The Great Lake State is the largest freshwater system in the world and has the most lighthouses in the United States. There are so many incredible reasons to see Michigan beaches, and while you’re here, you will love collecting beach glass. Hunting for the smooth, colorful glass along the shoreline is a relaxing hobby where you can take a beautiful souvenir home from your travels. Let’s take a look at the seven best places to find sea glass on Michigan beaches.

1. Silver Beach - St. Joseph

St. Joseph is a darling city in southwest Michigan with Silver Beach being a popular place to comb for beach glass. The best times of year to look for beach glass are during spring, winter, and fall, though you can find it year-round. Visiting the beach after a powerful storm or after snow melts will also increase your chances of finding some beach glass.

2. Christmas Cove Beach - Northport

A small and underrated beach that is worth visiting is Christmas Cove at the tip of Leelanau Peninsula on Grand Traverse Bay. If you’re a beginner searching for beach glass, come at sunrise or sunset to spot the beach glass easily. The sun will be lower in the sky and will help illuminate the shiny glass, which makes it easier to see.

3. Tunnel Park - Holland

Holland is well known for Big Red, which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse is located at Holland State Park which is the busiest beach in Ottawa County. Instead, visit Tunnel Park which is a smaller beach and not as popular with tourists. A great place to find beach glass is to walk from Tunnel Park to Holland State Park along the shore, you’ll pass by gorgeous lakefront cottages and be able to pick up beach glass along the way.

4. Mackinac Island

Take a ferry to Mackinac Island and rent a bike to cycle around the perimeter of the island to scope out rocky beaches. There are no cars on the island to worry about, so you can easily pull your bike over when you spot a bit of shoreline that looks promising.

5. Bayfront Park- Petoskey

Close by Mackinac Island is the lovely town of Petoskey, Michigan which is known for the unique Petoskey stone. When you’re searching for beach glass or Petoskey stones, keep in mind that sections of pebbles are the best places to sift through. When the waves push sea glass on the shore, it can easily get caught in the patches of pebbles instead of on a smooth, sandy surface.

6. Warren Dune State Park - Sawyer

Beach glass has been found in all colors of the rainbow at Warren Dune State Park in Sawyer. There are many towns that are a part of Harbor Country in Southwest Michigan, and all of the beaches are known for beach glass. Cherry Beach and Weko Beach are two other fruitful places to check out.

7. Lakeport State Park - Lakeport

All of the places mentioned so far have been on the west side of Michigan. Lakeport State Park is located north of Detroit on the east side of the state. You can walk the serene shores of Lake Huron and gather some pastel beach glass to add to your collection.

Beaches in Michigan may be visited the most in the summer, but when it comes to finding beach glass, your best bet is to visit during the off-season. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you’ll witness The Natural Phenomenon That Happens Every Winter In Michigan.