Looking for a great Lake Michigan beach that’s free? Below is my list of ten of the best that are not tied to any kind of motor vehicle, parking or personal entrance fee. They are not necessarily the ten best beaches, I chose them to provide a geographic spread – south to north – but they are all excellent choices for a short swim and picnic or a great day of sun. Of course Michigan’s West Coast: Explore the Shore Guide shows hundreds more.

1 - Hagar Park - Berrien County (page 29). A simple park and beach located along M-63 north of Benton Harbor.

2 - Pier Cove – Allegan County (page 41). A shallow stream  flows to this small, sandy beach located south of Douglas. Limited parking, no facilities but great for small kids.

3 - Kruse Park - Muskegon County (page 57). The south link of a stretch of Muskegon beach parks, it has all the facilities you need and plenty of sand.

4 - Golden Township Park – Oceana County (page 69). A small, local beach nestled within Silver Lake State Park and a few residences. Walk the beach to dunes and a lighthouse.

5 - Magoon Creek Natural Area - Manistee County (page 85). A natural beach with 90 acres and without a crowd found south of Manistee.

6 - Elberta Beach – Benzie County (page 97). Large beach, great view and lots of sand plus a breakwater to walk located off M-22 near the end of M-168.

7 - Empire Beach - Leelanau County (page 107). A free beach in the midst of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Newly "remodeled" in 2008, it now has a sandy beach on the warmer South Bar Lake as well.

8 - Elk Rapids Hydroelectric Park – Antrim County (page 139). Fish by the dam or take the path through the grass to a fine, sandy beach.

9 - Michigan Beach – Charlevoix County (page (149). Charlevoix’s gem has a little of everything; swim, watch the boats or walk the channel walkway to town.

10 - Middle Village Park – Emmet County south of Cross Village (page 163). A quiet and beautiful place with hints of the native Odawa culture is found a short ways off M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village.