Summer temps in Lake Michigan and area

[TwinFoxes]

That's a worthwhile reminder. I might see myself coming to the same conclusion, but one thing about travel that I embrace - you never know your own reaction until you do it. I don't usually regret travel even when I'm a little disappointed, because I know I couldn't know that in advance.

My kids give every indication of loving the ocean, but moody teenager claimed a few months ago that she doesn't like the ocean and why didn't we go somewhere cooler. So that was the other reason I thought of Michigan.

I have been all over the place with our vacation plan this year. No one is coalescing on anything. DH has recently started saying he wants to go to Labrador and Newfoundland to see Viking settlements. I told him I saw a documentary, and that was enough for me. When I asked him what he wanted to do in driving distance, he said "Pennsylvania" with no further detail. So I think I have a lot of leeway in steering this family ship towards a better vacation than what DH is coming up with.

I think it's definitely worth a visit. I don't regret going at all, it was enjoyable, and if it were closer, I'd go again. But from Virginia, it's a long drive.

I think I'm like you, I don't really remember a destination that I thought "well that was a waste." I like seeing different parts of the world.

[mom2binsd]

If you want something a little warmer and a little closer, you could head for the southern end of Lake Michigan - Saugutuck, Holland, Grand Haven, South Haven. I grew up in Michigan but have only been "up north" a handful of times. My family rented a cottage in Holland every summer on Lake Mackatawa, which connects to Lake Michigan. One of my favorite things in that area is the dune rides in Saugutuck.

I was also going to suggest this, and the water will be warmer. It's also a shorter drive probably. Everything it is closer together, although it may be a little more crowded than being up in the UP.

[candaceb]

although it may be a little more crowded than being up in the UP.

Just to clarify - the UP is the upper peninsula. "Up north" is the northern part of the lower peninsula - Petoskey, Traverse City, Interlochen, etc. They are VERY different!

[MontrealMum]

That's a worthwhile reminder. I might see myself coming to the same conclusion, but one thing about travel that I embrace - you never know your own reaction until you do it. I don't usually regret travel even when I'm a little disappointed, because I know I couldn't know that in advance.

My kids give every indication of loving the ocean, but moody teenager claimed a few months ago that she doesn't like the ocean and why didn't we go somewhere cooler. So that was the other reason I thought of Michigan.

I have been all over the place with our vacation plan this year. No one is coalescing on anything. DH has recently started saying he wants to go to Labrador and Newfoundland to see Viking settlements.

Just so you know, it's snowing in Nfld this week. Not that it will be in Aug, but I've experienced some pretty nasty weather there over Labor Day. That's a place you definitely want to research the weather on. MI in the summer, not so much. Some nights are cooler than others but it's not much different than the NE. Lots of hot, humid days. Cooler weather and nice breezes on shoreline for the most part.

There are some big storms and you want to watch the water before and after - big waves, dangerous undertow, people die yearly - but just watch the local news. They report on it daily so you'll know when to watch out.



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[TwinFoxes]

Just to clarify - the UP is the upper peninsula. "Up north" is the northern part of the lower peninsula - Petoskey, Traverse City, Interlochen, etc. They are VERY different!

Traverse City and the UP are waaay different. UP is more remote and not a vacation spot for families really.

[KrisM]

Traverse City and the UP are waaay different. UP is more remote and not a vacation spot for families really.

Yes, very different. My family is planning a UP vacation for this or next summer though . Soo locks, Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Copper Harbor, etc. Probably not much swimming in the lake though!

[TwinFoxes]

Yes, very different. My family is planning a UP vacation for this or next summer though . Soo locks, Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Copper Harbor, etc. Probably not much swimming in the lake though!

Have fun!

[ahisma]

It's tough to say. My kids will go swimming year round. Some days it's like bath water, some days it's pretty chilly. We had friends up at the cottage this weekend (about 2 hours south of Sleeping Bear Dunes) and all of the kids were in the water. Age rage was 4-14. It really depends on your family dynamics - our kids will happily play on the beach every day for weeks. We generally don't do day trips when we're up there, the whole point is to unwind and hang out at the beach.

[ahisma]

Yes, very different. My family is planning a UP vacation for this or next summer though . Soo locks, Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Copper Harbor, etc. Probably not much swimming in the lake though!

We did a similar trip last summer and loved it. The UP is a different beast, for sure, but lots of fun.

[arivecchi]

I find Lake Michigan too cold even in the summer. What do your kids like to do best in the summer? That would help with recommendations.

We have a place far up north in WI and the water is definitely swimmable in August.

In MI, I love Mackinac Island but it is never truly hot there. It is beautiful though. We also went to Saugatuck once and it was nice but we definitely prefer the more relaxed up north vibe to the beach vibe of Saugatuck.

If you do that long of a drive, it might be fun to do a few other destinations in MI besides the dunes.


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