Summing up the shore of Lake Michigan in just a few words is a challenge, but I’m going to try my best. Visiting this freshwater gem for the first time left me in awe—an experience that made me feel humbled, much like a kid seeing a large building for the first time.
First-Time Encounter with Lake Michigan
Pulling up to the Michigan coast was both exhilarating and admittedly, a little unnerving. Growing up around saltwater my whole life, on the Gulf of Mexico, the vast expanse of freshwater was unlike anything I had seen before. The size of Lake Michigan alone, was overwhelming, and I could barely contain my excitement.
As soon as I parked at Holland State Park, I grabbed my swim shorts and SPRINTED toward the water, eager for my first dive. Being accustomed to warm coastal waters, I was completely unprepared for just how cold Lake Michigan would be. I swear my soul left my body the moment the water got up to my stomach. That initial shock was like a jolt of energy, waking me up faster than any caffeine could.
Though the lake was cold, it didn’t take long for my body to adjust, and soon I was floating peacefully in the refreshing waters. The calm waves lapped gently over me and the shore, only occasionally interrupted by the passing speedboats. In those moments, all my worries and thoughts drifted away, carried off by the current.
I can’t recall the last time I felt so at peace—floating on my back, letting the lake’s gentle movements guide me. It was as though time stood still, and all that was left was serenity.
Holland State Park provided the perfect backdrop for this transformative experience. There is a ton of parking, and they have a little shop where you can pick up water rentals, like paddle boards. The sun began to set, casting golden reflections across the water, making everything feel even more magical. For that one hour, I felt truly connected to nature, more grounded than I had in a loooong time.
Sunsets and Friendships
As the day began to wind down, I strolled down the shores of Lake Michigan, watching the sun lazily set behind the coast. The sky shifted into brilliant hues of gold, pink, and orange, casting a mesmerizing glow over the water. The golden reflections danced across the surface, making it look as though liquid gold was floating through space. It was a breathtaking reminder of how beautiful the world can be. To quote Ferris Bueller “Life moves at you pretty fast. If you don’t stop to smell the roses every once in a while, you could miss it.”
What really caught my attention that evening was how many families, couples, and groups of friends gathered along the beach to witness the sunset together. It wasn’t just about the scenery—it was about sharing the moment with loved ones.
There was one particular scene that struck me the most. As I strolled along the beach, I noticed two women, probably in their 60s, sitting on a bench and engaged in a lively conversation. It was clear from their expressions and body language that they had been friends for many years. Their laughter and ease in each other’s company made me pause and reflect.
In that moment, I was reminded of the importance of connection—the friendships that have shaped my life and the new bonds I’ve made over the last few months. It was a poignant message that love and friendship are the true essence of life.
A Final Thought: Cherishing the Moments that Matter
At the end of my time on Lake Michigan, I was filled with a sense of gratitude. It wasn’t just the stunning sunset or the peaceful waves that made the day special—it was the realization that moments shared with loved ones are what truly make life meaningful.
Wherever you are in the world, I hope you’re making time to create new experiences and are cherishing the relationships that fill your life with joy and meaning.
Know Before you Go
- There is a fee. Holland State Park costs ~$11 to spend the day catching rays and waves. As far as I could tell, they only take cash. There are other free areas to see the beach as well, but Holland is established and clean.
- Traffic can get busy. Especially as sunset starts to occur you may see an uptick in cars coming into the park.
Thank you for sharing. It was written so beautifully that I felt as if I was there, in that moment. Can wait for your next adventure.