North Coast Swims

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Discover Great Swims in Northern Michigan

Explore the waters along Michigan's beautiful northern coast.

2026 Event Schedule

Jul 18

Mackinac Bridge Swim

Mackinaw City

Aug 1

Point to La Pointe

Bayfield

Aug 2

Coastal Crawl

Harbor Springs

Aug 8

Swim for Grand Traverse Bay

Traverse City

Aug 9

Swim Around Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Bridge Swim

A bucket-list open water swim across the Straits of Mackinac, from Fort Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City to Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace. Approximately 4–5 miles through iconic Great Lakes waters. Organized by I Swim for Amy INC, a 501(c)(3) raising funds for local First Responders.

Straits of MackinacMackinaw City, Cheboygan County

Coastal Crawl

An annual open water swim celebrating the joy, challenge, and community of open water swimming on Little Traverse Bay. Held the first Sunday in August, the Coastal Crawl offers distances from a half mile to 3 miles — welcoming everyone from beginners to seasoned swimmers.

Little Traverse BayHarbor Springs, Emmet County

Point to La Pointe

An iconic open water swim across Lake Superior from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Madeline Island (La Pointe). Organized by Bayfield Recreation, this annual event draws swimmers to one of the most dramatic crossings in the Great Lakes region.

Lake SuperiorBayfield, Bayfield County

Swim for Grand Traverse Bay

A 2-mile point-to-point swim across the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, from Greilickville Harbor Park to Volleyball Beach in Traverse City. Benefiting The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, swimmers of all levels come together to celebrate clean, healthy water.

Grand Traverse BayTraverse City, Grand Traverse County

Swim Around Mackinac Island

An 8.2-mile circumnavigation of Mackinac Island in Lake Huron — one of the most iconic and challenging open water swims in the Great Lakes region. Now in its sixth year, this annual August event draws experienced swimmers from across the country to complete a full loop around the historic island.

Lake HuronMackinac Island, Mackinac County