10 Reasons Michigan Has the Best Summers in the United States

Michigan has plenty to offer residents and tourists during the hot summer months, with its cool blue waters for cooling off, endless miles of trails for hiking, boating, and numerous beaches that need exploring. Summers in the Mitten State are a great reward after a long, cold winter. Additionally, there are many activities to enjoy, like farmers markets, splash pads, hot air balloon festivals, and county fairs. Here are the 10 reasons Michigan has the best summers in the United States.

1. Numerous Beaches, Rivers, and Lakes

Michigan is notorious for its lakes, hence the Great Lake State nickname. But it also has numerous beaches and rivers, which are handy during warm summers.

Beaches

Below are the best three beaches in Michigan:

Warren Dunes State Park

This state park has three miles of shoreline and six miles of hiking trails and overlooks Lake Michigan. Visitors can spend the day kayaking, collecting beach glass, or relaxing on the beach. Furthermore, there is a designated dog-friendly beach, so you can bring the whole family for a fun day out.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

The P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has 3 miles of shoreline and an impressive dune system. It is the perfect place to recharge. For example, you can build sandcastles on the beach or read a good book with a scenic backdrop. One of the more popular attractions in the park is the Dune Climb Stairway, which provides breathtaking views of Lake Michigan vistas. The best time to visit is spring when all the trails are surrounded by wildflowers, which can perk up your walk with pops of color.

Grand Haven

There are many hidden gems in Grand Haven. It boasts several magnificent beaches, so visitors are spoiled for choice. For example, Kirk Park permits dogs, Rosy Mound Natural Area is private as it is only accessible by a 0.7-mile hiking trail, and Grand Haven State Park, where you can play volleyball.

Rivers

Michigan has around 120 major rivers. Here are three of the most popular rivers for swimming:

Platte River

This river is a favorite among swimmers and floaters in Benzie County. The area around Platte River Point is particularly good for water activities since it has clear, gentle waters. In addition, public restrooms are available, along with picnic areas.

Au Sable River

The Au Sable River has several areas perfect for swimming or sunbathing, like Alcona Dam Pond Park and Whirlpool River Access Site. This river features clear, calm water, perfect for relaxing, swimming, or floating. Most of the best swimming areas on this river are easily accessible and have parking available.

Huron River

One of the best access points on the Huron River is Hudson Mills Metropark, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and canoe rentals. This area has calm waters and plenty to keep the whole family busy during the summer.

Lakes

It’s no secret that you can find some amazing lakes in Michigan. Here are three of the best lakes visitors can enjoy during the summer.

Lake Michigan

This Great Lake has several beaches, including the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with a 35-mile coastline.

Lake Huron

Another Great Lake in Michigan is Lake Huron, the third-largest freshwater lake in the world. One of the best places to spend the summer at this lake is a resort area called Mackinac Island.

Lake Glen

One of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan is Glen Lake, with its clear and soft sand. That’s why visitors from all over the U.S. flock to this lake during the summer.

2. Outdoor Recreation

Before cooling off in Michigan’s many bodies of water, many visitors want to explore the state’s breathtaking scenery. Outdoor recreation is not only thrilling but also visually appealing.

Hiking

Michigan’s hiking trails offer guests an unforgettable experience with diverse terrain and tons of natural beauty. Hiking in the Great Lake State often takes visitors past gorgeous inland lakes or thundering waterfalls. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Michigan:

• Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail – Detroit
• North Country National Scenic Trail – Lowell
• Greenstone Ridge Trail – Isle Royale National Park 
• Pyramid Point Trail – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Fishing

Thousands of anglers flock to Michigan during the summer to experience the great fishing. While the Great Lakes are a good place to start, the state also offers plenty of rivers and streams that provide a wide range of fishing opportunities. They include:

• Pinnebog River — Hume Township
• Boardman River — Traverse City
• Brimley Bay — Brimley
• Kalamazoo River — Kalamazoo
• Silver Lake — Hart.

