The Naked Truth: Michigan is Top Spot in World to Skinny Dip
Michigan has its fair share, if not a little more, of beautiful shorelines and pristine beaches to enjoy. Some are geared to families, some are pet friendly, and some....well, are made for those who want to bare all.
In a recent report, a site called MyDatingAdviser.com decided somehow how to figure out which are the "100 Best Nude Beaches Around the Globe" that are perfect for skinny dipping, whether legally or not. Honestly, it was no surprise to see those exotic and picturesque locations in Australia, Croatia, Greece, South Africa, and Italy top the list, especially since topless and nude beaches tend to be more popular across the pond.
Michigan Goes Au Naturel
Showing we've got what it takes here in Michigan, one of our northern beaches found itself ranking 31st as the best skinny dipping beach in the world and the 3rd best in the United States. The beach is in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The park that covers 60,000 acres is in the U.P. and is described as, a "35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, 90-plus miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline”. No, there is no mention of a nude beach, so it must be a best-kept secret.
Just so we aren't called to bail you out of jail because you decided to take a naked plunge, keep in mind it's illegal to be naked in public in the State of Michigan. We did some checking and Michigan Penal Code Act 328 of 1931 lays it out stating, “A person shall not knowingly make any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or of the person of another”. Breaking this law is “punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both”. Some people just don't know how to have fun.
In case you're wondering, and we've sparked your interest, there are also quite a few beaches in Michigan where you can legally ditch the swim trunks and bikini. Otter Creek Beach near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Christmas Cove Beach, Cat Head Bay, and Good Harbor Beach are just a few that will allow you to "let it all hang out".
Check out the full list and how they determined the rankings here.