3 days Lake Michigan in August
 

We are looking for a destination for 3 nights (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday) after a family wedding in Lansing. It will be 4 adults and a 7 month-old. (two 60 year-olds and 3 young adults in their 20's) who enjoy hiking, biking, water views, dining. I know August is a busy time but want to try to find a place away from crowds and a little quieter but still having things to do if possible. We had suggestions of Torch Lake and Traverse City. None of us are from Michigan and our return trips will be to 1) the Detroit airport and 2)a drive to Nashville.

Questions: 1) Wondered if we should consider Mackinac Island for our destination or a day trip or is too crowded to be worth going especially since it is a longer drive. 2) what about Petoskey, or Traverse city and are there places to stay that have views of the water?

Another recommendation for Traverse City.

Hello,
Michigan summers are the best. Traverse City, Mackinac Island will always be crowded in the summer. They do have plenty of places to stay with lake views. Cars are not allowed on the island so you can get plenty of walking in and bike riding.

From Lansing I would suggest the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. You can climb the dunes and there are plenty of hikes to take. My favorite is the Empire Bluff Trail which leads to a magnificent view of the lake.

https://www.michigan.org/property/sl...onal-lakeshore
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvis...mpirebluff.htm

‘The Pierce Stocking Scenic drive is a worthwhile venture also.

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvis...cenicdrive.htm

This area is close enough to visit Traverse City for a day too, if you want to experience it. They have a lot of wineries, and wine tasting tours are very popular in the area. The drive in between the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula is very scenic.

https://www.ompwinetrail.com/

Check this out:
Michigan Itinerary - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (fodors.com)

Consider the Grand Haven/Holland/Saugatuck area.
Same sandy beaches, no stones or colder water as further north, great for a toddler.
Maybe 90 minutes from Lansing, straight shot on I-96 to Grand Rapids, then link to I-696 to Holland, north to Grand Haven or south to Saugatuck
Depending on Your timing, it might coincide with Grand Haven's Coast Guard Festival (carnivals, but crowded)
When finished, south on I-696 to I-94 east to DTW airport in Detroit, or south to Nashville