Mears State Park

It's like a giant sand box right on Lake Michigan in Pentwater, south of Ludington. 
(Just click on the pictures to get a closer view)

😊 = Good
😐 = Okay
😞 = Lousy

Bathrooms  😐 = Okay

I struggled with the rating on this one.  The bathrooms themselves are fine, updated and similar to other parks.  Bottom line is it's a very heavily used park and they can't always seem to keep up with the cleaning.  Plus there just aren't enough showers.  Weekdays are better than weekends.  

Playground  😊 = Good

Great playground with the rubberized surface.  Right on the beach.  Another swing set is located next to the bathroom as well.  

Beach/Swimming  😊 = Good

It just doesn't get any better than this!

Eat your heart out Malibu Barbie! You can have LA with the smog and traffic, 

I have Lake Michigan! 

Dog Beach  😊 = Good

Taffy says it's the best dog beach ever!  

I love that it's just part of the regular beach, and I can hang out there with her and read a book.  Or, maybe shade is better.  I saw this chick reading on top of the dune in the shade and it looked nice!

Worst thing about this park:  

It's basically a parking lot in the sand.  Super tight sites.  

Best thing about this park:

Sand and sunsets!

What else is there to do:

Rent a paddle-board from the beach concession stand.

Hike the 1 mile Old Baldy trail, there is a great downhill dune run at the end.

Walk into downtown Pentwater for dinner or ice cream.

Take a fishing charter in Pentwater.

Want more information?

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=470&type=SPRK

Want to camp there?

https://www.midnrreservations.com/