IA to MI

Iowa

Gull Point, West Lake Okoboji The beach is tiny, but a longtime favorite with vacationers at Iowa's Great Lakes area in the northwest part of the state. Crystal-clear waters distinguish this sandy-pebbly stretch, located in Gull Point State Park (712/337-3211; www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/gull_point.htm).

Mississippi River islands It takes a little work to get there, but sandy islands dot the Mississippi River all along the state's eastern edge. Skippers of houseboats and other pleasure craft tie up on these uninhabited islands' expansive beaches for swimming, sunning and evening campfires. For information about houseboat and other rentals: McGregor/Marquette Chamber of Commerce (800/896-0910; www.mcgreg-marq.org).

Kansas

Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis This big reservoir tucks into the Smoky Hills region of central Kansas (30 miles southwest of Salina), surrounded by rolling hills, bluffs and woods. Sandy beaches draw swimmers, strollers and sunbathers to the spot. Amenities: Picnic areas, boating and 26 miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking (785/546-2565; www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/state_parks/locations/kanopolis).

Michigan

Au Train Beach, Au Train Norway pines and open meadows crown a ridge of graceful dunes at this Upper Peninsula beach along chilly Lake Superior (12 miles west of Munising). In between the dunes and the water, a wide swath of clean, white sand stretches for 4-1/2 miles. The highest dunes and broadest band of sand appears where the Au Train River flows into the lake, but be careful of undertows. Amenities: Fishing and camping (906/387-2138; www.exploringthenorth.com/autrain/autrain.html).

Elberta Beach, Elberta Rest assured that you won't be high-stepping over rows of blankets at this secluded beach 40 miles southwest of Traverse City. Dunes tower along the shore but give way to a stretch of fine, white sand where Lake Michigan waves roll in. It's a favorite spot for hang gliders who launch from a nearby pad, a treat to watch as they soar (231/882-5801; www.benzie.org).

Oval Beach, Saugatuck Fine, light-beige sand free of rocks or pebbles marks a 2-mile-long crescent-shaped beach in this artsy southwest Michigan community. Visitors even rave about the scenic drive to the beach, backed by wetlands. Amenities: Lifeguards, bathhouse, small snack bar and terrace with picnic tables overlooking Lake Michigan (269/857-1701; www.saugatuck.com).

The Sand Dunes, Brevort This pure stretch of white, sandy beach doesn't even have an official name, but local residents refer to it as "the sand dunes." Along Lake Michigan's northern shore (15 miles west of St. Ignace), it stretches for six miles in the Upper Peninsula. Beach fires are allowed, but you need to bring your own firewood. Swim with care if there's a strong southwest wind, which can cause a rip current. Amenities: Fishing and hiking, volleyball net and a handicapped-accessible platform (800/338-6660; www.stignace.com).

Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas A sandy peninsula extends into Lake Huron, with a sand beach that stretches for two miles. During the spring and fall especially, opportunities abound for birdwatchers. The Tawas Point Lighthouse is located within the park. Amenities: Beach house with changing area, plus fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. Bathhouses with showers and dressing facilities, plus camping, fishing and trails (989/362-5041; www.michigan.gov/dnr).

West Park Beach, Petoskey Beachcombers love this secluded rocky shore eight miles west of Petoskey, searching for smooth colored stones and fossils. With only rocks and no sand, it's a beach made for walking or sitting on a boulder. Amenities: Restrooms (231/348-2755; www.boynecounty.com/beaches--34/).

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