I’ve been spending summers splashing on the beaches of Caseville’s Saginaw Bay and
Visit Caseville, MI
Looking for a fun place to vacation with a seemingly endless sandy beach perfect for swimming and splashing?
You’ll want to check out Caseville, Michigan, a summer resort-town gem located at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb” area. The coast of Michigan’s thumb area has been a favorite vacation destination for beachgoers who love the soft sand and warm waters of Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.
If you’re looking for a Michigan beach vacation spot that brims with fun during the summer months, put Caseville on your bucket list today.
Discover the Beauty of Caseville
This sleepy little town on the shores of Saginaw Bay comes alive during the summer months when visitors from around the United States flock to its sandy shores.
Set on an idyllic bay on the warm, sparkling waters of Lake Huron, Caseville attracts visitors who enjoy exploring downtown Caseville and surrounding Caseville Township and playing on the wide sandy beaches.
The excitement in the town culminates every August during the “Cheeseburger in Caseville” festival, put on by the Caseville Chamber of Commerce. This annual event brings thousands of partygoers of all ages who celebrate almost two weeks of beach-side fun and activities built around singer Jimmy Buffet’s song,” Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
Read on to find more on one of the best places to visit on Michigan’s Thumb area.
Caseville, MI is Known For…
Warm, shallow waters of Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron that are perfect for swimmers and water-lovers of all ages. Caseville beaches are renowned for their beauty and accessibility.
Home of one of Michigan’s most popular Michigan State Parks: Albert E. Sleeper State Park.
Caseville’s Cheeseburger Festival, a 10-day long tribute to Jimmy Buffett’ mythical tropical paradise. The Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival takes place in the city of Caseville in August, celebrating the final weeks of summer vacation. Don’t miss the “Parade of Tropical Fools.”
The giant slide, part of the Key North mini golf and family fun center, which has been a favorite spot of Caseville vacation-goers for more than 50 years.
Just a short drive from Caseville is Bay Port, an unincorporated community along the shores of Saginaw Bay. This tiny community, was once a major fishing port is widely known for its’ “Fish Sandwich Days,” a weeklong festival held every August.
Caseville, MI Weather
Caseville’s weather throughout the warm summer months, May through mid-September, is the stuff dreams are made of.
Delightfully warm summer temperatures can range from 70 F to 90 F, warming the shallow bay waters to a perfectly swim-able temperature.
Best Beaches in Caseville, MI
One of the best things about this stretch of Lake Huron coastline is the abundance of public access to clean and beautiful beaches.
The local municipalities, including the Huron County parks system, as well as the Michigan State Parks did a marvelous job of preserving large swathes of pristine beach for public use.
This means that there are a wide variety of beaches from which you can choose: the town beaches often attract more visitors with their amenities, but there are many county parks (including popular Oak Beach) lining the shore between Caseville and Port Austin.
About Caseville Township
Caseville’s fun and funky atmosphere keeps the tip of the Michigan Thumb rockin’ all summer long.
Throughout generations, families have made Caseville’s beaches a vacation tradition; visiting lakefront beach and cabins rentals on Lake Huron year after year.
The beautiful resort-like setting has found a place in the hearts of these travelers and younger generations of families now flock to the area’s warm shallow waters along the coasts of Saginaw Bay to find their own vacation paradise.
This part of Huron County (county seat: Bad Axe), was once home to a large population of native Americans, who hunted and fished the lakes and nearby Pigeon River, which flows through the heart of downtown Caseville, Michigan.
Downtown Caseville Shops
Caseville Park, in the center of town, is the heart of this resort town.
You’ll find eclectic shops offering beachwear; fun souvenirs and antiques; and dining options that range from old-fashioned diners to comfortable upscale eateries: the city of Caseville has it all.
Don’t miss these fun shops:
Caseville Books and Gifts – This cute little bookshop has a well-curated collection of used books for all ages. Find a mix of the latest best-sellers, most-loved and must-read titles as well as other gifts and trinkets.
LeBlanc’s General Store – Step in to this vintage general store in downtown Caseville and go back in time about 100 years. The historic building still has the time-worn original wooden floors, but the merchandise in new, current and fun. Find beachwear, toys, gifts and more.
Lemontree Marketplace – This combination coffeeshop and store features an eclectic and fun collection of new and used home goods.
Caseville, MI Restaurants
Here, you’ll find tried-and-true eateries that have been in business for many years, serving generations of guests.
Try these Caseville stand-by favorites:
- Beachys, in the center of town, is beach-themed, family friendly spot with outdoor dining spots.
- Lefty’s Diner is a cute, 1950’s-themed, small, family restaurant with some of the best cheeseburgers and milkshakes around.
- Shakers Ice Cream serves up both hand-dipped Michigan-made ice creams as well as creamy soft-serves.
- Walt’s Restaurant is a simple, cash-only breakfast and lunch spot known by regulars for its large breakfasts and delicious soups.
