Peterson Beach

Peterson Beach is for people who want room to spread out. It is a wide stretch of sand on Platte Bay in the southern part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, northwest of Honor.

Getting there is part of the feel. Peterson Road is gravel and runs about a mile through the woods from near M-22 and Deadstream Road to a small lot with a restroom. A boardwalk crosses the low dunes to the beach.

The view is the draw. Look north along the shore to Empire Bluff and Sleeping Bear Point, south toward Platte River Point, and out to South Manitou Island on a clear day. It is also a good spot for sunset over Lake Michigan.

You need a national park entrance pass. Dogs are restricted here, especially in spring and summer while piping plovers nest, so check the park’s pets page before you bring one.

There are no lifeguards and few facilities. Bring water, watch for rip currents and stay out in high waves. For a river swim nearby, the Platte River meets the lake at Platte River Point.