Along the northwestern shores of the state of Michigan, the waters of Lake Michigan border a forest-filled landscape dotted with idyllic towns just waiting to be discovered. One of those hidden gems is the small town of Arcadia, which is a little over two hours north of Grand Rapids and an hour southwest of Traverse City, a one-of-a-kind Midwest destination for beach-lovers. The shoreside community of Arcadia boasts rather quiet sandy beaches and unparalleled lake views, and it’s also home to Arcadia Bluffs, a course ranked as one of America’s top 100 public-access golf courses by Golfweek in 2022.
There’s no doubt Arcadia is beautifully remote and removed from the congestion of Michigan’s larger cities. In fact, it is just as close to the Canadian border as it is to the city of Detroit. This also means that getting to Arcadia can be difficult, but the journey pays off in natural beauty and the ability to explore Northern Michigan’s parks and wildlife. Arriving in Arcadia you’re greeted by a landscape chalked with tree-lined forests and, in the spring and summer, dotted with wildflowers. Year-round, there are paths and boardwalks that guide visitors to pristine (and often empty) beaches with unrivaled views overlooking the lake. This makes Arcadia ideal for nature lovers looking to explore everything that is “Pure Michigan.”
Arcadia has small-town charm with an abundance of lake views
The village of Arcadia dates back to European settlements in the late 19th century, and it was primarily a lumber producing town in its early years. Despite over a century of development, the town remains small in size with a population of under 1,000 residents. Arcadia sits directly off of Michigan’s MI-22 highway which heads north towards another lakeside destination known as the Caribbean of Michigan. In Arcadia, visitors can expect charming lake town vibes and an abundance of parks and beach overlooks to explore.
Arcadia Marsh Natural Preserve sits directly off MI-22 and is one of the last protected marsh areas around. The boardwalk trail through the marsh is a short scenic path that parallels a creek and makes for amazing opportunities for birding and spotting unique waterfowl. Pro tip: kids will love stopping at Arcadia House Ice Cream Shoppe just steps from the trailhead for a sweet treat. The coast is about a mile west of the preserve. Here, uncrowded beaches are a welcome sight for those looking for some peace and quiet while still enjoying cool water and sand between their toes. The natural beach area on Lake Michigan has crashing waves and miles of walkable shoreline. For the single best view in Arcadia, drive a few miles up the road to the Arcadia Overlook. Visitors can climb up to 120 steps to Inspiration Point at the peak of a wooden boardwalk to be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the lake that is home to Michigan’s Stonehenge. Some past visitors have even been lucky enough to spot bald eagles from the overlook’s highest point.
Arcadia’s scenic golf course is right next to Lake Michigan
