Gliding through the crystal clear water on a warm summer day is not the same as doing a back stroke in the hotel pool. Swimming in one of Northern Michigan's many lakes in the summer months is a pastime that can't be missed.

So where is a good place to do lake laps? There are a variety of settings that are waiting for you to dive in.

In the Petoskey area, you will often find teenagers jumping off the break wall and swimming back to do it again. The Petoskey State Park is a premier swimming spot that can offer gentle water or wild waves. The shallow beach area is great for young swimmers or water walkers.

Just north of Petoskey on Crooked Lake, the small beach area along U.S. 131 is the place to swim in warm, inland lake waters. There is a small beach area and a wide-open lake to swim in from the beach.

Harbor Springs has two city beaches and both are great for swimming. The Zorn Park Beach has lifeguards and swimming rafts. Jump in the cool waters from the raft and head out into the harbor. This beach is the starting point for the Coastal Crawl, held the first Sunday of August, where swimmers escorted by kayaks head to Harbor Point and back.

The Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs is a tiny one, a favorite for family and dog owners. This beach is a great starting point to do lake laps along the waterfront parallel to Wequetonsing.

Middle Village Beach near Good Hart has a long, wide Lake Michigan beach that swimmers love. The water is clear and shallow near shore. Many swimmers swim their laps along this beach.

Sturgeon Bay might be the favorite for swimmers because it is gorgeous. Take your pick depending on the day from flat waters to body surfing waves. Families love this beach because the water is clear and inviting.

Charlevoix also has four city beaches, two each on Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix has warmer waters than Lake Michigan and you will often see swimmers heading out into the lake in late May. Ferry Beach, also on Lake Charlevoix, has a gently sloping sandy swimming area is a popular beach for parents and their children. Ferry Beach offers lifeguards so swimmers love it.

Michigan Beach on Lake Michigan is often a popular early morning or late evening spot for lake laps. Lifeguards are on duty during the day during the summer. Mount McSauba also on Lake Michigan has a wide sandy swimming area.

Lake Charlevoix's warmer waters can mean a longer swimming season. Swimming in Boyne City is so special that the community hosts a swimming camp. The non profit organization that operates the camps teaches dozens and dozens of children how to swim each summer.

Northern Michigan's weather doesn't allow for year 'round swimming--the water is too cold much of the year. When the weather isn't conducive to a dip in the lake, head to the Harbor Springs Community Pool at the Harbor Springs High School or the Charlevoix Community Pool.

More Northern Michigan Parks & Beaches...