As the days grow hotter (and lengthier, so we have to deal with the heat longer, too), it's never too long before most folks start thinking about ways to enjoy the great outdoors while staying cool and comfortable. What about a relaxing day at the beach? Sure, the Hoosier State might be landlocked, but there are some pretty amazing beaches in Indiana that are like a Caribbean paradise in the summer. Some of those beaches are right along Lake Michigan, a stunningly clear, blue body of water (the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume) with plenty of shoreline in Indiana to enjoy. Come see why this lake is so
Lake Michigan is an incredible 22,404 square miles in size, making it the third-largest lake by surface area of all five Great Lakes.
It's the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States, with 1,400 miles of shoreline in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. It is so vast that it could easily be mistaken for the sea instead of a lake.
The water is crisp, clear, and blue, lapping at the beaches much like waves on the ocean would.
At its deepest, Lake Michigan reaches up to (or should we say down to?) 923 feet. At its widest, the lake is 118 miles wide. When we say it's big... we mean B I G.
Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can spot delicate waterspouts over the lake.
These little fellas are relatively harmless. Just don't swim into one (or drive a boat through it) and you'll be good. They're pretty fun to watch - maybe even as much fun as all the people-watching you can do around here.
The lake's beaches are absolutely pristine - as pristine as the water, we'd reckon.
Some beaches are graced with amazing natural sand dunes (while you're here you might as well visit Indiana Dunes National Park, too), warm, white sand to dig your toes into, and plenty of relaxation to be had. It's probably impossible to ever feel bored while you're beside Lake Michigan.
Some of Indiana's most beautiful towns are lakeside gems just waiting to be explored.
Among our favorite beach towns in Indiana (on Lake Michigan, that is) is Beverly Shores, which is one of the most beautiful dark-sky towns in the United States, and in Michigan City, you'll find one of the most photogenic lighthouses in the United States!
Of course, you'll want to stay until sunset - that's when the realest beauty of it all shows itself.
Few things in this world are as amazing and relaxing as a day at Lake Michigan, especially on the shores of some of Indiana's best beach towns.
beautiful that sometimes it doesn't even feel real:
Do you have any favorite beaches on Lake Michigan? Tell us about them in the comments, and let us know what your favorite Indiana beach town is!
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