Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake, offering families miles of sandy beaches perfect for castle building, gentle swimming areas ideal for young children, and exciting water sports for adventurous teens. The lake's shallow entry points and calm waters make it an ideal destination for families with kids of all ages to enjoy safe summer water fun without the expense of commercial water parks.

• ✓Miles of sandy beaches perfect for sandcastle building and shallow wading
• ✓Calm, warm waters ideal for teaching kids to swim
• ✓Multiple public access points around the lake to explore different beach areas
• ✓Opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing for older kids
• ✓Beautiful sunsets over the water for evening family photo opportunities

1. 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to secure prime beach spots with shade, as the best areas fill up quickly by mid-morning.
2. 2.Bring water shoes for the kids as some beach areas have rocky or pebbly patches mixed with sand.
3. 3.Pack plenty of sunscreen and reapply often since there's limited natural shade along most public beach access points.
4. 4.Look for the public access sites with playgrounds nearby to give kids a break from swimming throughout the day.
5. 5.Bring your own beach toys, floaties, and umbrellas as there are no rental facilities directly on the public beaches.

Visit on weekday mornings from late June through August for the warmest water temperatures and smallest crowds. Early morning hours (8-11am) offer calmer waters and cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable for younger children.

Public beach access is free, but parking availability varies by location with some areas offering free roadside parking and others requiring small fees at designated lots. There are no food concessions at public beaches, so pack snacks, drinks, and a cooler for the day.

Best visited from late May through early September when water temperatures are warmest. Peak season is July and August. The lake is accessible year-round, but swimming is only comfortable during summer months. Ice fishing is popular in winter for families with older children.

The Coyles Restaurant offers classic American family fare including burgers and fish baskets just minutes from the lake. For ice cream treats after beach time, stop by Penn's Dairy Delight for soft serve and sundaes that kids love.