Michigan's Great Lakes

    

Michigan, Land of the Inland Seas

Michigan's Great Lakes make wavesThe Great Lakes of Michigan -- Their waters lap against 3,200 miles of Michigan coastline onto sandy beaches and rocky shores, dotted with more than 100 public beaches, and two National Lakeshores. >more 
    


    

Lake Erie

Sailing Lake Erie at sunset. Photo courtesy of Erinn RooksOf the four Great Lakes that lap against Michigan’s shores, Lake Erie is the smallest and accounts for a relatively brief stretch of coastline from the Ohio border to the mouth of the Detroit River in the southeast corner of the state. >more 
    


    

Lake Huron

View of Lake Huron from Harrisville. Photo courtesy of Tracy WymanLake Huron is the second largest Great Lake and the fifth largest fresh water lake on the planet, with a surface area of 23,000 square miles. >more 
    


    

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan sunset at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Photo courtesy of Jennifer LilienthalThe third largest Great Lake has a water surface area of 22,300 square miles, and it contains numerous islands, notably the Beaver Island archipelago and the North and South Manitou Islands off the coast of the “Little Finger” area of Michigan’s mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula. >more 
    


    

Lake Superior

A view of Lake Superior from the cliffs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Photo courtesy of Lisa DahlmanThe largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior's surface covers 31,700 square miles, and its cold waters reach a depth of 1,332 feet. >more 
    


    

Beaches

Saugatuck's Oval BeachMichigan beaches boast a choice of waterside spots for sunbathers, beachcombers, swimmers, surfers and sandcastle builders. >more 
    


    

Dunes

Sleeping Bear DunesMichigan dunes offer elevated, scenic views and recreational activities including climbing up (and running down) and even driving vehicles on the dunes. >more 
    






 

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