Frankfort Beach

Frankfort Beach offers families a pristine Lake Michigan shoreline experience with all the essentials for a stress-free beach day. The combination of calm waters, on-duty lifeguards, and excellent facilities makes this a top choice for parents with children of all ages who want to swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy a classic Michigan beach day.

• ✓Wide, clean sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles and digging
• ✓Lifeguards on duty during peak summer hours for peace of mind
• ✓Calm, shallow waters ideal for young swimmers and waders
• ✓Well-maintained bathhouses for changing and rinsing off
• ✓Picnic areas with grills for family cookouts

1. 1.Arrive before 11am on summer weekends to secure prime parking and a good spot on the beach near the lifeguard stations.
2. 2.Use the bathhouses to change and rinse off. They are well-maintained and save you from sandy car seats on the drive home.
3. 3.Bring a beach tent or umbrella as shade is limited. The wide open beach offers stunning views but little natural cover.
4. 4.Pack water shoes for younger kids, as the entry to the water can have small stones mixed with the sand.
5. 5.The picnic facilities have grills, so consider bringing lunch to make it a full day trip and save money on dining out.

Visit on weekday mornings during summer (late June through August) for the calmest waters and smallest crowds. Afternoons can get busy with locals finishing work. Early September offers warm weather with fewer visitors.

Admission and parking are free, which is a huge bonus for families on a budget. Bathhouses and restrooms are available on-site, but there are no food vendors, so pack snacks, lunch, and plenty of water for the day.

Beach facilities and lifeguards are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The beach is accessible year-round for walking and exploring, but swimming is only supervised during summer months. Lake Michigan water is warmest in July and August.

Head to Stormcloud Brewing Company in downtown Frankfort (5 minutes away) for wood-fired pizzas and a kids menu in a casual atmosphere. The Fusion Diner offers classic American comfort food including burgers and grilled cheese that kids love.