Charlevoix, MI, is home to some of Michigan’s most spectacular beaches, perfect for families seeking unforgettable experiences. With pristine shorelines, exciting activities, and an array of amenities, these beaches offer something for everyone. Dive into our guide on the best beaches in Charlevoix, MI, and start planning your family’s dream vacation.
What We Will Cover For The Beaches of Charlevoix Mi
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What is Great About This Part of Michigan
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, the idyllic town of Charlevoix boasts some of the most stunning Great Lakes beaches. These sandy stretches of shoreline are well-known for their soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters, offering visitors a serene and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the best aspects of these beaches is the breathtaking sunsets. The sky is set ablaze with an array of warm hues that beautifully blend into the horizon, creating an unforgettable sight that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Petoskey Stone Headquarters
Moreover, the Petoskey stones found along the shores of Lake Michigan near Charlevoix add a unique touch to these Great Lakes beaches. These fossilized coral stones delight beachcombers and rock collectors alike with their intricate hexagonal patterns. Overall, the beaches in Charlevoix Mi, offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure, making them a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Great Lakes region.
Lake Michigan Beaches: Serene Beauty and Exciting Adventures
The beaches near Charlevoix offer abundant recreational activities, making them the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters, sunbathing on the pristine shoreline, or partaking in water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. The lush surrounding landscape teems with wildlife, inviting nature lovers to explore the trails and parks that provide a haven for birdwatching, hiking, and fishing.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
A hidden gem on Lake Michigan’s northern end, Fisherman’s Island State Park provides a secluded retreat for beachgoers. This park offers various outdoor activities, including swimming, biking, hiking, and fishing. For those who love camping, rustic campgrounds are available, along with rustic toilets for added convenience.
Michigan Beach Park
Michigan Beach Park in Charlevoix is the perfect choice for a fun family beach day. The park boasts restrooms, sports courts, playground equipment, shaded pavilions, picnic tables, and a snack stand. Create unforgettable memories as you spend the day basking in the sun and enjoying various beach activities.
Mt. McSauba Beach
Ideal for adventure seekers, Mt. McSauba Beach promises a secluded and thrilling experience. This park offers restrooms, playground equipment, volleyball and basketball courts, picnic tables, a covered pavilion, and a concession stand. With its location on Lake Michigan’s shores, visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, and dune climbing activities.
Lake Charlevoix – A Picturesque Freshwater Paradise
Lake Charlevoix is a lake in Charlevoix County in the state of Michigan in the U.S. It is the third largest inland lake with a surface area of over 17,200 acres (70 km2) and 56 miles (90 km) of shoreline. The maximum depth in the central basin is 122 feet (37 m), and 58 feet (18 m) in the south arm.
The lake’s largest tributaries are the Jordan River, feeding into the south arm at East Jordan, and the Boyne River, flowing into the main basin from the east at Boyne City. Other significant tributaries include Horton, Stover, Porter, and Loeb Creeks.
The lake occupies portions of Charlevoix Township, Marion Township, Hayes Township, Eveline Township, Michigan, Bay Township, and Evangeline Township. Young State Park is located on the shore of the lake just northwest of Boyne City. The Ironton Ferry at Ironton, a designated Michigan Historical Site in operation since 1876, crosses the south arm where it branches off from the main basin, saving about 20 minutes of driving time around the south arm by the shoreline route. The lake was also known previously as Pine Lake and Long Lake. It was renamed from “Pine Lake” to its current name (“Lake Charlevoix”) in 1926.
Lake Charlevoix is a popular destination for recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and eagles.
The following are some of the things you can do on Lake Charlevoix:
- Boating: Lake Charlevoix is a great place to go boating. There are a variety of boats available for rent, including pontoons, speedboats, and sailboats.
- Fishing: Lake Charlevoix is a great place to go fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, bass, and perch.
- Swimming: Lake Charlevoix is a great place to go swimming. There are a number of public beaches on the lake, as well as private beaches on some of the lake’s many islands.
- Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails located near Lake Charlevoix. These trails offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix
Depot Beach is a popular spot for beachgoers in Charlevoix. This scenic location offers restrooms, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and a pavilion for relaxing picnics. Depot Beach is a public beach located on the shores of Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix, Michigan. The beach is named after the former railroad depot that once stood on the property. The depot was built in 1889 and served as a stop for the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. The depot was closed in 1958 and is now a museum.
Depot Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach has a sandy beach and clear water. There is also a playground and a picnic area. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
In addition to being a popular spot for recreation, Depot Beach is also a historic site. The former railroad depot is a reminder of the city’s past as a railroad hub. The beach is also a popular spot for weddings and other special events.
Ferry Beach
Ferry Beach is a public beach located on the shores of Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix, Michigan. The beach is named after the former ferry that once ran between Charlevoix and Boyne City. The ferry was discontinued in 1958, but the beach remains popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The beach has a sandy beach and clear water. There is also a playground and a picnic area. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
In addition to being a popular spot for recreation, Ferry Beach is also a historic site. The former ferry landing is a reminder of the city’s past as a transportation hub. The beach is also a popular spot for weddings and other special events.
Young State Park
Young State Park is a public recreation area near Boyne City, Michigan, occupying 563 acres on the eastern shore of 17,260-acre Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix County in the northwest of Northern Michigan.
The park was established in 1921, and the Civilian Conservation Corps built the day-use building in the 1930s. From the park, visitors can access the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail.
The park has three modern campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities, a boat launch, a popular swimming beach, a picnic area, 6.5 miles of trails and more.
The park is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park is also a great place to picnic and enjoy the beauty of Lake Charlevoix.
Here are some additional details about the park:
- The swimming beach is a sandy beach with clear water.
- The boat launch is a concrete ramp that is accessible to all types of boats.
- There are 152 campsites, including 37 modern sites with electric hookups.
- There are 10 rustic cabins available for rent.
- The picnic area has 30 picnic tables and 10 grills.
- The trails are open for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
- The park has ADA-accessible restrooms.
Young State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. The park is clean and well-maintained, and it offers a variety of activities for people of all ages.
Here are some of the things you can do at Young State Park:
- Swimming: Young State Park is a great place to go swimming. The swimming beach is a sandy beach with clear water.
- Boating: Young State Park is a great place to go boating. There is a boat launch located in the park that is accessible to all types of boats.
- Fishing: Young State Park is a great place to go fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, bass, and perch.
- Hiking: Young State Park has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
- Cross-country skiing: Young State Park is a great place to go cross-country skiing. The trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.
- Snowshoeing: Young State Park is a great place to go snowshoeing. The trails are groomed for snowshoeing in the winter.
Tourist Attraction – Ironton Ferry
The Ironton Ferry is a four-car cable ferry that crosses a narrow point on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix in the U.S. state of Michigan in the unincorporated community of Ironton. The ferry connects Ironton, about five miles from Charlevoix, to Boyne City. The ferry runs between April and November.
The Ironton Ferry was first established in 1876. The current ferryboat was built in 1987. The Charlevoix County Transportation Authority operates the ferry.
The Ironton Ferry is a popular way to travel between Charlevoix and Boyne City. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes. The ferry is also a popular tourist attraction.
Here are some additional details about the Ironton Ferry:
- The ferry is located at 10122 Ferry Road, Ironton, Michigan.
- The ferry is open from April to November.
- The ferry operates from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm.
- The ferry fare is $3 for cars & motorcycles and $6 for a car with a trailer not over 16 feet long.
- The ferry is wheelchair accessible.
The Ironton Ferry is a great way to travel between Charlevoix and Boyne City. The ferry is also a popular tourist attraction.
Webcam Video FerryCam Memorial for Paul Witting
Torch Lake Public Access: Tranquil Waters and Stunning Views
Torch Lake Day Park
Torch Lake Day Park is a 3-acre park located on the northwest shore of Torch Lake in Antrim County, Michigan. The park features a small swimming beach, a boat launch, picnic tables, grills, and a play structure. The park is open from 9:00 am to dark all summer and on weekends through October 15.
