Michigan's Top Ranked Beaches Could Mean More Tourism

DETROIT (WWJ) - A couple of Michigan's beaches may get a little more crowded.  That's after Dr. Beach, a coastal expert, ranked them in the top five of his list of the best beaches of the Great Lakes.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire is ranked number one, while Sand Point Beach-Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising came in third.

Travel Michigan spokesman Dave Lorenz says it's a big deal!

"I think primarily because, for so many years, many of us who know the Great Lakes region, have been wondering why rankings like this haven't necessarily really kind of found us. I think that this might be the result of the Pure Michigan marketing effort, kind of getting out the word...hey...we're here," said Lorenz.

Lorenz says this provides the potential of bringing new travelers to Michigan and adding to the amount of tourism money that's spent here. He says travel & tourism is a $17-billion dollar a year industry in Michigan.

"We really do have it all and we're right in the heart & soul of the Great Lakes, the greatest fresh water supply in the world," said Lorenz.

He adds an invitation to Dr. Beach; "Welcome to the Great Lakes ... jump on in ... the water's nice and warm."

And, Lorenz says it could mean more people will visit those beaches and spend their money here, creating jobs.