There’s nothing better than a Michigan summer. Beautiful sunsets, quality time with family, evening cookouts, and Tigers games are quintessential elements of a getaway in the Great Lakes State. But nothing says summer in Michigan quite like a day at the beach, and Olive Shores on the west coast of the state is a lesser-known spot to beat the heat while indulging in Michigan’s natural beauty.

Photo Credit
Flickr/Josh May
Located off of US-31 in West Olive, Olive Shores is a gorgeous and welcoming lakeside park with a little something for each and every visitor. The site sits on 20 acres of dune formations and forest.
Flickr/Josh May
The path to the shoreline leads beach-goers up and down a series of wooden stairways and boardwalks, many of which offer stunning views of Lake Michigan below. Picnic areas are also available for use throughout the area.

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Flickr/Josh May
At the end of the stairway trek sits a breathtaking 738 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Whether you’re a swimmer, jogger, or lakeside lounger, you’ll be blown away by the scenic views at Olive Shores.
Flickr/Josh May
If you’re not in the mood for a beach day, never fear: Olive Shores is also home to a series of hiking trails that wind through the park’s beech-maple-hemlock forest. Strap on your hiking sandals and appreciate the fantastic foliage.
Flickr/Josh May
Olive Shores has a unique claim to fame: the beach was featured in the 2002 film "Road To Perdition" starring Tom Hanks. At the time of the film’s production, Olive Shores was not yet open to the public.
Flickr/Josh May
So if you’re looking for a new beach getaway to beat the heat this summer, look no further than Olive Shores. The park offers a one-of-a-kind combination of stunning natural beauty, ample recreational space, and even a hint of Hollywood magic.

Here is a scene from YouTube user SMovieClips showing Olive Shores in “Road To Perdition.” Be forewarned that this clip includes some violence (and spoilers if you haven’t already seen it).

What’s your all-time favorite Michigan beach?

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