You MUST add these Midwest beaches to your summer bucket list!
When most people think of beaches, the Midwest isn’t generally the first thing that comes to mind. But hear me out: It tends to be an overlooked part of our nation that most skip when planning their yearly family beach vacations.
But whether you live in the Midwest and are simply looking for a pleasant sandy beach or just passing through, it’s good to know that Must See Places has your back with many amazing hidden gems that should be checked out.
Whether you’re looking to go for a swim, sunbathe on the sandy beach, or even explore the lake on a kayak or boat, there are plenty of options. So what are we waiting for? Check out the 8 best Midwest beaches in the heartland, in no particular order so that you can relax in the summer sun!
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Part of Door County, a cherished Wisconsin destination, Nordic-chic Sister Bay lays on Lake Michigan’s spectacular Green Bay. This village makes the most of its area by hosting a popular summertime concert at Sister Bay Beach and Waterfront Park.
At this Midwest beach, you can get on the water with a picturesque boat tour (make sure you choose the sunset and live music option), or rent a paddleboard or kayak from Bay Shore Outfitters.
I also recommend a stop at the Door County Creamery for a farm-fresh lunch and head over to Skip Stone Coffee for a delicious locally roasted brew. Famous goats feed on the green grass roof at Al Johnson’s.
This is where you can get Swedish pancakes for breakfast or lingonberry ice cream for dessert. And it wouldn’t be Wisconsin without a drink. So grab an Old-Fashioned created with brandy at Earl’s Sister Bay Bowl, a fun Wisconsin supper club and bowling alley.
Winona Lake, Indiana
Winona Lake is an adorable town that’s smack dab in the middle of Northern Indiana’s lake country, comprised of three counties with hundreds of lakes. This Midwest beach has a great public park with a splash pad, an incredible outdoor amphitheater, and an easy, picturesque trail to stretch your legs.
But the show’s star is its natural lake namesake, a swimming hole, and a premiere bass fishing spot. While visiting this Midwest beach, be sure to try kayak and paddleboard rentals from The Lake House, then check out the restaurants and shops housed in renovated Victorians at the Village at Winona.
Okoboji, Iowa
Also known as the Iowa Great Lakes, this location and its pretty lakeside towns are famous for its crystal-clear waters. And there are many state parks and recreation areas that offer public access to the lakes.
But the biggest draw is bustling Lake Okoboji, where two lakes connect in the middle, allowing boats to pass through the bottleneck. Like most Midwest beach towns, the primary season extends from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is the ideal time to visit.
For a fantastic dining experience, Maxwell’s Beach Cafe in downtown Arnold’s Park offers incredible meals and a fantastic wine list. Plus, it has a patio that overlooks the new outdoor concert venue.
Other tasty spots include upscale Prime, which has outstanding crab cakes, even better sights of West Lake Okoboji, and quaint Yesterday’s, which is a favorite among locals. And as a last stop, consider stopping at Arnold’s Park amusement park for some old-school fun for the entire family.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL
Most people visit Chicago for Willis Tower, The Bean, and deep-dish pizza, and I get why. But a 5-minute cab ride away, you can also find a beautiful sandy beach along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Oak Street Beach is just up the road from the ever-popular Navy Pier and offers a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline from the sandy shores. Lifeguards usually come here during the summer so you can swim confidently, knowing they’re looking out for you.
Along with this Midwest beach, you’ll also find other great amenities like beach chairs, volleyball rentals, bikes, and Oak Street Beach Cafe, which offers food and drinks.
When you visit this Midwest beach, don’t miss peeping a unique part of the beach with a mural called “You Know What You Should Do,” which encourages people to keep the water and beach clean to protect Mother Earth.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield serves as the entryway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a gorgeous site looked over by the National Park Service. Also known as “the jewels of Lake Superior,” this Midwest beach town is renowned for its ice caves in winter and a bunch of warm weather activities.
While here you can cruise, kayak, sail, fish, and many other fun activities. While visiting this Midwest beach, Bayfield also provides a myriad of orchards and farms, too, earning the nickname of the “Berry Capital of Wisconsin.” It’s also home to prospering Indigenous culture, with the nation’s first Tribal National Park and first native-owned distillery close by.
Moonshine Beach, Branson, Missouri
Branson is famous for its live entertainment, from comedy shows to concerts. But many people don’t know that it’s found right in the Ozark Mountains and is near one of the most beautiful lakes in the state, Table Rock Lake.
While this lake is world-famous for its fishing, it also has a wonderful beach, Moonshine Beach, for those looking to sit back and relax on the sandy shores of the lake. Moonshine Beach offers a golden shoreline and ample space where Midwest beach-goers can spread out and enjoy some time on the water.
Whether you want to sunbathe, sit, or take a dip in the water, you can do whatever your heart desires on Table Rock Lake. And if you want to get out on the water, there are plenty of options. Renting a boat from local outfitters is effortless, and you can also get fun water sports equipment like water skis or jet skis.
Yankton, South Dakota
The adorable town of Yankton lies on the banks of the country’s longest river, the mighty Missouri. This Midwest beach is considered a National Park because it’s a recognized National Recreational River.
If you’re in the area, you can head over to Goat Island Recreational Area for some hiking and island camping. And nearby, Lewis and Clark Lake, a huge, dammed reservoir, provides more outdoor opportunities. It’s a prime spot for boating, paddling, swimming, and many other adventures.
Back in town, take a stroll through the well-known Meridian District for bright, poppy murals, locally-owned breweries, and shops, and snap a pic by its iconic bridge.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is technically a town and an island, but trust me when I tell you it belongs on this list! Mackinac is a legendary Midwestern destination positioned in the turquoise waters of Lake Huron. Charmingly, this Midwest beach is only accessible by ferry or plane.
No cars are allowed, so if you visit, you can walk around or ride in one of the iconic horse carriages. Also, most of the area is considered protected state parkland. So many recreational opportunities await you.
You can enjoy a sunrise kayak with Great Turtle Kayak Tours or even rent a bike and explore Mackinac Island at your own pace. This journey takes roughly an hour of cycling and up to four if you wander on foot. So you might want to pack a comfy pair of shoes!
Then, try a glass of Michigan dry Riesling at the waterfront Pink Pony, and don’t forget to try a slice of fudge from Murdick’s.
Have you ever visited any of these Midwest beaches? If so, be sure to leave a comment to share your experiences. But don’t leave yet!
If you’re looking for some more ideas on where to go this summer, check out: 11 Low-Cost Beach Vacations for an Affordable Summer
