Sure, backyard swimming pools are nice. But whether you have one or not, any parent will tell you there is nothing like taking your children to a nearby beach for a day of summertime fun in the sun. They can hardly stand still while you apply the sunscreen and put on their water wings. Hearing their joyful cries as they fearlessly race to the water and jump in is priceless!
As one of a few peninsulas in the U.S., Michigan boasts 3,288 miles of coastline, surpassing California with its 840 miles. Additionally, our state is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes totaling about 1,300 square miles. Genesee County has 79 inland lakes, making it a haven for outdoor activities, including summertime fun at swimming beaches. Many local families also choose beaches in nearby Oakland County and at Michigan State Parks.
Here’s some info about eight popular area beaches:
1. Bluebell Beach
Families will find sand, water, a patio area with picnic tables, a barrier-free surface fresh water Splash Pad, and adjacent playground for the kids, 14 shade kites (courtesy of the folks at the Ruth Mott Foundation), the .8-mile paved Flint River Bike Path, and pavilions available for rental. It is located in Flint at 6600 N. Bray Rd. For more info, call 810.736.7100 or visit geneseecountyparks.org.
2. Buttercup Beach & Picnic Area
Enjoy a hot, summer day lounging on the shore of Holloway Reservoir, located in Columbiaville at 7130 Baxter Rd. Take a swim in the designated area at Buttercup Beach (no lifeguards on duty) or relax in a shaded picnic area after a game of beach volleyball or time with the kids on the playground. Admission is free; for info, call 810.736.7100 or visit geneseecountyparks.org
3. Clover Beach at Linden County Park
Part of the Genesee County Parks system, Linden County Park includes a swimming beach on Byram Lake, as well as ball fields, basketball and tennis courts, pavilions, picnic areas, play equipment and trails. The park and Clover Beach are located just south of the City of Linden on S. Linden Rd. For info, call 800.648.7275, or visit geneseecountyparks.org
4. Heron Beach
This large, sandy beach in the Holly Recreation Area at 8100 Grange Hall Rd. has ample parking, restrooms, a playground and concessions. WhoaZone at Heron Beach offers a full day of family fun – an action-packed floating obstacle course, watercraft and shaded beach chair & umbrella rentals, and the SnackZone concessions include beach items. A Recreation Passport is required (visit michigan.gov). For info, call 248.634.8811 or visit michigand.gov/dnr
5. Lake Callis Recreation Complex
Located in Davison at 1152 N. Gale Rd., this seasonal pay-to-use park includes an 18-acre swimming lake with a large beach area, changing rooms, six NCAA-rated sand volleyball courts with lighting, a 100 x 100-foot dry deck Dash ‘n’ Splash pad and Beach Treats concession stand. Randall V. Steward Grand Pavilion has a stage and electricity, seven smaller pavilions, Tiki Hut with electricity and private beach area, a scenic wetland trail, observation dock, fishing area, a gaga pit, paddle board rental and many programs and activities year-round. For info, call 810.653.4156, or visit davisontwp-mi.gov
6. Mantawauka Park & Beach
This park is located at 12060 Mantawauka Dr. on Lake Fenton, behind the Fenton Township Civic Community Center. Open to the public daily from 9AM-9PM the area features a gazebo, picnic tables, a playscape and beach area for swimming which will soon undergo some recently-approved upgrades. The park and beach can be accessed via the boardwalk (includes ramped access) on the side of the building. There are no pets allowed; for more info, call 810.629.1537 or visit fentontownship.org/community-dept/park/mantawauka-park
7. Seven Lakes State Park
This popular State Park offers over 1,400-acres of land plus 230-acres of water with several miles of shoreline and 70 campsites. It is located at 14390 Fish Lake Rd. in scenic Oakland County, a mile northwest of Holly on the 170-acre Big Seven Lake. The variety of amenities includes designated swimming areas on Big Seven and Dickinson Lakes, a beach house with restrooms, and boat rentals. Other amenities include a concession stand (open on weekends), picnic areas with tables and grills, picnic shelters (some with electrical service and vault toilets), a playground, basketball and volleyball areas, horseshoe pits, and trails for biking and hiking. A Recreation Passport is required. For info, call 248.634.7271 or visit michigan.gov/dnr
8. Silver Lake Park & Beach
Fenton’s largest park is 35.4 acres located at 16000 Jennings Rd. off Silver Parkway. This diverse facility offers activities to suit everyone – ball fields, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, two pavilions with electricity, badminton courts, play equipment for the kids, 300 feet of beach area on Silver Lake with lifeguards, a bath house, concession stand, nature trails and picnic areas with grills. For more info, call 810.629.2261, or visit cityoffenton.org
Whether you’re looking for a lively splash pad, a quiet spot to sunbathe or a place packed with activities for the whole family, our local beaches have it all. With so many options just a short drive away, there’s no better way to soak up the summer than by spending a day on the sand. So grab the sunscreen, pack a picnic and make some sun-soaked memories – because beach days are what summer in Michigan is all about!
