In 1953, Michigan became known as the “Water Wonderland” when the state adopted the slogan to promote its booming post-war tourism industry.

With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan is home to the longest freshwater coastline in the mainland United States, but there are also thousands of inland lakes, rivers and streams to enjoy right here in Southeast Michigan.

This summer, take advantage of some of the best public water access right in your own backyard.


Kensington Metropark
4570 Huron River Parkway
Milford, MI 48380
Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
(810) 227-8910
Enjoy access to two sandy beaches, Maple and Martindale, with nearby modern restrooms, a food bar, playground and more. Paddleboats, kayaks and rowboats are available to rent. Access to the Metropark requires a vehicle pass ($10/day or $40/annual). Annual passes can be used at any of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks throughout the season.

William C. Sterling State Park
2800 State Park Road
Monroe, MI 48162
Park Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
(734) 289-2715
Visitors can access about one mile of Lake Erie’s sandy shoreline, perfect for a beach day. There is a buoyed swimming area, modern restrooms, changing stalls and more. A recreation passport is required for vehicle entrance can be purchased for $20 at the park entrance.

Island Lake Recreation Area
6301 Kensington Road
Brighton, MI 48116
Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
(810) 229-7067
For an “up north” experience in southeastern Michigan, visit the natural, undeveloped area and enjoy access to trails and beaches with four inland lakes and the Huron River. A recreation passport is required for vehicle entrance can be purchased for $20 at the park entrance.


Van Buren Park Beach
50901 N. Interstate 94 Service Drive
Belleville, MI 48111
Park Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
(734) 699-8921
Families can enjoy beach access, pavilions, playgrounds and more. Daily park entry fees are $6/resident, $8/non-resident, $3/senior resident, $4/senior non-resident and free for active-duty service members and veterans. Annual park passes are available.

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
2401 N. Williams Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48327
Park Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
(248) 666-1020
Visitors can access the half-mile long beach with a buoyed swim area along with a play area, modern restrooms, picnic tables and grills. A recreation passport is required for vehicle entrance can be purchased for $20 at the park entrance.

Belle Isle Beach
7845 Riverbank Drive
Detroit, MI 48207
Park Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
(313) 821-9844
The buoyed swimming area is actively maintained from Memorial Day to Labor Day, providing Detroit’s only beach located within Belle Isle State Park. The historic Belle Isle Beach House provides restrooms and changing rooms, and food trucks are often on-site during peak summer hours. Pedestrian and bicycle access is free, but a recreation passport is required for vehicles, and can be purchased for $20 at the park entrance.

Huron River Water Trail
From the rapids at Delhi and Dexter to the flat water at the entrance of Lake Erie, there are over 104 miles of water to paddle and enjoy. The Huron River Water Trail is a designated route for small boats like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and tubes, with more than 40 established launch points. Several outfitters along the river offer paddling equipment for rent with transportation available to the drop-off or pick-up point. Visit www.huronriverwatertrail.org for a full map and list of launch points.

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