The park is named after William E. Good Day, who was a local resident and businessman. Good Day was a passionate advocate for the preservation of Torch Lake, and he donated the land for the park in 1967.
Torch Lake Day Park is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and fishing. The park is also a great place to picnic and enjoy the beauty of Torch Lake.
Here are some additional details about the park:
- The swimming beach is small and shallow, making it a safe place for children to swim.
- The boat launch is a concrete ramp that is accessible to all types of boats.
- There are 15 picnic tables and six grills available for public use.
- The play structure is a small wooden structure with slides, swings, and a climbing wall.
- The park has ADA-accessible restrooms.
Torch Lake Day Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Of tall the beaches in Charlevoix Mi, the park is clean and well-maintained, and it offers a variety of activities for people of all ages.
Things to Do in Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix, Michigan, is a beautiful town on Lake Michigan with a variety of activities for visitors beyond its wonderful beaches. Here are a few other attractions to consider:
- Castle Farms: This unique castle is an interesting mix of architectural styles and has beautifully manicured gardens, making it a popular venue for weddings and events. They offer guided and self-guided tours of the grounds and buildings.
- Mushroom Houses: Take a tour of the unique, whimsical mushroom houses designed by architect Earl Young. The homes are sprinkled throughout Charlevoix and are made from local materials like fieldstone and thatched roofs.
- Charlevoix Historical Society Depot Museum: Learn about the history of the region at this local museum located in an old train depot.
- Downtown Charlevoix: Spend some time strolling around downtown Charlevoix. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries to visit.
- Charlevoix Lighthouse: This iconic landmark is a must-visit. The view is especially breathtaking during the sunset.
- Fisherman’s Island State Park: For nature lovers, this state park offers beautiful trails for hiking and spots for camping.
- Charlevoix South Pier Light Station: A historic lighthouse that is worth a visit for the photo opportunity and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- Boat Tours: There are several companies that offer boat tours around Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, giving you the opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of the area from the water.
- Golf: Charlevoix has several well-known golf courses where you can enjoy a game with beautiful natural views as a backdrop.
- Wine tasting: The region around Charlevoix is known for its vineyards and wineries. Consider taking a wine tour to sample local wines and learn about the wine-making process.
Remember to check the opening hours and availability of tours or visits, as these might change seasonally or due to specific events. Enjoy your visit to Charlevoix!
Video: Channel WebCam In Charlevoix
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Charlevoix Weather
Charlevoix, Michigan, experiences a typical four-season climate characteristic of the upper Midwest, with a variety of weather conditions throughout the year:
Spring (March – May): Spring weather can be quite variable, with early spring often still showing signs of winter, including occasional snow showers and cool temperatures. By late spring, temperatures typically rise, and the area starts to see more rainfall. Average high temperatures range from around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in early spring to the mid-60s by late spring.
Summer (June – August): Summers in Charlevoix are typically warm and pleasant, with high temperatures averaging in the upper 70s to low 80s degrees Fahrenheit. This is also the most popular time for visitors to visit beaches in Charlevoix Mi due to the favorable weather and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. However, summer also brings occasional thunderstorms, particularly in the late afternoon or evening.
Fall (September – November): Autumn is often regarded as one of the best times to visit Charlevoix, thanks to the region’s stunning fall foliage. Temperatures start to drop, with highs ranging from the low 70s in early fall to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit by late November. Fall can also bring a mix of sunny days and rain.
Winter (December – February): Winters in Charlevoix can be quite severe, with plenty of snow and cold temperatures. Highs average in the upper 20s to low 30s degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures can often drop well below freezing, especially at night. Winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing are popular during this season.
Final Thought on the Best Beaches in Charlevoix Mi.
In conclusion, Charlevoix, MI, boasts a diverse range of stunning beaches suitable for all preferences. Charlevoix has it all, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a fun-packed family adventure. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable beach getaway in Charlevoix, MI!
Book your stay at one of the beaches in Charlevoix MI now and plan your perfect getaway today!
