20 super low-key beaches within driving distance of Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Jul 30, 2016 at 8:27 pm

When it's hot everybody heads to the nearest body of water, meaning some beach spots packed with people long before the sun is high in the sky. If you're an early riser and can snag a prime spot, good for you, but sometimes, you just want a low-key place you can relax without all the crowds. We feel that, which is why we came up with a list of 20 spots that are super under-the-radar (and told you how long it'll take you to get there from the D).

Guess the secrets are out now.

(Photo via Facebook unless otherwise noted.)

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Black Rocks Beach | Marquette | 7 hours 8 minutes
Black Rocks Beach is the name of a tiny beach hidden within Presque Isle Park. Wedged between two cliffs on the north side of the isle, you can kayak to this secret location making for a relaxing trip to a relaxing destination. Free for day trips.

Belle Isle’s ‘Hipster Beach’ | Detroit | 5-15 minutes
Named for the younger crowd that tends to congregate here, this beach is a great getaway from the daily grind of the city. While most people will head over to the family-friendly main beach area, this spot is only for the coolest most low-key peeps, and best thing is: dogs are totally allowed.
(Photo via Instagram, @ezuch)

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Versluis Park | Grand Rapids | 2 hours, 16 minutes
Hidden deep in Versluis Park sits a beach that is only reached once you pass the busy attractions the park offers, like volleyball, horseshoes, and playgrounds. It’s close enough to the activity to make you feel alive, but far enough to make you feel like you’re in a dream. $10 per car for entry (cash only).
(Photo via Instagram, @instaadventures)

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Fisherman’s Island State Park | Charlevoix | 4 hours 15 minutes
This state park boasts six miles of pure, untapped coastline, complete with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Camp reservation is encouraged.

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Aloha State Park | Cheboygan | 3 hours, 55 minutes
Just a little bit outside of Cheboygan sits a secret hiding place from the bustle of the small city: Aloha State Park. It has all of the attractions you could want from a state park without the crowd.
(Photo via Instagram, @andiripley)

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Caseville County Park | Caseville | 2 hours, 32 mintues This 40-acre park is located on the outskirts of Caseville, features places for swimming, picnic spots, a playground, and camping spots. Right on Saginaw Bay, this beach rests in the camping site where all attractions are a bike ride or walk away, creating a small town feel. (Tip: For a secluded experience, steer clear of Caseville’s infamous Cheeseburger Festival.) Camping costs.
Photo via Instagram, @eveyclaire)

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Fort Custer Recreation Area | Augusta | 2 hours 17 minutes
This recreation area borders three lakes. One of them, Eagle Lake, features a sandy shore that’s quiet and secluded and is perfect for swimming, fishing, or relaxing. It’s surrounded by the forest, creating a perfectly enclosed place offering tranquility. Free for day trips.
(Photo via Instagram, @ashlet144)

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Little Presque Isle Beach | Marquette | 7 hours 8 minutes
Although there’s no shortage of beaches for swimming and relaxing near Marquette, some of them can get pretty busy. If you’re looking for one a little more off the beaten path, head to Little Presque Isle Beach for an engulfing experience away from civilization. Free for day trips.
(Photo via Instagram, @maahikeee)

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Wabasis Lake | Greenville | 2 hours, 22 minutes
With around 300 feet of shoreline, this small beach in Kent County is basically the perfect size. Winding roads will lead you to the low-key spot, and it’s a short trek from the parking lot to the sand. Bonus: This beach even has its own store where you can pick up anything you may have forgotten at home. Free.
(Photo via Instagram, @chelseastevens)

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Rogers Harbor Lakeside Park | Rogers City | 4 hours 9 minutes
This park is the crown jewel of Rogers City, featuring volleyball courts, playgrounds, band facilities, a pavilion, and food amenities. Oh, and the 10 acres of pristine beach bordering Lake Huron. A beach crossed with a concert venue in Michigan? This place is one of a kind. Free.
(Photo via Instagram, @jabba_the_slut)

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City of Hancock Recreation Boating and Camping Facility| Hancock | 8 hours 48 minutes
Tucked away on the northern strip of the Upper Peninsula, this recreation area offers camping, boating, swimming, and fishing on it’s beach. Just one mile away from the downtown area, the beach provides a relieving peace from the rest of Hancock. Free.

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Kirk Park Beach | West Olive | 2 hours 58 minutes
High bluffs and wooded dunes surround this beautiful and quiet stretch of beach along Lake Michigan. Blue water expands as far as the eye can see to create peace of mind. Free.

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Ramona Park Beach | Portage | 2 hours, 27 minutes
Ramona Park is a great place for a family beach day, due to a full staff of beach lifeguards and a great playground area. Park entry is $5 per vehicle for Portage residents, $10 for non-residents.

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Van Buren Park Beach | Belleville | 44 minutes
Hiking trails, pavilions, picnic tables, and concessions round out Van Buren Park Beach along Belleville Lake. Located right off of I-94, this gem creates seclusion to keep you from the fast paced life. $7 for entry for non-residents.
(Photo via Van Buren Park Beach website)

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Torch Lake | Torch Lake Township | 4 hr and 6 min
The largest inland lake doesn’t offer many public beaches, but there are a couple you can find if you know where to look. William K. Good Day Park in Torch Lake Township is a top spot. Or, you can go to the nearby tiny town of Alden, where its beach is the perfect place to catch a sunset.
(Photo via Instagram, @sophiie.r)

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New Buffalo Beach | New Buffalo | 3 hours 13 minutes
Near the border of Michigan and Indiana, New Buffalo’s public beach is a beauty. After you’ve had your fill of swimming, check out their kayak and paddleboard rentals. Free.

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East Tawas City Park Beach | East Tawas | 2 hours 49 minutes
East Tawas’ City Park is a quaint little camping area on the shore of Lake Huron with several amenities, chief among them a beautiful beach. Visitors can also enjoy sports facilities, well maintained walkways, and several fishing opportunities, as it’s connected to Tawas Bay as well. With water stretching from East to West, Tawas is a perfect getaway. Free.
(Photo via Instagram, @kelseyautumn)

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Rosy Mound | Grand Haven | 2 hours, 57 minutes
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more private beach than the one at the Rosy Mound Natural Area. You’ve got to hike a ways to get to it, but it’s more than worth it. $7 for entry.

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Ross Township Park | Hickory Corners | 2 hours 16 minutes
Ross Township Park features picnic tables, grills, and even a scuba diving area where you can peruse sunken odds and ends. $5 for entry, $10 for non-residents.
(Photo via Instagram, @chrissy_bunny)

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