Summer is approaching, ready to serve up opportunities for a day on the water. Known as the Great Lakes State, Michigan has a number of water adventure sites, including several within a day's drive from Eastern Michigan University's campus.
In addition to waterparks, Michigan has several beautiful beaches that make a perfect summer fun destination. Michigan is home to more freshwater shorelines than any other U.S. state, and in addition to Lake Michigan, the state boasts beach opportunities on lakes Superior, Huron, St. Clair and even Erie. After all, the state motto is, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you."
To get the water fun started, consider one of these beach and water park destinations, all of which are no more than a two-and-half-hour drive from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Many also offer low-cost day passes for visitor admission and boat rental opportunities for family and friends.
Argo Park Canoe & Kayak
Travel time from EMU: 15 minutes
Location: 1055 Longshore Drive in Ann Arbor
Outside of downtown Ann Arbor on the Ypsilanti side of town is Argo Park Canoe & Kayak. Paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and tubes are available for rental. Boaters can paddle down cascades and along the Gallup River.
Rentals depend on the form of transportation and range from $14 to $45. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with the last river trip leaving at 4 p.m. Stillwater rentals, including kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards, end at 6 p.m.
Tubing through the rapids at Argo offers the most affordable option at $14 for two-hour rentals. Guests are encouraged to bring their own tube for no additional cost. Those with their own tubes are welcome to share the water cascades with other Argo members.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Photo Courtesy of Huron Clinton Metroparks
Travel time from EMU: Depends on chosen park. Recommendation is Kensington Metropark, which is 30 minutes from campus.
Location: 4570 Huron River Parkway in Milford
The Huron Clinton Metroparks offer 13 different opportunities in Southeastern Michigan for a variety for water and land experiences. These parks are a regional system operating in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Hiking, horseback riding, golfing, pools and beaches are some of the activities available. Day passes are available at the parks, and visitors can purchase annual passes online.
Those living in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are eligible for resident pricing for annual passes, which costs $40. The annual pass gives visitors access to all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
The Kensington Metropark offers a Splash ’N’ Blast, seven miles of hiking trails and two beach access points. Other parks near the Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor area include Hudson Mills, Dexter-Huron and Huron Meadows. For more information, visit the Metroparks web pages.
South Haven's Beaches
Travel time from EMU: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Location: 45 Lakeshore Drive (North Beach) and 60 Water St. (South Beach) in South Haven
The city of South Haven on Lake Michigan offers more than 30 different water experiences and rentals.
Watercraft rentals are available through Adventure Water Sports at 141 Dunkley Ave. in South Haven, Michigan. Visitors can make hourly reservations on the company's website or call 269-214-6723 for family or friend adventures.
For those whose ideal beach day is more about peace, quiet and sand, North and South Beach offer relaxing experiences alongside the water. Beaches are open for public access from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round. North Beach is at 45 Lakeshore Drive, and South Beach is on Water Street.
Getaway Bay
Travel time from EMU: 20 minutes
Location: 16339 Cone Road in Milan
In Monroe, on a natural spring lake, Getaway Bay has beach access and water park inflatables. Patrons can access the on-water obstacle with day passes, which can be purchased online the day of the trip or in advance.
Visitors can rent many different amenities, including a six-person hot tub and a barn. Becoming a season pass holder also allows for benefits, including priority discounts and Airbnb rentals. Passes include family and individual options for a day or a full month.
Holland State Park
Travel time from EMU: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Location: 2398 Ottawa Beach Road in Holland
Holland State Park on Lake Michigan offers camping, sandy beaches and a boardwalk along the water. The “Big Red” lighthouse, a well-known landmark in the city, is right along the coast of the beaches.
The state park consists of separate waterways and beach areas on both Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. Each offers kayaking and paddle board rentals.
This park does not offer a day pass option for Michigan residents; instead, Michiganders should purchase an annual passport at the park for $19. Out-of-state visitors will need to purchase an annual pass for $41 or daily admission for $11.
