10 Reasons to Go to the Beach in Michigan this Fall
There is no place I would rather be on a sunny summer day than the shores of Lake Michigan. The water is always cool and clear, the white sand beaches soft and warm. But summer isn’t the only time of year I enjoy visiting The Big Lake. The view changes as the lake changes with the seasons, showing another side of itself. Fall is one of my favorite times of year to take a trip to the beach. I can’t work on my tan, but there is still plenty to see and do along the water.
1. See the big surf. October and November gales bring with them huge waves that over-top piers and crash against the beach. A big storm can whip up waves as high as 20 feet! The loud roar of the wind and water is something you have to hear to believe. Nothing shows off Lake Michigan’s power and vastness like a fall storm. Stay safe and watch the waves from the beach. It might be tempting to get a closer look by walking out on the pier, but you could be swept away when the powerful water washes over the edge.
2. Watch the sunset. Lake Michigan sunsets are always gorgeous, but the fall sunsets are the most spectacular. It turns out there is a scientific explanation. The angle of the autumn sun combined with a greater variety of low hanging cloud formations provides the perfect backdrop to reflect the sun’s hues as daylight fades. But really, no explanation is needed to appreciate the awesomeness.
3. Take a beach hike. Fall is a great time to take a walk down the empty beaches and look for driftwood and interesting rocks, including Petoskey stones. You can also take in the fall colors of the trees growing behind the beach.
4. See the Northern Lights. It doesn’t happen that often, but in the fall the auroras intensify and if you’re far enough north on the right night you may be able to a catch of view of the Northern Lights from Michigan. They’re best viewed in a secluded area, far from city lights, with a clear view of the northern sky. A quiet beach is the perfect place.
5. See the fall colors. I already mentioned fall colors in number three. They are spectacular here, and viewing them against the blue backdrop of Lake Michigan and its dramatic fall sky only intensifies the bright reds, yellows and oranges. It’s really a sight like no other.
6. Orchards and vineyards. The land all up and down the coast of Lake Michigan is a prime growing spot for fruit farmers. In the fall you will find vineyards, orchards and farm markets overflowing with the season’s harvest and all the delicious wines, beers and foods derived from them. Before taking that beach hike, head inland to fill up your picnic basket.
7. Uncrowded beach towns. In the fall, most of the tourists are gone for the season. Now is the time to enjoy shopping and dining in the beach towns if you don’t like waiting in line or dealing with traffic. The slower pace of life in the autumn is even more relaxing, but there’s still plenty going on.
8. Climb a sand dune. If hiking along the water’s edge is not a big enough challenge for you, climb the sand dunes instead. Dunes can be found along much of Lake Michigan’s shore. The biggest are located at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore. It can get pretty hot climbing a huge sand dune in summer. In the fall, the cooler temperatures are definitely on your side when taking on a mountain of sand. When you get to the top you might be exhausted, but the amazing view of the lake surrounded by trees ablaze in fall color will be totally worth it.
9. Have bonfire on the beach. The sun sets earlier and there is a chill in the air, so fall is the perfect time for a bonfire on the beach. Roast hot dogs, make S’mores and sit back and listen to the water lap the sand. Not all beaches allow bonfires, so check local rules and regulations first.
10. Fall is for the birds. Lake Michigan is right along the path of many birds’ migratory routes from their summer homes in Canada to warmer southern grounds for winter. Look up and you may see large flights of songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds. It’s a pretty incredible thing to see and hear. Bring your binoculars along for a really good look.
