lake michigan beach park

maryhZ9845DK

The Lake Michigan beach in Empire Michigan is simply wonderful. Yes, there is a tiny parking fee for the beach, and it is always busy, but very much worthwhile. Children's playground is great, the water is clear and the scenery is fantastic. This year we went in the mid afternoon, so cars were pulling out as we drove in. There is a reason the beach is busy. You will enjoy it!

Sledheadsusa

It doesn't get any better than this. Beautiful blue glistening water laughter of kids playing in the white sand. The sounds if the waves and a sunset beyond description Just all around picture perfect

raopall

went at sunset , this was easily the best sunset i have ever seen. gorgeous views and even better sky colors during sunsets.

HughC734

This is a little beach on Lake Michigan. The parking lot is small, and it requires a parking pass or pass to the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore to park there. There is a little walk to get to the small lake, which has it's own little beach, but if you walk around that, there is a Lake Michigan Beach. It's just south of the scenic drive so if you are looking for a beach close to there, this is it. Just be prepared to walk a bit to get to the water.

MommaLew

Great beach for the entire family. My husband and I walked long stretches on this beach. It was also nice to just sit and enjoy the beautiful views. Beach is clean, with restroom facilities, lots of parking and playground for kids. Great place to spend the entire day

46lauriew

We stayed downtown Chicago and walked to the "beach". Took the underground sidewalk to the beach, which was interesting to say the least; a lot of sidewalk musicians and crowds. The beach front was very crowded. Not a lot of people in the water, as I have heard it's very cold.

Idonotwantaname

I only live 20 miles from here and I would travel a lot further to hang at this beach. White sand, great views of the dunes. Perfect!

66AngelaH29

Light blue water and sugary sand makes the perfect day at the beach. The sand dunes are in the distance and a play structure for young kids to play on is nice. It costs about a dollar an hour to park

870aaronp

Clear water and clean beach for kids to play in. Also has a nice playground for the kids to play in. The view of the dunes is the kicker though.

rob-bu7

After traveling all day in the car to get to the campground just outside of town we came here and let the kids run and play at the play ground while we hung out on the beach playing frisbee. Here you could swim in Lake Michigan, put in a kayak, hang out while the kids played, watch the sunset, do a little geocaching or just sit in the sand and listen to the waves. There are fire pits where people would build sunset fires. Only drawback is that they started charging a $1.00 per hour to park here ... It's a community park, why charge?! It started charging on July 4 where you have to use a machine to purchase a permit or some lady in a yellow jacket will come up and give you a ticket. The park was never busy to the point where there was no parking, not sure why they are charging. Go sit at this beach at sunset, you will not be disappointed.

Mamaof4littleones

With the view of the dunes in the background this beach is just stunning! Of course, with the cold winter we had the lakes are still very chilly. So, no swimming on this visit. But we walked the beach and splashed in a few waves. There is a playground, basketball court, restrooms and trash/recycle bins. Beautiful beach!

ambblahh

Great beach on lake Michigan. Not many people there the couple days I went. I got in the water a little bit even though its quite cold.

esposadelalo

I renewed my wedding vows on Empire Beach in August of 2013 and it was amazing. I highly recommend this beach to anyone who is doing a beach wedding! The officials of Empire are so nice and kind. I had my ceremony at Sunset and it was just beautiful. We also had a nice crowd of beach goers who were enjoying the festivities as well. The close proximity to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes is another plus as well as the picnic area and playground for kids.

SusanaG77

Our local beach is a rare find, with Platte River merging into Lk Michigan along a sand bar. Too many people go to the National Park beach and create a crowd scene & parking nightmare that spoils our local park/beach experience, in summer.

harleymomma120

Views of Sleeping Bear are amazing from Empire beach. White sand. Crystal clear water. Restrooms. Parking can be a problem, go early! Well worth the 135 trips I took around the parking lot to find a spot. :). Seriously tho, we stopped after climbing the dunes and spent about 3 hours at this beach. It is also dog friendly. Can't wait to go back with my four legged kid!