Autumn is approaching, the start of school is just around the corner, but we’re still holding fast to the heat of summer. The Detroit Metro area’s numerous beaches on the shores of Michigan’s beautiful lakes promise a relief-filled swim from the heat. Here are some of Southeast Michigan’s best beaches, all within a 45-minute drive of downtown Detroit. Happy Swimming!
Belle Isle is a Detroit favorite in terms of both proximity and quality. The island’s wildlife, detachment from city life, and open green spaces are all excellent draws, but its beach-y areas are a perfect resolve during the city’s hotter-than-hot days. And fear not, if you forget snacks for the day’s adventures, food, and ice cream trucks love to roll through, serving just what the general public needs on a day at the beach.
Park Location: 2 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Stony Creek Lake stretches over 500 acres, feeling like up North without the extended travel time. Though this Metropark is upwards of a 40-minute drive from Downtown Detroit, it offers the serene feeling of getting away from the hustle and bustle. Stony Creek is a great place for kids, as well as adults, with its extensive play areas, picnic benches, golf course, and nature center. Surrounding the area are also hiking trails, wetlands, and tall grassy areas if the day turns too chilly to swim.
Park Location: 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316
MISERY BAY, MI, PHOTO JONNELLE YANKOVICH / UNSPLASH
Kensington Metropark is filled to the brim with swimming opportunities and other activities, filling an entire highway exit by itself. The park, a 40-minute drive from Downtown Detroit, has multiple beaches along the 1,200-acre Kent Lake and also has a waterpark complete with slides and splash pads. Inside the park are also playgrounds, hiking trails, biking trails, a nature center, a farm center, and numerous picnic tables and green spaces.
Park Location: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
Traffic may make the trek to Thelma Spencer Metropark a bit of a hassle, but it remains a reasonable distance, roughly 22 miles, from Detroit’s Downtown area. The park is located beside a beautiful, 38-acre lake, complete with a lifeguard. Sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, play areas, and watercraft rentals are also available.
Park Location: 3701 John R Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Located on Anchor Bay, Walter and Mary Burke Park is a 40-minute drive from Downtown Detroit. The park offers access to a beach, boardwalk, playscapes, bocce ball and volleyball courts, and picnic areas. This beach is on the smaller side, but admission and parking are free, making the park widely accessible for the general public.
Park Location: 36300 Front St, New Baltimore, MI 48047
30 minutes from Downtown Detroit, Lake St. Clair Metropark is a great place to spend a hot, late summer day. There is a 600-foot sandy beach, perfect to spread a towel on and relax to the sound of waves, or if sand isn’t your style, take a dip in the 50-meter swimming pool complete with water slides and inflatable obstacle courses. This Metropark also offers numerous activities outside of swimming, such as birding, hiking, biking, golfing, and more.
Park Location: 31300 Metro Pkwy, Harrison Twp, MI 48045
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