Porches Of Pure Michigan: 9 Lakeside Spots To Swoon Over
Michigan’s stunning lakes offer more than just water activities, they provide the perfect backdrop for some of the most breathtaking porches in the Midwest.
From rustic wooden decks to elegant wraparound verandas, these lakeside porches combine comfort with nature’s splendor. Grab your favorite beverage and join me as we explore Michigan porches where time seems to slow down and worries drift away with the gentle waves.
1. Grand Hotel’s Famous Front Porch (Mackinac Island)
How could I not start with the world’s longest? At nearly 700 feet, this iconic white-columned marvel offers panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac that literally stop first-time visitors in their tracks.
The Grand Hotel’s porch has hosted presidents, celebrities, and generations of vacationers since 1887. Rocking chairs dot the length, inviting you to sip afternoon tea while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop below.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like watching a Great Lakes sunset from this historic vantage point.
2. The Screened Haven At Sleeping Bear Bay
Though modest in size, this screened porch delivers million-dollar views. Nestled among tall pines with Lake Michigan’s turquoise waters just steps away, it’s where mosquitoes dare not enter, but cool breezes always find their way.
Sleeping Bear Bay’s charm comes from its perfect simplicity, weathered wood floors, mismatched vintage furniture, and string lights that twinkle as dusk falls. No need for entertainment when you can watch eagles soar above the Manitou Islands or count shooting stars on clear summer nights.
3. Torch Lake’s Glass-Enclosed Stunner
Where modern architecture meets nature’s perfection. This glass-walled porch extension defies traditional design by virtually disappearing, creating the illusion you’re floating directly above Torch Lake’s famous Caribbean-blue waters.
The owners smartly installed retractable screens and climate control, making this porch a year-round retreat. Winter brings its own magic as snow blankets the landscape while you remain toasty inside.
Heated floors mean bare feet are welcome even in January. A luxury that transforms how Michiganders experience lakeside living.
4. The Historic Boathouse Veranda (Harbor Springs)
If walls could talk! This century-old boathouse veranda has witnessed generations of summer romances and family gatherings along Little Traverse Bay. Low-hanging beams adorned with vintage fishing gear create an authenticity no decorator could replicate.
Harbor Springs’ boating heritage shines through in every detail of this porch. Weathered Adirondack chairs face the water, positioned perfectly for watching the yacht club’s Wednesday night races.
The owners preserved the original bell used to announce meals. Ring it today, and family members still come running from wherever they’re playing on the property.
5. Higgins Lake’s Sunset-Facing Swing Porch
Are you ready for porch paradise? This west-facing wooden wonderland features not one but three porch swings, strategically arranged to catch different angles of Higgins Lake’s famously clear waters.
The Sunset Swing Porch earned its nickname honestly, the homeowners installed special amber-tinted screens that enhance sunset colors rather than dulling them. Clever built-in coolers beneath the swings mean refreshments are always within reach.
Local contractors now report numerous requests to replicate this design, but the original remains the gold standard for lake-loving swingers.
6. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Circular Porch (Lake Superior)
This circular marvel wraps completely around a converted lighthouse keeper’s home on Lake Superior’s rocky shore. When wild November gales whip across the water, you’ll understand why the original keepers needed 360-degree views.
The current owners restored this unique porch with historically accurate details while adding modern comforts. Thick glass windows can be removed in summer but provide crucial protection during fierce storms.
Superior’s legendary power feels tangible here. I’ve watched 20-foot waves crash against the rocks below while remaining perfectly dry with a hot toddy in hand.
7. Houghton Lake’s Rustic Timber Masterpiece
When a third-generation logger decides to build his dream porch, magic happens. Every beam in this massive covered structure came from the family’s northern Michigan woodlot, hand-selected and milled specifically for this project.
Houghton Lake spreads out before this elevated porch like a sparkling playground. The massive stone fireplace ensures comfort even during chilly mornings and extends outdoor living well into Michigan’s colorful fall season.
Local craftspeople contributed custom metalwork, including ingenious swiveling drink holders that attach to the railings, practical luxury at its finest.
8. Glen Lake’s Terraced Garden Porch
This multi-level wooden masterpiece descends gradually from house to shoreline through carefully planned garden terraces. Each level offers a different perspective of Glen Lake’s famously clear waters and the surrounding dunes.
The owners, both landscape architects, designed the space to blend seamlessly with native plantings. Hidden speakers pipe soft music throughout, while cleverly disguised lighting illuminates the path to the water after dark.
During cherry blossom season, the fragrance from neighboring orchards mixes with lake breezes to create an almost intoxicating natural perfume unique to this special corner of Michigan.
9. Lake Charlevoix’s Boater’s Dream Porch
Where function meets fabulous! This innovative covered dock-porch combination extends directly over Lake Charlevoix’s waters, allowing the owners to park their vintage wooden boat underneath while enjoying cocktails above.
The structure’s ingenious design includes a retractable awning, built-in marine-grade refrigeration, and furniture that can withstand occasional splashes. Lake Charlevoix’s boating culture centers around this remarkable space during summer gatherings.
My favorite touch? A brass ship’s bell reclaimed from a 1920s Great Lakes freighter that the owners ring to announce sunset each evening.
