Summer at the Shore: A Northern Michigan Recap from Island View Shores MI

As summer fades into cozy sweater season, we can’t help but look back at all the memories made on the lake. This one was a good one. Long sunny days, late-night fires, and plenty of exploring across Northern Michigan.

Here’s a little look back at how we spent summer at the lake house.

Lakeside Living

If you know, you know — mornings at the lake hit different. Coffee on the deck, glassy water, and the sound of waves rolling in. Afternoons were made for lounging, swimming, and a little friendly competition on the kayaks.

When the sun started to dip, the fire pit came to life. We roasted s’mores, watched freighters pass by in the distance, and told the same stories we tell every year. Somehow, they just keep getting funnier.

Lighthouse Hopping

We made it our mission to check out some of the area’s most beautiful lighthouses this summer. McGulpin Point is always a favorite since it’s so close to the house, but Whitefish Point and Point Iroquois were absolutely worth the drive. There’s something special about standing on the shoreline and thinking about all the ships that have passed by over the years.

Each lighthouse had its own story, its own view, and its own reason to stop for “just one more picture.”

Freighter Watching in Sault Ste. Marie

We spent a day up in Sault Ste. Marie watching the big freighters move through the Soo Locks. It never gets old. No matter how many times you’ve been, it’s just mesmerizing watching those massive ships glide through the locks so smoothly. Definitely one of those “Michigan bucket list” things that’s worth repeating every year.

Hiking and Waterfalls

Tahquamenon Falls was showing off again this summer. The trails were perfect, the trees were green, and the water had that signature amber color that makes every photo look like a postcard. We hiked, we laughed, and yes, we stopped at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery for a cold one afterward.

Because you can’t hike on an empty stomach, right?

Good Food and Cold Beer

Speaking of good food, Bière de Mac Brew Works in Mackinaw City hit the spot all summer long. The food was amazing, the beer was even better, and it’s such a relaxed place to unwind after a day of exploring. 

Mackinac Island Fun

Of course, we couldn’t skip Mackinac Island. Between the ferry ride, the fudge, the hikes, and all the familiar landmarks, it never disappoints. We made it to Arch Rock, wandered the quieter side trails, and still found time to shop downtown.

There’s just something about the mix of horse hooves, lake breezes, and laughter that makes the island feel like summer itself.

Shipwreck Tours and Small-Town Finds

One of the coolest things we did this summer was the glass-bottom shipwreck tour with Nautical North Family Adventures in Cheboygan. Seeing the old shipwrecks beneath the clear blue water was unforgettable.

And when we weren’t out on the water, we were strolling through downtown Cheboygan. The local shops, friendly faces, and little finds made it the perfect laid-back afternoon stop.

Until Next Time

Now that the nights are getting cooler and the lake is quieting down, we’re already missing those endless summer days. This season was full of good food, good company, and all the best parts of life on the water.

If you stayed with us this summer, thank you for being part of it. If you didn’t make it this time, don’t worry — the lake will be waiting for you next year.

Follow along on Instagram at @IslandViewShoresMI for fall color updates, cozy lake views, and all the little moments that make Northern Michigan magic.

Here’s to another amazing summer — and a beautiful fall just around the corner.