Charles Mears State Park – 400 West Lowell St. Pentwater, Michigan
Located in the quaint village of Pentwater along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Paved campsite lots are surrounded by fine sand, with a swimming beach adjacent to the harbor pier. Shore fishing is very popular at Pentwater Lake in the fall. Fishing from piers adjacent to the park is also a popular year-round activity. During the winter, Pentwater Lake provides excellent ice fishing. There is an interpretive trail about one mile in length for hiking. It winds around to the tip of Old Baldy, a wooded and sand-blown dune that provides an excellent view of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and the town of Pentwater and the boat harbor. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the hiking/cross-country trails, but the activity is supported in the park. It also has a metal detecting area. Pet friendly shoreline. 231-869-2051 Recreation passports are required and may be purchased at the park.
Village Green – 231 South Hancock St., Pentwater, Michigan
Located in the heart of downtown Pentwater, this natural grassy park features a gazebo in the middle and has the view of Pentwater Lake for a backdrop. This park is known for the central location of Pentwater and features many activities and events. It is the perfect location for a picnic, kids to run and roll down the hill, sledding, weddings, Thursday night Civic Band Concert, Farmers Market, Art & Craft Shows, and more.
Channel Lane Park – 200 Channel Lane, Pentwater, Michigan
This park is lovely to walk to from along the channel connecting Pentwater Lake to Lake Michigan. One may also drive and park and watch the boats pass through. The park is known for hosting reunions, graduation parties, wedding rehearsals, family gatherings, and more. Two pavilions, public restrooms, and parking on site.
Bell Park – 327 South Hancock St., Pentwater, Michigan
Located downtown Pentwater, one will find a large bell featuring this small grassy park. It is in front of the late Community Hall Building. The Annual Garden Club Plant Sale happens in this park every Memorial Day Weekend.
Chester Street Park – 1 Chester St., Pentwater, Michigan
A hidden park located “across the lake” in Pentwater. One may reach it by driving around Pentwater Lake. It is on the south side and leads to the south pier head. It is a location for fishermen to drop a few lines off the south pier in hopes of catching the big one. Take a stroll along the pier and watch the boaters pass by. Public parking and outhouse available. Limited benches.
Pentwater Pathways – 52nd/Railroad Ave, Pentwater, Michigan
Located in the Pere Marquette State Forest and is under the care of Oceana Cross Country Ski Association and the Michigan Wildlife Division of the DNR. The Pathways trail system includes four loops totaling 15 miles, with beginner to advanced trails. The trails cover mostly soft rolling hills, are heavily wooded and offer abundant wildlife. The trail is mainly for cross country skiing and hiking, however, it is marked as multi use, so if one is feeling adventurous, give mountain biking a try.
Old Baldy Trail – Charles Mears State Park, Pentwater, Michigan
A favorite for the family. This interpretive trail is 1.0 mile and ends with a run down the dune. Feeling adventurous? Climb the sand dune instead of the stairs! The stairs lead to a lovely look out deck over Lake Michigan and turns to a sandy foot trail to the top of the sand dune, Old Baldy. This trail is located in the the campground but accessible to the public.
Basketball Courts – 1 N. Wythe Street, Pentwater, Michigan
A full court featuring two hoops for public use. Pick up games welcome! Public parking and port-a-john on site.
Tennis Courts – 2 N. Wythe Street, Pentwater, Michigan
Located adjacent to the basketball courts are two well maintained full tennis courts. Two pavilions on site for a cool rest between sets.
Horseshoe Pits – 486 E. Park Street, Pentwater, Michigan
In front of the Pentwater Fire Department Barn are multiple horse shoe pits for public use and tournaments. Parking available on site. No public restrooms.
Hart-Montague Trail – 9679 W. State Park Rd, Mears, Michigan
The Hart-Montague Trail State Park is a paved, 22-mile trail passing through rural, forested lands. Scenic overlooks and picnic areas are located along the route. The trail goes through Hart, Mears, Shelby, Rothbury, and Montague. In the future it shall continue to join up with the Pentwater-Hart Trail.
