North Beach Park

North Beach Park is a good pick for families who want a smaller Lake Michigan beach with a playground close to the sand. It is a seven-acre Ottawa County park in Ferrysburg, on the north side of the channel from Grand Haven, with about 745 feet of shoreline.

You get modern restrooms, a playground, sand volleyball, picnic tables and grills, and a picnic shelter you can reserve. Climb the dune stairs to the overlook deck for a long view up and down the lake, and stay for sunset; the county even runs a live sunset camera here.

It is one of the more accessible beaches around. In summer a barrier-free walkway runs onto the beach, and a beach wheelchair is available. Check with the county if you are counting on either.

Plan for two rules. A county parking permit is needed from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and dogs are not allowed from May through September. There are no lifeguards, so watch the waves and stay out when Lake Michigan is rough. For a bigger beach with more going on, Grand Haven State Park is across the channel. More on the big lake is on our Lake Michigan page.