Summers spent in Northern Michigan have always been a special time for my family. For six weeks every year, we pack up and head to Lake Michigan to enjoy the beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and quality family time. Our days are filled with sunshine, laughter, and the tradition of coming together as a family during summer passed down through generations.
Our family’s connection to Lake Michigan runs deep. My grandfather’s experience with polio as a young boy led to a life-changing recommendation from his doctor – to seek the healing benefits of the cool air and lake waters. As a result, our extended family has been coming to Lake Michigan for generations. What was once a response to a medical condition has become a source of joy, rejuvenation, and connection for our entire family.
Our day-to-day at the lake
My mom, brother, sister, and their families also spend time with us on Lake Michigan. It’s a special opportunity to create memories and watch our children enjoy the summer together. I love to start my mornings there with an early morning walk along the lake. It’s the best way to start the day followed by a cup of coffee on our front porch which overlooks the lake.
The kids have planned activities in the morning, including blueberry picking, dune buggy rides, scavenger hunts, and much more. This gives the parents a free morning to go for walks or get in a little tennis. Every Thursday afternoon there are frog, toad, and turtle races. So Thursday mornings you will often see parents taking their kids turtle hunting so they can join the race that afternoon. The kids love this tradition! As soon as the race is over they head out and release their catch!
While we were there, we spent a lot of time at the beach. My favorite time to go is in the afternoon and stay until early dinner time. It’s the most magical time at the beach, with that golden hour glow. Some nights, we pack a picnic dinner and enjoy slow evenings at the beach. We also spend a lot of time at the tennis courts. The kids take lessons and love spending time at the courts with their friends. After tennis they often head to the “coffee shop” and get a blue moon ice cream cone.
Friendships
Over the years, we have formed deep and lasting friendships with other families who also return to Lake Michigan each summer. The sense of community and shared experiences has enriched our lives in ways we never could have imagined. Now that we’re back home on the farm, we are already anticipating the next summer in Michigan. The memories we’ve created, the traditions we’ve upheld, and the natural beauty we’ve immersed ourselves in make it a place that will forever hold a special spot in our hearts.
We keep all our beach essentials stored at the house there. You can find all of my must-haves in this beach essentials blog post.
