lake Michigan in summer, and one of the best ways to experience it is on a cruise. Star of Saugatuck and Aquastar Lake Cruises are two popular options that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. Check out the Grand Haven Area travel page for more information.
Explore the Lighthouses
Lake Michigan has many historic lighthouses along its coastline, and the Grand Haven area is no exception. The Grand Haven Lighthouse, the South Haven Lighthouse, and the Muskegon Lighthouse are just a few examples of the many iconic cylindrical structures you can explore in the area. Take a tour, learn about the history, and enjoy the captivating vistas from the top.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
West Michigan summers are known for their delicious farm-fresh produce, and visiting a local farmers market is a great way to experience it. Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables for your picnic, or prepare a delicious home-cooked meal at your vacation rental with local ingredients. Many nearby farmers markets also carry artisan crafts, baked goods, and dairy products.
Go on a Bike Ride
Biking is popular in the area, with miles of bike paths and scenic routes along the lakeshore and beyond. Rent a bike or bring your own and explore the area on two wheels. The Grand Haven State Park and the Muskegon State Park are just a couple of the many places you can ride around while immersing yourself in some of West Michigan’s beautiful summer surroundings.
Visit the Nearby State Parks
West Michigan’s state parks offer stunning views of the lake and opportunities to explore its coastal ecology. Holland State Park is a prominent spot with accessible boat launches and breathtaking sunsets. Hoffmaster State Park offers picturesque views, including the Dune Trail Overlook, which provides a panoramic perspective of the lake. Muskegon State Park features 12 miles of hiking trails and a track chair for wheelchair users. At the same time, Van Buren State Park is an excellent location for picnics, swimming, and fishing, with access to a 14-mile trail connecting South Haven to Hartford for cyclists.
Relax at Your Lake Michigan Summer Vacation Rental
The reason guests choose to stay with us for their precious Lake Michigan summer getaway is because our vacation rentals provide comfort and convenience, all under one roof. From exploring the state parks to discovering the various beach communities, having a place to call home at the end of each exciting day is crucial. Whether you need a lakeside condo or a spacious cottage-style house, Unsalted Vacation Rentals has you covered.
Check out our collection of Lake Michigan vacation homes and start planning your summer getaway today!
Teeming with scenic shorelines, iconic woodlands, and stunning sand dunes, the Michigan state parks are excellent places for those seeking adventure. And on our side of the “Great Lakes State,” the state parks are numerous. Discovery is undoubtedly one of the pillars of a successful vacation, and West Michigan poses an inviting opportunity for exploration. And just in time to shake off the winter blues, Unsalted Vacation Rentals is pleased to offer a comprehensive collection of rental homes for you to find the perfect base camp for an exciting getaway.
Before you hit the open road, be sure to get yourself a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport either online or at one of the many park locations. Not only will the passport grant you parking access to all the Michigan state parks, but the proceeds will help manage some of our most treasured assets.
Holland State Park
As one of Michigan’s more popular parks, Holland State Park is worthy of your Lake Michigan bucket list. In the summer, you may find yourself fishing and boating off the shore, thanks to one of the accessible boat launches. Locals will tell you that this precious public space has one of the best sunsets in the Upper Midwest. It’s no secret that Holland State Park is a beautiful spot, so make sure you arrive early during peak season!
Hoffmaster State Park
As the home of the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, Hoffmaster State Park is a fantastic place for those who want to learn more about Lake Michigan’s coastal ecology. And if you’re looking for picturesque views, the Dune Trail Overlook promises to provide breathtaking photo opportunities giving you a panoramic perspective of Lake Michigan. Don’t worry; there are several benches along the way! There are also 10 miles of other scenic trails.
Muskegon State Park
Easily one of West Michigan’s unique public areas, Muskegon State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. The park features approximately 12 miles of maintained hiking trails and has a track chair allowing those who use wheelchairs to go off the beaten path. There are also about three miles of shoreline, making a perfect spot for picnics, swimming, and fishing.
Van Buren State Park
With grills, picnic tables, and a lovely swimming beach, Van Buren State Park offers a quintessential cookout spot. Moreover, guests can access the Van Burn State Park Spur Trail—a four-mile pavement trail leading to South Haven. Cyclists can go further thanks to the 14-mile trail connecting South Haven to Hartford.
Lake Michigan Summer Vacation Rentals
Now that spring and summer are just around the corner, visiting the Michigan state parks is something to put on your vacation to-do list. But before you create your itinerary, you’ll want to find a place to call home. So if you wish to stay near Muskegon, Holland, Manistee, or Grand Haven, Unsalted Vacation Rentals has an expansive assortment of vacation homes that will make exploration easy. To learn more or book your stay, visit us online or call 833-734-0090!
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