Serving New Buffalo, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, South Haven, Fennville, Glenn, Douglas, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Muskegon

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Red and Yellow Tulips
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs
are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk along the lake. -- Wallace Stevens

Those of us who spend time along the shores of Lake Michigan know there is such a thing as a ‘lake effect’. Whether heading south from Saugatuck-Douglas down the coast to Chicago, or turning north from Holland to Muskegon and points beyond, the lake is never far away. Even on the most hectic day, it is possible to tap into the sense of well-being and tranquility that seems to surround the vast clear lake that the Ojibwa called mishigami, or ‘great water’.

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photo: NOAA
Lake Effect Snow

Lake effect snow is a common occurrence along the shores of the Great Lakes. Bands develop that can dump several inches of snow per hour and lake effect snowstorms can last for days. Learn the conditions that produce lake effect snow.

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photo: USCG Archives
Lighting the Lake: The Manistee Lights and Life-Saving Station

During its boom years in the late 1800's Manistee boasted the largest per capita concentration of millionaires in the US. Learn the history of the life-saving station and lights that were built at the mouth of the river to aid shipping to and from the busy port.

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photo: NPS
The Apostle Island Ice Caves

Wisconsin's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has striking sea caves that freeze over with icicle stalactites in the winter. Find out what it takes to safely visit the ice caves and enjoy their beauty.

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Art Galleries Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Feed your aesthetic sense with a visit to one of the art galleries in the Lake Effect Guide.

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Wineries and Vineyards of the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Curl up by the fire and keep warm this winter while you enjoy a fine wine from one of west Michigan's great wineries.

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Craft Breweries near the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Old English proverb - Bread is the staff of life, but beer's life itself. Michigan is fifth in the nation for its number of breweries. The great quality of water and rich soil produces some of the best beer making ingredients. Our listing of brewpubs, microbreweries and breweries along the shoreline will help you plan your next hearty draft of life itself.

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Skiing West Michigan

Time to get out and get some exercise while the snow lasts in west Michigan.

Winter days are short, so be on the beach at the right time to catch a beautiful Southwest Michigan sunset. Like snowflakes, no two are the same. Use our Beaches and Sunset Times pages to make sure you don't miss out.

Don't forget to check out the
Calendar of Events for February and March. There's always something happening on the lakeshore.