beaches

Right after Mackinac Island is named the top travel destination in the entire country, two Michigan cities are named on the list of best lake towns in the nation.

Grand Haven State Park held the lead for quite a bit... but somehow, just got edged out and ended up the No. 2 Best Freshwater Beach in the U.S. according to a USA Today and 10 Best Poll. Michigan did have the most beaches in the running, though, with six beaches among the 20 that readers could choose from.

C'mon, this is The Great Lakes State! If we're talking about the top freshwater beaches in the country, of course Michigan is going dominate! Grand Haven State Park and five other Michigan beaches are in the running for "Best Freshwater Beach" in a USA Today and 10 Best reader's poll.

4th of July weekend is coming up this weekend, and if you plan on heading to one of the many beaches, there are a few things you should probably know.  The Natural Resources Defense Council says that people really do need to take a look at their beach's water quality...

"Pure Michigan"...you know the commercials with Tim Allen talking in a relaxed almost hypnotic tone.  Well, it appears that those commercials touting Michigan as the great escape have worked.   Tourism in the state is way up!