Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer in Michigan, but it’s also one of the best weekends to soak up sunshine, sand, and small-town adventures before fall arrives. From the shores of the Great Lakes to charming downtowns, these destinations make for memorable family getaways. Here are the top spots to plan a Michigan Labor Day weekend trip, with at least one destination representing each Great Lake.
Table of contents
- St. Joseph – Lake Michigan
- Port Austin – Lake Huron
- Mackinac Island – Lake Huron & Lake Michigan Views
- Marquette – Lake Superior
- Alpena – Lake Huron
- Holland – Lake Michigan
- Copper Harbor – Lake Superior
- Bay City – Lake Huron
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Lake Michigan
- Whitefish Point – Lake Superior
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St. Joseph – Lake Michigan
St. Joseph on Lake Michigan is one of the best-known spots for a family Labor Day getaway. Families head to Silver Beach, where kids can play on the wide sandy shoreline and splash in the waves. Downtown St. Joseph offers shops, restaurants, and the Curious Kids’ Museum. Whirlpool Centennial Park has water fountains for cooling off, and the Silver Beach Carousel makes for a nostalgic ride.
Where to Stay
The Boulevard Inn & Bistro – Located downtown and within walking distance to the beach, this hotel offers family-friendly suites and lake views.
Port Austin – Lake Huron
Port Austin sits at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb and makes a perfect Lake Huron escape for Labor Day. The beaches here are less crowded than the west side of the state, with Port Crescent State Park offering sandy stretches and clear waters. Families often kayak to Turnip Rock, a natural rock formation that looks like it belongs in a postcard. The Saturday Farmers Market is a great stop for fresh produce and baked goods.
Where to Stay
Lake Vista Resort – A top-rated spot in Port Austin, offering cottage-style accommodations close to the water and downtown.
Mackinac Island – Lake Huron & Lake Michigan Views
Mackinac Island, where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet, is one of Michigan’s most iconic destinations. Over Labor Day weekend, visitors can ride bikes around the island, explore Fort Mackinac, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour. The island’s fudge shops remain a family favorite, while Arch Rock offers panoramic views of both lakes.
Where to Stay
Grand Hotel – The legendary property with the world’s longest porch is a bucket-list experience, especially during a holiday weekend.
Marquette – Lake Superior
Marquette on Lake Superior blends outdoor adventure with small-city charm. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain for views of the sparkling Superior coastline, or explore Presque Isle Park for beaches, rock cliffs, and picnic spots. Labor Day weekend is a great time to rent kayaks and explore the shoreline. The downtown area has local breweries and family-friendly restaurants, while Northern Michigan University brings energy to the community.
Where to Stay
Landmark Inn – A historic hotel in downtown Marquette offering comfortable rooms and proximity to restaurants, shopping, and the waterfront.
Alpena – Lake Huron
Alpena on Lake Huron offers a quieter, family-focused Labor Day weekend. The beaches at Starlite Beach and Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park give plenty of room for sandcastle building and swimming. Families can also take a glass-bottom boat tour with Alpena Shipwreck Tours to see historic wrecks beneath the waves. The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan adds an educational twist to a weekend away.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena – A family-friendly option near downtown Alpena with an indoor pool and breakfast included.
Holland – Lake Michigan
Holland on Lake Michigan is a favorite for families looking for a balance of beach time and small-town fun. Holland State Park and Tunnel Park offer wide sandy beaches, while Mt. Pisgah provides sweeping lake views after a short climb. Downtown Holland features boutique shopping, ice cream parlors, and kid-friendly dining. Labor Day weekend often includes live music and farmers market events.
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown – Centrally located with modern amenities and walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Copper Harbor – Lake Superior
Copper Harbor on Lake Superior, at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, feels like an end-of-the-road adventure. Families hike at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park or ride the Brockway Mountain Drive for fall-color previews. Boat tours take families around Isle Royale National Park, and the quiet, unplugged atmosphere makes it memorable.
Where to Stay
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge – A rustic, historic lodge surrounded by forest with cabins and on-site dining, perfect for families.
Bay City – Lake Huron
Bay City on the Saginaw Bay provides family-friendly waterfront fun. Veterans Memorial Park offers biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, while Bay City State Park has a long sandy beach and shallow swimming spots. The Riverwalk downtown connects shops, dining, and cultural attractions.
Where to Stay
DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront – Overlooking the Saginaw River, this hotel features a pool and easy access to the city’s waterfront.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Lake Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan is a must for Labor Day. Families climb the Dune Climb, hike Empire Bluff Trail, and relax on Glen Haven Beach. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers overlooks of Lake Michigan ideal for family photos. Glen Arbor makes a great base for kayaking, shopping, and ice cream stops.
Where to Stay
The Homestead – A resort on Lake Michigan offering condos, cottages, and hotel rooms with access to the beach and family activities.
Whitefish Point – Lake Superior
Whitefish Point on Lake Superior is known for its history and rugged natural beauty. Families can tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and learn about the Edmund Fitzgerald. The rocky beach is perfect for driftwood collecting and rock hunting, while birdwatchers flock to the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory.
Where to Stay
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Cabins – Rustic but highly rated for those wanting a close-to-nature stay just steps from Lake Superior.
Whether it’s Lake Michigan’s sandy playgrounds, Lake Superior’s rugged cliffs, or Lake Huron’s hidden gems, Michigan offers a wide variety of getaways for a Labor Day weekend. Each destination provides a balance of beach time, small-town charm, and family-friendly adventure. It’s the perfect time to wrap up summer with one last big memory by the water.
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