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Sunday, April 27, 2025

The Big Lake

We like to go to Grand Haven and enjoy Lake Michigan and the lighthouse there.  Once it gets warm out, it's full of people and eating at restaurants there means a long wait.  So, we decided to go the other day before the crowds appear.



We had supper at a nice place on the channel. This was our view from inside.  Can you see the lighthouse in the distance?




After we ate, we walked part of the pier.







The last time I was here, there was still ice in the water. It's so good to see the sun shining on it now!














Just a few people on the beach right now.






Even with a cold wind blowing, it's fun to visit the big lake and the lighthouse!

30 comments:

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hello Mari, I love ❤️ walks in nature and I love the water 💧 Thank 😊 you so much for sharing your lovely photos.

Miss Merry said...

The Best Time to go is before the tourists! We live a county away from an amusement park and I have one more restaurant to fit in before next weekend when they open! What a lovely peaceful day, even if you needed a jacket.

Debby @ My Shasta Home said...

That looks peaceful and especially nice without huge crowds. I like to go to these places in the middle of the week.
Is that some kind of trussing on the approach to the lighthouse?

Mari said...

In response to Debby:
It's called a catwalk and there are 3 lighthouses in MI that have this. It was originally used so that if the waves were very high or snow and ice was covering it, the lighthouse keeper could walk on the elevated catwalk and enter into the 2nd story of the lighthouse. It's now decorative, but is also used for lighting.

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi Mari! I would love to visit your area one day and see Lake Michigan in person! Great pictures! Have a good week!

Ginny Hartzler said...

How lovely! You had quite a walk to get so close to the lighthouse. Would you believe I have never seen a real lighthouse? Only on T.V.

Catherine said...

Nice area . I like to walk on piers this is so nice ! We soon not be able to go by the sea as it will be too crowded we are having lots of bank holidays in May and the vacations starts for lots of people. Glad you enjoy your outing !

Prims By The Water said...

Yes always good to go before the tourists get there, but we do need the tourism...especially on our side of the state. Folks come more in the Summer to our little town to see the freighters, the river and all of our favorite restaurants are always packed as well. We avoid them during these months, or try to go early. Janice

roentare said...

Love the leading lines in the shots

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Such a beautiful spot for lunch and a nice brisk walk! I love to see lighthouses! We've been to see a few in New England, mostly Maine. It's a little different on the Atlantic Ocean, but Lake Michigan is like a "little ocean" for sure. Looks like you had a lovely day!!

Joyful in His Presence said...

Your photos are gorgeous, Mari. I enjoy lighthouses and when we go to visit our son in Maine, we always get to visit at least one, along with my favorite beach. I'm glad that you and Bob were able to go now before the crowds get big.

Leslie's Garden said...

So smart to beat the summer crowds. I've never seen a lighthouse. I need to see if there is one near me in the South.

Donna said...

I was born in New London, CT. and my family lived in Mystic and Stonington. I LOVE the ocean...and lighthouses.
hugs
Donna

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Oh my goodness - what a lovely place.Gorgeous pics Mari!! Lake MI and the beaches and sand dunes and so many areas of MI I've seen have been so beautiful. I need to do more exploring someday and show Matt, as I don't think he's seen much of it. Blessings on your Monday dear Friend. xo

Cathy said...

I can not say seeing the lakes in Michigan are at the very top of my list, yet I have always had a longing to visit there. It does looks lovely.

Shug said...

Hi Mari...such a lovely place and I think I remember you posting a lighthouse picture with the ice? Glad you all enjoyed a nice walk and a nice meal...I enjoy eating places where the view is beautiful like this one. Enjoy the rest of your Monday.

Connie said...

Steve and I never liked crowds and we always enjoyed going to the places we loved out of season. Weather wise it might not always be the best but tranquility and the peace of no crowds makes up the difference. Thanks for sharing your lovely day with us.

photowannabe said...

What gorgeous scenery. That looks like the perfect place to be seated and enjoy a lovely meal.
Lake Michigan is so huge it looks like the ocean. Beautiful photos.
Sue

Barbara said...

I've seen Lake Michigan many times from Chicago's perspective because my parents moved there in 1970 (I no longer have family living there now). But I've never seen Lake Michigan from the southern end.

Like you, I'm in favor of visiting places when crowds are not so much a factor. Your walk along the channel with the light house in the distance is something I would enjoy.

R's Rue said...

So beautiful.

Mandy said...

Gosh, what a beautiful place! I don't blame you for beating the crowds!

MELODY JACOB said...

The lighthouse and the quiet beach must have been such a calming sight. There's something special about being by the water, especially when the seasons shift.

MELODY JACOB said...

What a perfect time to visit before the summer rush! The peaceful views and sunshine must have made it such a special outing.

HappyK said...

Yes, I did see the lighthouse.
They best time to go when there aren't a lot of people around.

Jenny the Pirate said...

What an idyllic date with your sweetheart. I love eating with a view of water! So enchanting. Great pics as usual and I'd really love to see that lighthouse! xoxo

Lowcarb team member said...

Beautiful views Mari, and there is something special about lighthouses ... the present cup/mug I'm using for my tea has one on it :)

All the best Jan

Chatty Crone said...

I think it is beautiful, and spring and summer are coming - I would love to go on it when people are there too. Exciting.

Terri D said...

So pretty!! The lake is a big one and it still had to be chilly there. Nice to visit before the crowds, though, and to have a good meal. Fun.

Judy said...

I love this post! I miss Lake Michigan and seeing lighthouses. Beautiful photos!

Jeanette said...

Oh man! I'm jealous you live so close to Grand Haven! It's beautiful and the sunshine on the water is awesome!