15 Stunning Photos From Michigan That Prove Oceans Have Nothing On The Great Lakes
By Sophie Boudreau
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Updated on May 17, 2024
(Originally published June 18, 2023)
There’s no doubt that Michigan’s Great Lakes are beyond stunning. For those of us who are lucky enough to call Michigan home, a certain sense of pride comes along with the beauty of our beloved freshwater coastlines. Of course, for those who aren’t from Michigan, it can be tough to understand just how massive and gorgeous our Great Lakes are — and it’s all too easy to assume that they’ll never compare with the grandeur of the world’s oceans. Never fear: here are a handful of breathtaking Great Lakes photos from Michigan that prove our waterways are just as beautiful as oceans… minus the salt!
1. Here's an absolutely remarkable shot of Lake Michigan as it meets Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire. The water seems to stretch on for miles!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most magnificent places in the state. This Lake Michigan beauty has been named among the most beautiful spots in the nation, and it's plain to see why.
2. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Lake Superior stuns in this amazing view of Miners Castle near Munising.
3. Is there anything better than a sunrise? Even on a cloudy day, Lake Huron offers one-of-a-kind morning views.
Lake Huron was once considered to be a freshwater sea by early explorers, and to a certain extent it is. Lake Huron takes up a whopping 23,012 square miles!
4. This fascinating aerial shot of Monroe illustrates the size and scope of Lake Erie.
5. Even on a gloomy day, Holland’s Laketown Beach offers fantastic sweeping views of Lake Michigan. What a perfect spot to watch the setting sun.
If you've never been to
Holland , you will fall in love with this town. Here, small town charm reigns in a community with deep cultural roots and incredible homestyle cooking.
6. Speaking of sunsets, here’s a completely surreal one over Lake Michigan. Where’s your favorite place in the Great Lakes State to watch the sunset?
7. Of course, Lake Michigan isn’t the only one of our Great Lakes that offers marvelous sunset views. Here’s an incredible evening photograph of Lake Superior.
Michigan borders four great lakes in total, and Lake Superior is a local favorite. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, and it has the largest surface area of any body of fresh water anywhere.
8. Searching for a great spot to enjoy a calming walk? Lake Huron has you covered. This beautiful image was captured near Rogers City.
9. Kayakers enjoy a sunny day in Lake Superior. The turquoise hues of our Great Lakes are almost surreal at times — rivaling a tropical locale!
10. The Straits of Mackinac are crystal-clear in this breathtaking image, taken in St. Ignace. Couldn’t you spend hours staring dreamily at this scene?
If you're an out-of-towner, you'll be amazed once you finally get to see the Straits of Mackinac. These watery stretches between the Upper and Lower Peninsula have long been coveted as trade routes.
11. Our Michigan lighthouses have a unique appeal all their own. This image from South Haven proves that even when the waters get rough, Lake Michigan is still beautiful!
12. Here’s another wonderful lighthouse scene in Alpena. What a gorgeous spot to enjoy a day on the water — there’s nothing more relaxing!
Alpena, Michigan is full of charm. This community of circa 10,000 was founded in 1840, though much of it was lost in the destructive Great Michigan Fire.
13. Even in colder months, our Great Lakes are endlessly breathtaking. This wintertime scene taken from atop Arcadia Dunes shows Lake Michigan in all its splendor.
14. A rainbow of fall colors cover the trees in this beautiful image, which captures Lake Huron on the shoreline of Cheboygan. Is there anywhere more gorgeous?
15. Whether you’re swimming, boating, or simply lounging on the shoreline, one thing is for certain: Michigan’s Great Lakes will never lose their charm.
There is so much to love about this state and its magnificent shorelines.
What are some of your best Great Lakes memories? Do you have any favorite photos of the Great Lakes in Michigan to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section. Planning a vacation to beautiful Michigan and need a place to hang your hat? Check out all the unique offerings from our friends at VRBO !
Craving some time at these beautiful shores? Check out Michigan’s best beaches for outdoor fun.
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