Michigan has many places to get away from the hassles of everyday life, and a number of them are in the Southwest Lower Peninsula. Lake Michigan, inland waters, forests, sand dunes and parks provide getaways for nature lovers. Amusement parks, festivals, fairs and sport centers allow recreation for active people who enjoy crowds. Lodging is available in Southwest Lower Michigan for everyone, from rustic campers to those who prefer luxury hotel suites.
Saugatuck and Douglas are neighboring beach cities in Southwest Lower Michigan on Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. With sand dunes to the west and orchards to the east, this area, known as the "art coast of Michigan," has been awarded several designations, as reported by the Saugatuck-Douglas official website. The 19th-century architecture along with bed and breakfast inns on the National Register of Historic Places, combined with dozens of art galleries and natural resources caused the National Trust for Historic Preservation to name Saugatuck-Douglas one of its "2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations." Conde Nast named Oval Beach one of the "25 top beaches" in the world, while MTV named Oval Beach one of the "top five beaches" in the country. National Geographic Traveler designated it one of the top two in the nation. Ferry rides, dune rides, galleries, boating, swimming, shopping, fishing, dining and golf are featured activities in the Saugatuck-Douglas area.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes, which lie between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake in Oceana County near Mears, Hart and Pentwater, are the only Michigan dunes that allow vehicle access for riding off-road vehicles. The Silver Lake area was nominated by "Travel and Leisure" as one of America's "Best Little Beach Towns." Hart-Montague Trail State Park has 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails through woods and orchards. Area beaches on Lake Michigan and Silver Lake have campgrounds, views of lighthouses, playgrounds and picnic areas. Boat, tube, canoe, water ski, jet ski or fish in lakes and streams for steelhead, trout, bass, pan fish, walleye and pike. Visit farm markets, orchards, golf courses, antique shops or take a para-flite ride.
Oak Cove Resort on Lake Cora in Lawrence offers cottages, three- to five-bedroom homes and rooms in the historic inn, which setls on 16 wooded acres with trails. The spring-fed lake has a sand bottom and depths that allow swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, wake boarding and jet skiing. Amenities include unlimited use of beach, rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, heated pool, bikes and up to 18 holes of free golf for each night's stay. A fun house features a library, pool table, pinball machines, video games, a jukebox, card tables, television and VCR with movies. Breakfast and dinner are served in the inn's dining room.
Oak Cove Resort
58881 46th St.
Lawrence, MI 49064
269-674-8228
oakcove.com
