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Lake Michigan, the second largest Great Lake by volume with just under 1,180 cubic miles of water, is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States. Approximately 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline. Averaging 279 feet in depth, the lake reaches 925 feet at its deepest point. The lake is usually clear and cold (between 55 and 70 °F [13 and 21 °C]) [1], even in late summer. The lake's northern tier is in the colder, less developed upper Great Lakes region, while its more temperate southern basin contains the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas. The drainage basin, approximately twice as large as the 22,300 square miles of surface water, includes portions of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Lake Michigan is hydrologically inseparable from Lake Huron, joined by the wide Straits of Mackinac

Lake Michigan beaches, especially those in west Michigan and northern Indiana, are known for their beauty. The region is often referred to as the "Third Coast" of the United States, after those of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Michigan beaches are composed of soft, off-white sand referred to as "singing sands" because of the squeaking noise (caused by high quartz content) made when one walks across it.

Michigan also claims the world's largest freshwater sand dunes which provide stunning scenery and support a variety of interesting and fun things to do such as dune buggy rides, hiking, sand surfing and plenty of wide open areas perfect for pure relaxation. Lake Michigan beaches along the northern part of the lower peninsula and the perimeter of the upper peninsula are typically rocky and the only place in the world, aside from a few inland lakes in that region, where one can find Petoskey stones which are fossilized coral and the state stone.

Michigan is home to the nation’s third-largest population and provides drinking water for over 10 million people. The state is recognized for its thousands of acres of rich dense forests and thriving automobile industry, but most of all for the pristine lakes in and around the state. We extend a warm welcome to enjoy "Pure Michigan."