It’s winter. It’s freezing cold. There’s snow. There’s ice. It’s the PERFECT DAY FOR A TRIP TO THE BEACH in Grand Haven, Michigan!
You need to see this amazing frozen wonderland for yourself!
Mother Nature does some amazing things along the Lake Michigan shorelines in winter.
Last February, my husband and I took the kids to visit Grand Haven State Park. Yes, we took our children to a beach in late winter. It was an unforgettable experience – one filled with adventure, unexpected sights, awe and wonder.
SNOW AND COLD NOT YOUR THING? Check out these recommended warm weather activities in Michigan instead!
Move Over, Elsa!
Move over, Elsa! The magical princess from the Frozen movies is not the only one with a talent for making magnificent snow creations. Mother Nature is the one constructing amazing ice and snow formations along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Where the big lake waves hit the sandy shores as the bitter winds blow, a frozen tundra rises up to form a brand new landscape every single year. The shelf ice spans hundreds of feet out over the lake – ice builds into thick layers, ice mountains form in long cold ridges, and if the sun makes an appearance, everything sparkles.
Mother Nature really is quite an artist, and some of her best work is displayed at Grand Haven State Park during the cold late winter months.
Grand Haven’s Frozen Wonderland
Our entire family was amazed by the sights at Grand Haven. Here are some highlights from our visit:
- The red lighthouse beautifully contrasts the snowy lakeshore.
- The icy floors rise up into these amazing large mountain-like ridges.
- From the top of the icy mountain-like ridges, it almost looks as though you can touch the sky.
- The ice that forms along the blue channel railings is stunning.
SEE THIS BEACH IN REAL TIME: Live Beach Cam – Surf Grand Haven
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How To Prepare For Your Winter Beach Visit
Time your visit right. It is best to go later in the season but while West Michigan is still in the throes of winter. You want to allow enough time for Mother Nature to do her work and build up icy formations. I recommend visiting Grand Haven in February.
February is a great time of year to check out the snow and ice along the Lake Michigan shores in Grand Haven!
Aim for a sunny day. The scenery is more dramatic (and makes for better pictures) when it is contrasted against bright blue skies. Plus, the ice sparkles in bright sunshine, and everyone can use a little extra sparkle in their lives.
Watch your step. The icy ground beneath your feet is not flat. There are large cracks and crevices throughout as well as jagged edges that jut up in unexpected places. And, not surprisingly, the icy surfaces are quite slippery.
It is safest to view this frozen tundra from a distance.
Exercise caution. Always be careful and exercise caution. The ice shelf can be unpredictable and may not be safe. It is safest to view the ice from a distance. Our family did venture out a short ways onto the ice but not nearly as far as many other people there that day.
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Don’t Slip and Fall. The icy surfaces are VERY slippery. I slipped and fell three times. In fact, I left the park with a huge bruise as a souvenir from one of those falls. The next time we go, I will make sure that my boots have better tread. In fact, I have already bought myself a pair of YakTrax in preparation for our next winter beach day. Hiking poles would also be handy.
Dress warm. Michigan winters are cold. It’s even colder along the lakeshores. You are going to want to wear winter gear. At the very least, I always make sure to wear a heavy coat, mittens, a winter hat, and thermal under layers.
Bring your camera. You will definitely want to take a few pictures while you are there.
Are You Ready For a Winter Beach Day?
I know that I am ready for another wintertime visit to the beaches of Grand Haven!
Who else is daydreaming about a winter beach day excursion?
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As a native Michigander, I love exploring Michigan beaches in winter! Those ice mountains are so fun and you captured them beautifully in your photos!
This is so cool! I would love to see a frozen beach! Thanks for sharing.
Is this always like this? Definitely an amazing sight! Especially for people like me from Texas. Haha…
It is like this most winters around early February. Even when the ice formations aren’t this big though, it is still interesting to visit the shores of Lake Michigan in winter. The ice does beautiful and unexpected things along the shorelines during the really cold months here.