Michigan is the only state that touches on four great lakes, making it the ideal place for lovers of the water. While it lacks the saltwater coastline of states like Florida and California, Michigan is the state that has the highest percentage of its area composed of water, with over 40% of Michigan being freshwater.
This makes Michigan a dream come true for boaters and fishers alike. Countless areas in the state rest on the water, and while winters are freezing, the summers are perfect for exploring the Michigan lakes.
Let’s look at four different towns or cities in Michigan that are perfect for those seeking to take advantage of the state’s waterfront lifestyle.
Muskegon
There are so many different cities that come to mind when you think of the waterfront lifestyle of Michigan, and Muskegon is certainly one of them. This small city located northwest of Grand Rapids is famed for its reputation as a boating hotspot.
Muskegon is situated along Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, making it uniquely situated in the middle of two large bodies of water. Muskegon has excellent beaches and waterfront parks that provide gorgeous Great Lake views. It is also known as the site of numerous regattas and boating events and is a popular vacation destination. Whether you want to kick back on a beach and relax or enjoy some of the best fishing and boating in the state, Muskegon is for you.
Ludington
Ludington is situated due north from Muskegon, also on the western part of the state along Lake Michigan. Ludington is a quiet waterfront town home to just over 8,000 residents, with proximity to Lake Michigan, Lincoln Lake, and Pere Marquette Lake. Ludington has a great reputation as one of the maritime centers of the state.
Ludington is known for its stunning beaches and beautiful state park. It has been named amongst the 16 best places to live in the country because of its natural beauty and incredible access to deep blue lakes. Ludington is a popular hotspot for visitors due to the recreational activities offered within, including top-notch hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing. The Maritime Museum also highlights the area’s rich history as a boating destination. Ludington is a historic and beautiful lakefront community with plenty of homes along the water.
Holland
Holland is a unique city in Michigan heavily inspired by its Dutch roots. It is a mid-sized town home to roughly 33,000 residents, and yet it is one of the Michigan cities that sees the most significant influx of tourists. This is both because of its unique attractions and its presence along the shores of Lake Macatawa.
There are several interesting components to Holland. For starters, there is Windmill Island Gardens, which is home to a centuries-old windmill that has a distinctly Dutch look. There are also multiple museums showing off the fascinating legacy of the land. Meanwhile, the Big Red Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks in Michigan and sits at the edge of Lake Macatawa, leading into Lake Michigan. There is also the famed May’s Tulip Time Festival, which fills the city with gorgeous brightly colored flowers. Holland is a little slice of Europe in Michigan.
Traverse City
Traverse City is a Northern Michigan city with a significant population. It is home to over 153,000 people in the Metro Area and is situated on several bodies of water. The small Boardman Lake runs through the city, and just outside are the two Grand Traverse Bays, which flow north into Lake Michigan.
There’s a lot to do in and around Traverse City. It has several freshwater beaches which fill up in the summer and great parks with deep woods for hiking and exploration. Many in the city spend their summers enjoying canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the different nearby waters. There are also vineyards and spa resorts close by for those looking for some time to unwind. There is a reason Traverse City has been ranked amongst the best small-town travel destinations in the country.
