The Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Michigan

Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Michigan

I’ve watched Michigan sunsets in nearly every corner of the state. I’ve also watched sunsets from many different corners of the world. Sure, orange and pink wisps over glacial lagoons and moody deep red accents in South American jungles are great, but there’s something cleansing about an evening light show framed by the largest freshwater lakes in the world.  

And I know I’m not alone.

Michiganders love chasing sunsets, which isn’t surprising considering The Great Lakes State is also unofficially known as the sunset state. With over 3,000 miles of coastline and the area’s unpredictable and everchanging weather, every evening offers the opportunity to display something magical.

Making this list was harder than expected. How could I possibly narrow down my favorite Michigan sunset spots? Alas, after much thought and a lot of reflection, I finally narrowed down my top spots:

1. Donegal Bay, Beaver Island

Twenty-seven miles off the coast of Charlevoix is a remote island with a desolate beach called Donegal Bay. It’s only accessible by ferry or plane, making the location difficult for an average Michigan sunset chaser. Yet, because of its unique location in the middle of Lake Michigan, the western-facing cove often has one of the latest sunsets in the state. From Donegal Bay, the waves crash against the sandy shore while the sun illuminates nearby Trout and High island on the horizon. This gets the top spot for one sole reason: the afterglow. Even when the sun dips below the horizon, a light show lingers, and the most beautiful colors dance above the lakes until dusk finally settles. 

2. Big Sable Lighthouse, Ludington

It’s a straightforward and easy five-mile hike to make it Big Sable Lighthouse, but the sunset views offer magnificent rewards. There is no better accent to a Michigan sunset than one of the grandest lighthouses tucked peacefully against the lakeshore. Just remember to pack headlamps for the trek back!

Want more sunset-worth lighthouses? Check out some of my favorites here.

3. Sleeper State Park, Caseville 

Contrary to popular belief, not all sunsets must be enjoyed from the western side of the state along Lake Michigan. Sleeper State Park, located on the western shoreline of Michigan’s thumb, gives sunset-chasers a unique perspective from the northern end of Saginaw Bay. Many times, the calmer bay offers something Lake Michigan doesn’t: a chance for an epic sunset reflection, which is why this easily makes a list of the best places to watch the sunset in Michigan. 

If you have yet to visit the Thumb of Michigan, make sure to check out other notable spots before sunset, including Turnip Rock, Lexington Harbor, and Ryback's ice cream in Grindstone City.

4. Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette 

Sugarloaf Mountain offers something hard to find for Michigan sunsets: elevation. Most of our sunsets are enjoyed from a lakeshore, but a trek to the Upper Peninsula and a quick hike mean a taller perspective with grand views of the surrounding Lake Superior shoreline.

It is a short but steep hike to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, so be sure to incorporate that into the timing of your plans. Perhaps enjoy a nice dinner at Black Rocks Brewing in downtown Marquette before heading up to the lookout roughly an hour before sunset.

5. Empire Beach, Empire 

Empire Beach is a true Michigan classic. The small town offers a big punch when it comes to evening light shows, and the best sunsets are those accompanied by an approaching storm over Lake Michigan. Although the most popular time to visit is in the summer, fall is the best time to catch a moody sunset. I always love to pair a Michigan fall color tour around Sleeping Bear Dunes with a sunset at Empire beach. Makes for the perfect fall day in Michigan!