Point Beach State Forest
Two Rivers, WI
Point Beach State Forest, north of Two Rivers, protects six miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline backed by dunes and pine forest. The Rawley Point Lighthouse, a working light, stands near the beach. The Rawley Point bike trail connects the forest to Two Rivers, and there's a large campground.
Six miles of dune-backed sand and a lighthouse, though the water stays cool.
How we score beachesBike the Rawley Point Trail from Two Rivers to the forest, then walk the beach to the lighthouse.
A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required.
Short boardwalks and paths lead from the lot over the dunes to the beach.
The beach is vast enough that it never feels crowded, even in July. Fall color along the ridges trails is excellent.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
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New Buffalo City Beach is the first real Lake Michigan beach you hit crossing from Indiana, a wide stretch of sand at the end of Whittaker Street beside the harbor and the Galien River channel. Chicago weekenders fill it in summer. The town's shops and restaurants are a five minute walk back up the street.
Warren Dunes State Park
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Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer has roughly three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and some of the tallest dunes in southwest Michigan. Tower Hill rises about 260 feet above the lake, and climbing it and running back down is a rite of passage. On a hot July Saturday the beach feels like a small city.