5 fun Michigan places to take a swim

Want to swim, but tired of pools?

Michigan offers plenty of opportunities beyond your standard cement pond or strip of sand at the edge of a Great Lake. Here are a few to try.

Ocqueoc Falls: When you’re tired of the beaches on the big lakes, try Ocqueoc Falls in Presque Isle County north of Millersburg. The largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula, it has a swimming hole below it. A decked ramp allows wheelchair access to the river. You can also climb tiers of rock. Pathways and picnic areas also are designed with accessibility in mind.

Platte River: In the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Platte River Outlet may be the best of both worlds. Lake Michigan is right there, but the river water provides a warmer, fun place to splash, swim and play. There’s a sandy beach, an outhouse, picnic area and paved parking lot.

Lake Charlevoix: Take a dip at Young State Park, a 560-acre natural area northwest of Boyne City that includes a sandy beach that seems to be surrounded by forest. The beach is on the clear waters of Michigan’s third-largest inland lake (Torch and Higgins are bigger).

Torch Lake: The lake is Michigan’s second biggest and one of the most unique: Its depth (a max of 285 feet) and the clarity of its waters give it a Caribbean blue cast. Despite its size, there’s little public access to Torch’s vast, inviting waters. Your choices: William Good Day Park, operated by Torch Lake Township, has a swimming area, picnic tables and a boat launch. It’s at the eastern end of Public Dock Road, near Torch Lake Village off of US-31. The town of Alden also has a public beach, off of South East Torch Lake Drive. Bonus: There are great places for lunch in nearby Alden.

Pickerel Lake, Pinckney Recreation Area: This little lake is not surrounded by cottages, and there’s little boat traffic, so it’s a quiet environment with a nice swimming area. Stay at the rustic Crooked Lake campground and kayak over or make a day visit. Bring in what you need because it’s rustic (there is only a pit toilet). Word-of-mouth has made it a popular place on summer weekends, so go during the week if you can.