Families in southeast Michigan who have made the trip to the Upper Peninsula know the long, long drive is worth it in the end.
A recent study from DIVEIN Travel, a travel research company, reports that Twelvemile Beach located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the most affordable beach destination in the country.
The beach claimed the top spot on the list thanks to the incredibly affordable hotels, dining and entertainment options found nearby. To calculate the rankings, DIVEIN used factors like the median cost of a six-night stay for two and average beverage and dining prices, the company told “Travel + Leisure,” a New York-based travel magazine.
Read more: Experience a Perfect Family Adventure at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
“Twelvemile Beach emerges as the most budget-friendly option, offering unparalleled value with the lowest average hotel cost of just $464.31 for a six-night stay,” DIVEIN shared with “Travel + Leisure.”
A local meal costs around $20, and a beer will set you back $7.50, the company told “Travel + Leisure.”
The beach itself is beautiful, too. Visitors can swim and lounge on the sandy beach alongside Lake Superior and use the day-use and picnic area located at the east end of Twelvemile Beach Campground.
For families looking to camp, there are 37 sites located on a sandy area above the beach. The campground provides a picnic table, fire grate and tent pad, but there is no electric or water hook-up.
Things to do with kids around Twelvemile Beach
Pickle Barrel House
- Address: Lake Avenue and Randolph Street, Grand Marais
This small, kitschy house was originally designed for the creator of a popular Chicago Tribune cartoon “The Teeny Weenies.” Now, the volunteer-run historic spot serves as a cute mini-museum with some kids activities.
The pickle-shaped historic home is also next to a popular tavern serving burgers, pizza and kid’s meals.
Waterfall tour
- Address: Located across Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
For those of us living downstate, Michigan might not be the first place that comes to mind when waterfalls are mentioned. But waterfalls abound in the upper peninsula, particularly near Twelvemile Beach.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is home to stunning falls including Miners Falls, Munising Falls and Elliot Falls. Some of the waterfalls are accessed via short hiking trails, so be sure to consider little ones when planning a visit.
Shipwreck boat tour
- Address: 1204 Commercial St., Munising
The shipwreck boat tours out of Munising are a unique experience only available in this part of the state.
Kids will love sailing in a glass bottom boat as it glides over real shipwrecks. The tours also include views of the rock formations surrounding Grand Island, the East Channel Lighthouse and colorful cliff faces.
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours offers a two-hour, narrated trip to two shipwrecks: Bermuda (1860-1870) and Herman H. Hettler (1890-1926).
Dog Sledding
- Address: E. 17769 Nugent Lake Road, Shingleton
While the actual sledding can only happen in the winter, kids with an interest in dog sledding can visit for a summer tour.
In the summer, kids can meet the dogs and get a lesson on how the sled is built and how it operates at Husky Haven Sled Dogs. Winter tours include a kennel tour and history lesson as well as an eight- to 10-mile run with the team.
A winter tour with a dog sled run lasts roughly three to four hours.
Archie’s Bay West Diner
- Address: E21825 Veteran St., Grand Marais
It’s rare to find a truly vintage diner experience. At Archie’s, time is turned back to the 1950s, complete with teal bar stools, vinyl booths and gleaming aluminum.
Kids can order a pizza and get a scoop of ice cream after lunch. There’s also the option to have a classic diner breakfast experience with steaming coffee and a tall stack of pancakes.
Kids and (and adults!) go crazy for this retro restaurant.
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