Breathtaking Michigan Lakes to Visit This Summer

Lake Michigan | Craig Vodnik

With thousands of lakes across the state, Michigan has endless options for visitors to explore. Michigan is one of the premier destinations in the U.S. for boating, fishing, and water sports, and visitors will want to see its famous lakes first-hand this summer. Let’s look at some of the most breathtaking lakes to visit in Michigan as the weather heats up. 

Torch Lake

Torch Lake is a slice of Caribbean paradise in the Lower Peninsula. This uniquely beautiful lake has sandy beaches and a dreamy turquoise color. Stretching for 19 miles, Torch Lake is a gorgeous destination popular for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Cabins and campgrounds line the lake, where visitors can relax and marvel at the water’s incredible color. 

Torch Lake | Joel Gaff

Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair separates the Detroit metropolitan area from Ontario, Canada. Beaches and boat clubs along the coast are filled with crowds in the summer. The vast lake, with clean water, is excellent for fishing, swimming, and water sports. 

Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake, a massive inland lake in Michigan, serves as one of the state’s most popular year-round destinations. At this lake, ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular pastimes in the winter, and water sports and fishing are common activities in the summer. Many cabins, resorts, golf courses, and boat clubs line the lake. 

Lake Charlevoix

Lake Charlevoix is one of Michigan’s biggest inland lakes, stretching over 17,000 acres and offering 56 miles of scenic shoreline. It is a picturesque lake in Northern Michigan known for having uncrowded beaches and gorgeous blue water. Visitors typically swim, sail, or canoe on the lake or visit the public parks along the coast. 

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, one of the iconic Great Lakes, runs along the western edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and the eastern edge of the Upper Peninsula. Numerous natural sites line the shores, including the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Boating, fishing, and relaxing on Lake Michigan’s beaches are particularly fun summer activities to enjoy. 

Lake Michigan | Adam Bouse

Lake Huron

Lake Huron runs along the eastern edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and serves as a natural border between Michigan and Canada. This Great Lake is an iconic part of the state’s geography, and the Huron coastline is filled with charming lighthouses, pleasant beaches, and scenic towns and cities built along its shores. Boats of all sizes fill the waters of Lake Huron, and many anglers visit the lake as well. 

Lake Huron | Chris Pagan

Lake Superior

Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, runs along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its shores include many cities, such as Marquette, more than 30 lighthouses, and scenic hiking trails. The lake’s coast also hosts Isle Royale National Park, one of Michigan’s most gorgeous and remote natural destinations. 

Lake Superior | Charlie Wollborg