The Great Lakes account for one fifth of the world's supply of surface fresh water, and Michigan is home to four of the five of these magnificent bodies of water. Lake Michigan forms the western coast of the Lower Peninsula with sugar-sand shores lined with sand dunes—most notably the towering bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Whether your idea of a perfect lake getaway includes a sailboat or fishing gear, a kayak or a picnic basket, there’s plenty of reason to visit these Michigan inland lakes.

Lake Michigan’s name is derived from the Ojibwa word Michi Gami, meaning “large lake.” It spans the entire west coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and it is the only one of the five Great Lakes that is located entirely within the United States.

While we could never mention all the top things to do on a Michigan vacation here in Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland and Saginaw, read on to reveal our insider trip ideas for your Great Lakes Bay getaway!

Enjoy the beautiful and clear waters of the Great Lakes and visit remarkable destinations along the way by cruising in Michigan.

Lake Michigan’s beaches rank among the state’s most popular, with miles of unbroken sugar sand along beautiful water. Visit Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City to experience more than 10,000 acres of parkland that includes 26 miles of wild Lake Michigan shoreline.

The trail ends at Bright and Glory lakes, which each feature an accessible fishing pier. The Bright and Glory Lakes Trail is a quarter-mile foot trail (half a mile roundtrip) that leads hikers from the campground to Bright and Glory lakes and is considered suitable for beginners and all ages.

Pure Michigan trails lead visitors past waterfalls and inland lakes, beneath soaring hardwoods brilliant with color in autumn and bare Great Lakes sand dunes sprinkled with snow in winter. The state’s paths wend their way through virgin forest and travel through the glimmering office towers of Michigan’s biggest city.

The park features three lakes, the Kalamazoo River, a modern and equestrian campground, a swimming beach, boat rentals, more than 40 miles of trails, paddling and fishing opportunities, second-growth forests and remnant areas of prairie.

Participate in a host of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and biking across 10,500 acres of campground in Northwest Michigan. Enjoy 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline and watch amazing sunsets over pristine water.