Last checked: Oct 28, 2026. Official sources are listed at the bottom of this page. Things change, so check the official page before you go.
Water levels and beach advisories change daily, so we link to the official live sources.
Water levels
- Lake Michigan is measured together with Lake Huron as Lake Michigan-Huron.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers weekly Great Lakes water level update (current levels and the one-month forecast).
- NOAA Great Lakes water level data (historical charts).
Beach closures and advisories
- Michigan EGLE's BeachGuard lists beach closures and E. coli advisories reported by local health departments.
Boat launches
- A Recreation Passport is required for any motorized vehicle at a state park or state boating access site.
- Find launches, amenities and closures with the DNR's Michigan boating page and Boating Facility Finder.
- South Haven: the Dyckman Bridge's last day of regular staffing for the 2026 boating season is Saturday, October 31. From Sunday, November 1, openings are by request only.
Lake Michigan state parks in the region
- Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer. 269-426-4013.
- Grand Mere State Park, Berrien County. 269-426-4013. It has half a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Van Buren State Park, 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven. 269-637-2788. A 4-mile paved spur trail runs into South Haven.
Common questions
Where can I check Lake Michigan water levels?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District posts a weekly Great Lakes water level update and one-month forecast. Lake Michigan is reported with Lake Huron as Lake Michigan-Huron.
How do I know if a Michigan beach is closed?
Check EGLE's BeachGuard (mi.gov/beachguard), which lists closures and advisories from local health departments.
Do I need a pass to use a state boat launch in Michigan?
Yes. Motorized vehicles at state boating access sites need a Recreation Passport. It is waived on Free Fishing Weekends.
Sources
- USACE Detroit District: weekly water levels
- NOAA GLERL: Great Lakes water levels
- Michigan EGLE: BeachGuard
- Michigan DNR: Recreation Passport FAQ
- Michigan DNR: boating
- Michigan DNR: Warren Dunes State Park
- Michigan DNR: Grand Mere State Park
- Michigan DNR: Van Buren State Park
- City of South Haven (Dyckman Bridge notice)