A Remote Michigan Beach Just Made a Big National List
We all know Michigan is home to countless stunning beaches—but during peak summer, many of them are packed with sunseekers. If you’re craving shoreline serenity without the crowds, one nationally recognized spot offers a more peaceful kind of paradise.
This Michigan beach just made Travel + Leisure's list of the 15 best secluded beaches in the country—and it's not the first time it's been nationally recognized. Southern Living previously called it one of the top “secret beaches” in the U.S.
You’ll find it on South Manitou Island, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Thanks to its remote location, pristine natural beauty, and rich history, it’s the kind of place that rewards those willing to put in a little effort to get there.
READ MORE: One Michigan Beach Makes Exclusive List of Best in the U.S.
Accessible only by ferry from Leland, South Manitou boasts windswept dunes, lush forests—including a grove of old-growth white cedars more than 500 years old—and a mix of sandy and pebble-strewn Lake Michigan shoreline that feels worlds away from the crowds.
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But long before hikers, campers, and beachgoers discovered its quiet beauty, South Manitou Island played a crucial role in Great Lakes commerce. Its deep natural harbor made it a strategic stop for steamships traveling between Chicago and Buffalo in the 1800s. Crews would dock to gather firewood from the island’s dense forests and seek shelter before continuing through the busy—and dangerous—Manitou Passage.
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As shipping traffic increased, so did accidents. The U.S. government responded by constructing a lighthouse and a lifesaving station on the island, adding both safety and a steady population of lightkeepers and surfmen. Today, the lighthouse stands as a symbol of the island’s past—and offers panoramic views for visitors willing to climb to the top.
Evidence of the island’s maritime history still lies just offshore. Several shipwrecks dot the surrounding waters, including the visible remains of the Francisco Morazan, a freighter that ran aground in 1960.
South Manitou also supported a small community during its boom years. Families lived, farmed, and sent their children to a one-room schoolhouse, which still stands today. As shipping needs changed and mainland life became more practical, residents gradually left, leaving behind a near-ghost town frozen in time.
Here's Travel + Leisure's praise for South Manitou Island:
Lake Michigan is so expansive, you can't see to the other side from the shore so it feels like you're at the ocean. On South Manitou Island, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you get a sandy beach experience and the chance to take lots of lighthouse photos without other tourists getting in the way. South Manitou is one in a chain of Lake Michigan islands and accessible only by ferry or private boat. Those wishing to explore the area more thoroughly can camp overnight.
Looking for more of Michigan's best beaches? These have been crowned the top ten in 2025:
Explore Michigan's Top Ten Beaches in 2025
Gallery Credit: Janna
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