How cold the Great Lakes around Traverse City?
 

Thinking of going to the Great Lakes, since we've never been, possibly around Traverse City, MI. How warm is the water for swimming? We're used to warm water, we're from the South. Will go in mid to late June, or early July.
Thanks!

It is pretty cold year around/

If you are from the South and are looking for warm water in Traverse City Mi you will not find it. The ones that live there will think it is warm however! You may want to consider a visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS while in the area.

http://www.nps.gov/slbe/

June to early July is still early in the summer UP NORTH. If you can wait until August it will be better. If you are in Traverse City, you would be swimming in Grand Traverse Bay which will be a little warmer than if you try to swim over near Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Another alternative is to try one of the large inland lakes. Glen Lake by the dunes is a good example. They tend to get a little warmer still then the Great Lakes.

Thanks, everyone. It would be a LONG drive for us from VA, and I wouldn't want to get up there and have the kids mad because they couldn't swim. We might try somewhere further south!
Thanks

The only thing that can get me all the way into the water into beautiful Lake Michigan is a hike up a dune to get all sweaty then jump into the lake. It's soo cold!!

Last summer we went to Pentwater in August and the day we went, the water was 58 degrees!! Only went in up to my knees...it was freezing!!

Kids usually are comfortable swiming in water that would feel too cold for adults.

Keith

You're right, it's like they have no nerve endings.