Things to do in Caseville, MI
Thumb Brewery
6758 Pine St, Caseville, MI 48725
Owned and operated by a lifelong Caseville resident, Caseville’s Thumb Brewery is a cozy pub offering food, beer and wine.
Thumb Brewery has seven of its private label beers, including a Dark Irish Ale that is quite tasty. Other beers and ciders on tap include Bells, Dogfish and Founders as well as many others.
Caseville County Park
6400 Main St, Caseville, MI 48725
Talk about a prime location for a Michigan beach vacation: Caseville County Park is literally in the middle of the city of Caseville and boasts beachfront camping sites for visitors.
The park is within easy walking distance to grocery and convenience stores as well as restaurants and gift shops. The gently sloping sand beach offers sand volleyball and shallow bay waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimmers of all ages.
Sleeper State Park
6573 State Park Rd, Caseville, MI 48725
Sleeper State Park’s has 700+ acres of dunes and natural forest. This Michigan State Park offers lodging in mini cabins or camping as well as many other amenities such as hiking trails and planned events, and leashed dogs are allowed on the beach.
Boat charters, horseback riding, canoe and kayak rentals are also located near the park.
This is a great spot for an affordable Michigan Beach vacation.
Caseville Golf Course and Driving Range
5848 Griggs Rd, Caseville, MI 48725
This nine-hole family-owned gold course offers more than well-kept fairways and greens; there is a driving range, putting green, snack bar and pro shop. PRO TIP: During Caseville’s Cheeseburger Festival, the golf course offers rustic camping sites for very affordable overnight lodging.
Charity Island Cruise
1187 Dyer Road, Tawas City, Michigan 48763
Take a cruise aboard a 50-foot vessel to Charity Island, the largest island in Saginaw Bay.
The 222-acre island, which boasts three miles of Lake Huron of shoreline and an 11-acre spring-fed pond, Charity Island is a birder’s paradise. It is an important stopover for over 200 species of migratory birds.
Located in downtown Caseville next to the Caseville County park, the Caseville Pier is 1500 feet long, extending into Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.
Key North Mini Golf and Family Fun Center
7057 Main St, Caseville, MI 48725
Home of the “Giant Slide,” Key North Mini Golf is pure family-oriented entertainment that promises fun and great memories.
In addition to the Giant Slide and mini golf, try Bankshot Basketball, Bumper Boats, Water Wars, Go Karts. You can even rent a bike here.
Caseville Cheeseburger Festival
It’s become an annual event since it started in 1999, when a relatively small crowd of folks (about 5,000) gathered in this summer resort town to honor tropical paradises, cheeseburgers, and the songs of entertainer Jimmy Buffett.
What began as a three-day weekend has evolved into a 10-day over-the-top celebration and is now enjoyed by more than 300,000 guests.
Cheeseburger in Caseville Parade of Tropical Fools
The family-oriented event on the shores of Lake Huron includes a “Parade of Tropical Fools,” sand-castle building competitions, live music and much more.
This wacky, tacky event draws a fun-loving crowd of parade-watchers and participants alike.
Visitors line the streets to wave to pirates, mermaids and any other type of sea creature you can imagine…all in good, family fun.
Watch this space for more information on the Parade of Tropical Fools for 2023.
Caseville Sunsets
Did you know there is a spot along the Michigan coastline where you can watch both the sun rise AND the set from the same vantage point?
It’s true: at Albert E. Sleeper State Park, set on the shores of Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay at the tip of the thumb, beach-goers can view the sun coming up over the lake in the early morning hours, and if they stick around long enough, watch that same sun sink into the lake later that evening.
It’s a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the park’s unique location near the opening of Saginaw Bay into Lake Huron.
Where to Stay in Caseville, MI
Cabins for Rent in Caseville, Michigan
There are a wide variety of vacation rentals in the Caseville area. Sand Point, an area located south along the Caseville shoreline, has a wide variety of rentals on the water.
There are also cabins available for rent in Caseville and the surrounding area that include privately-owned rentals or resort-style. Some of these are beachfront rentals or have beach access. if you are looking to rent a cabin in Caseville, try these spots:
- Airbnb
- Dale’s Lakefront Cottages
- Sunset Beach Cottages
- VRBO
Hotels in Caseville, MI
Bella Vista Inn and Sunset Bay Resort offers sandy, private beaches and majestic sunsets.
This family friendly, year-round resort offers affordable beach side rooms.
With two pools, bonfire pits, delicious dining, DJ and dancing, the resort is located within minutes of town.
Explore Port Austin, MI
Just a short drive up the coastal highway is lovely Port Austin, MI, another summer vacation paradise for beach-lovers.
In addition to miles of pristine beaches, this naturally beautiful area boasts the Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum; nearby historic Grindstone City, Oak Beach County Park and loads of pure Michigan fun.