Silver Lake State Park Beach – located off Silver Lake Road, 1/2 mile west of downtown Silver Lake
It encompasses 3,000 acres along more than four miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is home to a 200 site campground with electrical service and modern restrooms, a large sandy swimming beach, and an off-road vehicle scramble area. Visitors come from all over the world to ride the only sand dunes open to ORVs east of the Mississippi.
Golden Township Park – 445 N. Lighthouse Dr. Mears, Michigan
Located off Silver Lake Road, one-quarter mile north of the Lighthouse. The warm water from Silver Lake satisfies younger swimmers at this beach while the Big Lake attracts the older, more adventurous folks. Beach walkers will also like the easy access to Little Sable Pt. Lighthouse, just a short walk down the beach.
Cedar Point County Park – 4799 N. Ridge Road Mears, Michigan
Located on Ridge Road, bordering Golden and Pentwater townships. The park is approximately 2.5 acres and provides steps to access 133 feet of sandy Lake Michigan beach. Paved parking and porta-johns are provided. This is a great park for picnicking and swimming.
Stearns Park Beach – Stearns Outer Drive, Ludington, Michigan
The beaches of singing sands along Ludington’s coast have long attracted those looking for a place to unwind, relax, swim and sunbathe. Stearns Park is located in Ludington within walking distance to downtown and many lodging facilities. The park is free to the public and offers a wide 1/2 mile stretch of beach, sand volleyball courts, a playground, the North Breakwater Light, shaded grassy picnic area with grilles and two concession stands. Mini-golf and shuffle board are available for a small fee. It may look like just another place for kids to skateboard and in-line skate, but the new Ludington Skate Plaza has fast become an outdoor community center of sorts. The Skate Plaza features all the stuff the skateboarding crowd looks for: a mini-pipe, handrails, stair sets, ledges, and even a bowl (for those of you not in the know, visualize a pool without water). But, its got benches and plenty of places for parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and just plain ‘ole skateboard lovers to sit and watch the action.
Ludington State Park – 8800 W. M-116, Ludington, MI
The park is home to three campgrounds, sandy beaches, scenic sand dunes, an iconic lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands and forests. The park is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes. The park also offers wildlife viewing from its extensive trail system. An official Michigan Viewing Area. Metal detecting area. Ludington State Park offers many great attractions, classes, hikes, and interpretive programs year-round. Visitors can learn about the sand dunes, the Great Lakes, the history of Big Sable Point Lighthouse, lumber town, and the Civilian Conservation Corps camp. To get to the park, follow M-116 north to the state park entrance.
South Pier Beach – South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, Michigan
This publicly accessible beach is located in the City of Ludington, south of the Ludington Pier. Paved parking lot available with cement walk way leading to beach. No facilities.
Buttersville Park Beach – 991 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, Michigan
Buttersville Park Beach is a dog-friendly beach south of Ludington and a little less crowded than the beaches closer to downtown. Follow the scenic drive to the Buttersville Peninsula to this quiet escape off the beaten path.
Bass Lake Outlet – 6821 Mack Rd, Pentwater, MI
Features a shallow area devoted to swimming. Pet friendly. No facilities on site. The outlet beach sits between Bass Lake and Lake Michigan, and can be accessed on foot or by boat.
Summit Park Beach – 5581 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, Michigan
The Summit Township Park is open on April 1st and closed November 1st . The park offers Lake Michigan Beach, a tennis court, ball fields, playground, picnic area and a pavilion to host weddings, family reunions, graduations, etc.
Hamlin Lake Beach – 8800 W. M-116 Ludington, Michigan
Within the Ludington State Park, boasts warm shallow waters. It is the perfect place for a family picnic with plenty of shady areas, lots of room to play in the sand and restrooms and concessions close by.
Categories: Beaches/Charters/Marinas