Best Public Beaches And Reservoirs To Spend A Summer Day Near Detroit

credit: http://www.metroparks.com

With the large number of state and county parks surrounding the Detroit area and the Huron Clinton Metroparks, there is never a shortage of places to take a swim. So get your suit ready and load up the car, it is time to head to the beach.

Bald Mountain Recreation Area
1330 E. Greenshield Road
Lake Orion, MI 48360
(248) 693-6767
www.michigan.gov

Regardless of what you want to do, have a picnic, walk a trail or take a swim, you will find a place to do it at the 4,600-acre Bald Mountain Recreation Area. Located just north of Auburn Hills, the park offers several picnic areas and a large beach on Lower Trout Lake. The beach has been a popular swimming destination for many years. Entry into Bald Mountain, like any state park or recreation area, requires a Recreation Passport which can be purchased for $11 when renewing license plates on your vehicle or at the park.

Related: Best Picnic Spots In Detroit

Addison Oaks Park
1480 W. Romeo Road
Leonard, MI 48367
(248) 693-2432
www.destinationoakland.com

At Addison Oaks, you will find one of the nicest beaches in Oakland County for swimming. There are also paddle and row boats to rent along with a number of picnic areas to enjoy. Located just nine miles north of Rochester, Addison Oaks is easy to get to and close enough to home for a quick day trip. When the kids get tired of swimming, there is a playground at Adams Lake along with restrooms and plenty of trails to take a walk before heading back to the beach for a quick dip.

Kensington Metropark
2240 W. Buno Road
Milford, MI 48380
(810) 227-8910
www.michigan.org/kensington-metropark

Kensington Metropark is the jewel of the 13 Huron Clinton Metroparks set across southeastern Michigan. At Martindale Beach, you will find plenty of fun in the sun and places to swim. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., there is plenty of time to enjoy the water. If you are looking for a bit more on the water front, plan on heading over to the Splash'n Blast where you will be able to shoot down a 250-foot-long waterslide or run through the "spray ground" where palm trees, serpents and cannons shoot you with water. Entry into the Splash'n Blast is only $4 for adults and $3 for children ages two to 15 and senior citizens. At Kensington, you can find swimming fun that runs from relaxing to exhilarating.

Dodge #4 State Park
4250 Parkway Drive
Waterford, MI 48327
(248) 682-7323
www.michigan.gov

Cass Lake in Oakland County is home to one of the largest public beaches in the area. With over one mile of shoreline, you will find plenty of places to take a dip. The park may not be large but it offers all the facilities a family will need for a fun day at the beach. With picnic areas, ample parking and plenty of restrooms, Dodge #4 State Park makes for the perfect place to head to for a day of fun in the sun. Entry into Bald Mountain requires a Recreation Passport which can be purchased for $11 when renewing license plates on your vehicle or at the park.

Lake St. Clair Metropark
31300 Metropolitan Parkway
Harrison Township, MI 48045
(586) 463-4581
www.michigan.org/lake-st-clair-metropark

We live in the Great Lakes and not heading to one of them for a swim is just being un-Michiganian. At Lake St. Clair Metropark (formerly called Metro Beach), you will find a beach that offers the perfect place for a swim or to just sit in the sun. For those who decide they would rather try a little diving, there is the 50-meter pool nearby with water slides and a diving well. Entry into the pool is $4. Similar to Kensington Metropark, there is a Splash'n Blast with a 250-foot-long slide. There is a also beach shop for last-minute items, food concessions for when you get hungry and plenty of picnic areas to enjoy a day with family or friends.

Related: Ask a Carpenter: Tips For Building A Kids Play Area In Detroit

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Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.