Lake Michigan Summer: 5 Ways to Spend Time on the Water
Anyone who has experienced a Lake Michigan summer vacation will likely tell you there are many things to do on the water. From boat rides to beaches, our stretch of the “North Coast” has much to offer visitors and locals alike. Still, finding the best opportunities for you and your crew can sometimes be overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been in our neck of the woods. There’s also a chance we have activities that may not come to mind. So, to jump-start your itinerary, we brainstormed five ways to spend time on the water when staying with Unsalted Vacations.
Fishing on Lake Michigan and Beyond
When you think of fishing in West Michigan, it’s easy to imagine pulling in massive salmon and lake trout from the side of a large vessel. While that is an accessible possibility, there are also several fishing opportunities for those wishing to explore inland. Either way, fishing is an excellent way to get out and connect with the great outdoors at a slow pace—and you may even get some dinner out of it. Places like On the Fly Charters, FishGH, and Campbell Outfitters are professional guide services that will take the guesswork out of where to go. Otherwise, if you’re confident, you can surely go fishing at one of the piers, from shore, or a secluded riverbank.
Boating and Sailing
Whether you plan to bring your own, rent one, or let someone else navigate, you must consider boating during your Lake Michigan summer vacation. It allows you to get out and see the communities from a different perspective and gives you a sense of freedom as you cruise along one of the world’s largest lakes. It’s also an excellent time to relax, take pictures, and make memories.
- Sailing charters and cruises: Deeplake Ventures, Aquastar Cruises, and Sailing South Haven.
- Boat rentals: Mac Adventures, Big Lake Outfitters, and Bluewater Boat Rentals.
Paddle Away
Consider kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding for a self-powered boating experience that doubles as a workout. Paddling away on Lake Michigan is a bucket list item for some outdoor enthusiasts, but Lake Macatawa, the Kalamazoo River, and the Bangor-South Haven Heritage Water Trail are worthy considerations.
West Michigan Beaches
No Lake Michigan summer vacation would be complete without at least one trip to the beach. Even if you don’t want to go in the water, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Whether you want to dip in for some swimming, try boogie boarding, or simply soak up the sun (or watch it set), there are plenty of nearby places to do it. Check out one of our blogs showcasing the 13 Best Lake Michigan Beaches and take your pick.
Splash Pads
So this might be bending the rules a bit, but let’s face it—not everyone wants to hang out at the beach, go fishing, or kayak down a river. Thankfully, there are a bunch of splash pads and water parks for kids and kids at heart to enjoy. We did a Google Maps search for splash pads near Holland, Michigan, to point you in the right direction. All you have to do is move around the map and choose the best one for your group!
Unsalted Lake Michigan Summer Vacation Rentals
Spending time on the water can be a lot of fun, especially on hot summer days. So whether you’re with friends, family, or a combination of both, be sure to let us know your favorite ways to enjoy Lake Michigan and the other local water bodies. In the meantime, if it’s been a while since browsing our vacation rental collection, now’s the time to start booking! Make your reservations today!
