Top 4 Activities to Try on Lake Michigan

According to Michigan State University, Lake Michigan brings millions of dollars to the outdoor recreation industry in our state. Over 20 million people visit Lake Michigan every year. 

Are you one of the millions planning a trip to Lake Michigan? If you are, you’ll want to know the best activities to plan for. 

Our guide will discuss the top activities you’ll want to try. Keep reading to learn what they are. 

1. Check Out the Trails at Illinois Beach State Park

First on the list of Lake Michigan activities, head out to the trails within Illinois Beach State Park. Using your vacation to spend time outdoors offers many physical and mental health benefits

Our beautiful state park offers a variety of trails great for hiking. You can request a guided tour or head out on your own.

The Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail is among the most popular at 2.5 miles long. This trail is excellent for hiking, but you can also take it if you’re interested in bird watching. 

One of the easier routes is the Illinois Beach Trail. It’s a 1.4-mile-long paved trail that can be used for walking or biking. 

2. Fish on Lake Michigan

You can also spend some time fishing in Lake Michigan. You can fish anywhere along our beach except in the swimming areas and the nature preserve. 

There are several small inland fishing ponds you can choose from. Sand Pond is a great choice for those with accessibility needs. Fish you might catch in this region include bluegills, carp, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.

3. Do Some Water Activities at Illinois Beach 

There are plenty of water activities to partake in when you visit Lake Michigan. The shorelines along Lake Michigan are packed with swimmers during the summer season. 

You can also rent a wave runner for a day of adventure on the lake. You can do some stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in the water too. 

You can’t leave Lake Michigan without spending some time at our beautiful beach. Partake in all activities cautiously, however, as there are no on-duty lifeguards stationed at the beach. 

4. Take a Lake Michigan Cruise

You can also book a cruise while vacationing in Lake Michigan. There are a variety of options to choose from, like a family-friendly sighting-seeing cruise or a romantic sunset cruise. 

Once you have some activities planned for your trip, you’ll need to book a hotel for your stay. Illinois Beach Hotel is one of the best Lake Michigan hotels because it’s the only hotel in the state located along the beaches of Lake Michigan. 

Check out our page if you’re looking for more activities to do while staying at our hotel. 

Try These Activities When Visiting Lake Michigan

Try some of the activities we’ve listed in this guide when planning your trip to Lake Michigan. You’ll also enjoy your stay at the premier Lake Michigan hotel during your weekend getaway. 

The Illinois Beach Hotel offers a variety of lodging options as well as great packages and specials. Check out our page to book your stay today!