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    Otter Creek Beach

    4.4 (14 reviews)

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    Colleen C.

    Otter Creek Beach...(no, I've never seen an otter!), but I'm fairly certain if I think hard enough, I can probably relive a decent chunk of my youth in this creek that feeds slowly into sparkly clean Lake Michigan. One of my most favorite beaches in all the world. I've seen many oceans, sand by the millions and the bluest water in the world...and I'd still pick Otter Creek, North Bar or Good Harbor any day of the week. If I could. And July 4th weekend...I could. And did. And was so happy...and so it's with many a freckle and a refreshed sense of life that I report back on this incredible strip of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Funnily enough, my father proclaims that "the secret is out" on this place. Meaning...that on a crowded day (July 4th)...people maybe only have 50 yards of space, as opposed to hundreds and that you might have to park about .25 miles further away. It still means you can snag a great spot (creek or non-creek), and there ain't nary a speck of e.coli, garbage, or urban scum to tamper with the festivities. (I've sworn off Chicago beaches indefinitely, FYI). The only leg up Chicago has on TC (in this regard) is the abundant ethnic food for sale. Ain't no tamales in TC or the surrounding area, especially not at the beach. So, pack for the day...coolers, umbrellas (very little shade available), frisbees, beverages, friends, towels and a bucket to pick up cool rocks. You'll be all set... A few items of interest: *Unisex bathroom is near the entrance/parking lot. It's sort of an indoor port-o-potty. Certainly an upgrade from what you'd expect, and not terribly awful. However, it's not Glam LA-beach style, either. *Those with dogs must go to the right. Very doggie-friendly though! *It's known for being a sort of "under the radar" nude beach, but the local enforcers have put that to a stop. If you prefer to sunbathe sans suit, walk as far out as you can get... *About 35 minutes from Traverse City, but a beautiful drive. One of the best beaches in the area...if you go north and have a sunny day to treasure, this is the place to be.

    Emiyl A.

    Really beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. There is a dog friendly section and an animal free section. There's a portapotty. It's got a wild feel to it, with lots of grass and flora along the coast. The sand on the beach isn't that wide (or at least not the day I went). There's still plenty of spaces to chill out and even feel like you have privacy on a crowded day. The water itself is full of waves and fun to swim in. Rocky and sandy bottom depending on the spot. Really great beach. Will be back for sure!

    Michelle I.

    The Mitten definitely has some beautiful beaches, and Otter Creek Beach is no exception. Thanks to Yelp, I was made privy to this secret beach...and it was put on my to-do checklist for my up-north roadtrip. Thankfully, Mr. GPS knew where this beach is because I would have gotten so confused as we drove further and further into the woods. (that's what I love about up north beaches; you travel through woods and woods and then there is this perfect sandy beach) My guy and I grabbed the beach chairs, the dogs and a beach umbrella (for my pale ass) and marched the perfect waterfront location. The secret maybe out about this place, but not really "out" out. There was still plenty of room to roam about, enjoy the beach and get toasty. The water was cold but the sun was not. Whatevs...blue water, hot sand, a lovey day; what is there not to love? Of course, the dogs loved it as well. A cool tidbit: this beach sits where a 'lost' town once sat. You can read about the town of Aral at the entrance by the bathroom. Ahhh, the Pleasant Peninsula...what an amazing state!

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    1 month ago

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Sad. Still a beautiful view, but visiting for the 1st time in 8yrs...it's not really a beach anymore. All grass.

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    7 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Beautiful! But it is swarming, I mean swarming with biting flies. My boxer was eaten alive. Too bad.

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    Ask the Community - Otter Creek Beach

    Is this still a "un" official nude beach?

    stay to the left and at least during the week, there is hardly anyone around.

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    Review Highlights - Otter Creek Beach

    “Rocky and sandy bottom depending on the spot.”

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    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Glen haven beach

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    4.8(193 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    Such a beautiful scenic area with plenty of short distance hikes that offer fantasies views for the…read moreminimum effort requires. We have the national park pass which we were able to use during our visit. We stopped by numerous overlooks and of course, the main one where you can see the two land mass/bear cubs lay and the mama bear watching over them. You can read about the lore and why this area is named sleeping bear dunes. It's a cute, albeit sad story of love and loyalty and never leaving behind those you love. Now on to the wondrous nature view you'll find here. Sand dunes, yes! But also a beautiful lake view unobstructed by modern buildings. Pure nature beauty. This really is a place to visit. Don't skip it if you're in the area! It is dog friendly. There was even a kind man up on top of the dunes overlooks giving treats to pups. Our pup enjoyed the treats and the attention and I enjoyed creating memories with her and my husband in the middle of nature. Go check it out!

    Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must if you are nearby! There are beaches that are free to enter, but to…read morego into the actual park and see the big dunes, you have to pay $20 per car, or you can get in with a National Parks pass. Most of it is drivable once you're in, and you can park your car off to the side of the road and view multiple different overlooks. The dunes are huge I was surprised. They're much bigger than I am used to seeing at Indiana Dunes! We stopped at the Lake Michigan overlook. There's a parking lot with plenty of parking. To get up to the overlook, you'll have to walk up a smallish sand dune. It's easier if you take your shoes off. Once you get up, there's super steep dunes that many people attempt to go all the way down then climb up on all fours. It's extremely hard to get back up!! Walking through sand is not easy. There's even a sign that warns you of the dangers of doing so and the damage it does to the dunes. There was a firetruck and ambulance on sight ready to rescue anyone.

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    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Glen Haven beach

    Glen Haven beach

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping bear overlook point - so beautiful!

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    Sleeping bear overlook point - so beautiful!

    Otter Creek Beach - beaches - Updated September 2026

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