Boating

During the summer, Michigan experiences some of the best weather for boating. Many outdoor enthusiasts launch their boats into the state’s lakes to take in the scenery, fish, and water ski. Here are some of the best places in the Mitten State to go boating:

• Lake Huron — Les Cheneaux Islands
• Lake St. Clair — Detroit
• Torch Lake — Alden
• Spring Lake and Lake Michigan — Grand Haven
• Lake Charlevoix — Charlevoix and Boyne City.

3. Pleasant Weather

Michigan has the best summers because of the comfortable climate. During the hottest month of the year in the Mitten State, July, the average maximum temperature reaches about 82 °F. In addition, rain is rare during the summer, so visitors can enjoy everything Michigan has to offer.

4. Vibrant Festivals and Events

Thanks to the amazing weather during summer in Michigan, the state hosts many vibrant festivals and events, including:

• Holland’s Tulip Time Festival
• Michigan Petoskey Stone Festival
• National Morel Mushroom Festival
• Alpena Flower Festival
• Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
• Grand Haven Art Festival
• Olive Burger Festival.

5. Natural Wonders

Michigan has no shortage of natural wonders, and experiencing many of these attractions is best during the summer. Here are some of the most popular natural wonders in the Great Lake State:

• Tahquamenon Falls
• Pictured Rocks
• M-22 scenic drive
• Turnip Rock
• Warren Dunes.

6. Culinary Delights

Michigan’s farmers offer fresh local produce, which is why the farmers’ markets, food festivals, and national cuisine are so popular. Below is a list of some of the culinary delights visitors can experience during the summer:

1. East Lansing Farmers Market — East Lansing 
2. Muskegon Farmers Market — Muskegon 
3. Midland Area Farmers Market — Midland
4. Fulton Street Farmers Market — Grand Rapids
5. Ann Arbor Farmers Market — Ann Arbor
6. Flint Farmers’ Market — Flint
7. National Asparagus Festival
8. Cereal Festival
9. Strawberry Festival
10. National Cherry Festival
11. Michigan Summer Beer Fest
12. Ribfest
13. Fish Sandwich Festival
14. Fudge Festival
15. Cheeseburger in Caseville.

7. Family-Friendly Activities

Michigan offers plenty of family-friendly activities, especially during the summer. Parents can treat their kids to water parks, zoos, and theme parks to make their vacations more memorable. Here are some of the most family-friendly activities in the state:

• Detroit Zoo
• Zhender’s Splash Village 
• Avalanche Bay 
• Water Warrior Island
• Splash Universe Resort
• Michigan’s Adventure
• Nelis’ Dutch Village.

8. Cultural Heritage

The Great Lake State is one of the USA’s most successful industrial states, with a diverse population stemming from the automotive industry. Many people of all backgrounds moved to Detroit when the industry was booming. But, unfortunately, that all came crashing down about 20 years ago, and the car manufacturing sector has never recovered. However, the state is also notorious for its music. Motown was born in Detroit, and many musicians owe this industry for their success. Therefore, people in Michigan celebrate whenever they can through various music festivals and car shows, like:

• Michigan International Auto Show, Grand Rapids, MI
• McFadden Friendly Motors Car Show, South Haven, MI
• Pops in the Past Vintage Car Show, Standish, MI
• Afro Nation Detroit
• Detroit Jazz Festival.

9. Scenic Drives and Road Trips

Summer is the best time to go on a road trip in Michigan. You can roll your windows down, turn your music up, and take a scenic drive on a quiet road showcasing the beauty of Michigan. Some of the best road trips and scenic drives in the state include:

• M-22 from Arcadia to Frankfort
• Red Arrow Highway from New Buffalo to St. Joseph
• US 23 from Tawas City to Alpena
• US-2 from St. Ignace to Manistique
• River Road Scenic Byway along to AuSable River to Oscoda.

10. Welcoming Atmosphere

What visitors love most about Michigan are its small towns and communities. For example, these cities are home to residents who enjoy the simplicity of their small-town life and evoke the spirit, comfort, and compassion of their nature-filled surroundings. Additionally, they love welcoming visitors and are proud to show off their precious state.

Summary of 10 Reasons Michigan Has the Best Summers in the United States

Here’s a recap of why we believe Michigan is an excellent summer destination.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Doug Blunt/Shutterstock.com