DeVoe Beach
Indian River, Michigan · on Burt Lake
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About DeVoe Beach
DeVoe Beach is an official Tuscarora Township park in Indian River, Michigan, occupying a sheltered sandy cove where the Indian River channel empties into Burt Lake. It functions as the town's free public swimming hole, with picnic grounds, a barrier-free Veterans Memorial fishing pier, and buoy-marked swim water, and it serves as the community's gathering point for events like the Fourth of July fireworks.
The beach sits on a large, shallow, pine-shaded cove at the mouth of the Indian River, right where that channel flows into Burt Lake - part of Michigan's Inland Waterway chain connecting Crooked Lake, Burt Lake, and Mullett Lake. It is a short walk from downtown Indian River, with a sandy shoreline, grassy picnic grounds, and the Veterans Memorial fishing pier extending into the cove.
Swimming at DeVoe Beach
Swimming is in a calm, shallow, sandy-bottomed cove marked off with buoys, making it well suited to families and children; visitor accounts describe the water as warm and gentle rather than a deep or current-driven swim spot.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located on Oak Glen Street just off downtown Indian River, a short walk from the town's main business district, on the cove where the Indian River channel meets Burt Lake.
Parking: On-site parking lot at the township park.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up township beach on Oak Glen Street; parking lot is immediately adjacent to the sand, so it's a short walk (under a minute) from car to water, not a hike.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Buoy-marked, shallow, sandy-bottomed cove separates the swim area from the boat channel at the river mouth; visitor reviews describe warm, gentle water with kids playing right at the water's edge. Some boat traffic passes nearby since the cove sits at the mouth of the Indian River channel into Burt Lake, so keep younger kids inside the buoy line.
Parking
Free
On-site township park parking lot right next to the beach; no fee or permit requirement was found in any official or aggregator source.
Restrooms
Yes
Pit toilets / a portable toilet at the park; aggregated visitor reviews note there is no changing area and no handwashing station, so bring hand sanitizer. Reviews also say the facilities are kept well cleaned.
Water clarity
Clear
Visitors describe 'clear waters' over a sandy bottom in the shallow swim cove.
On the water
Michigan Water Trails lists DeVoe Beach as a carry-in canoe/kayak landing (under 50 yards from parking to water) in addition to swimming and fishing. The buoy-marked swim area is separate from the adjacent river-mouth channel, which sees 'heavier boat traffic' from motorized boats and the Inland Waterway passing between Burt Lake and the Indian River channel; this appears to be through-traffic in the channel rather than launching from the beach itself, so motorboat use at the beach itself is not confirmed.
Rentals nearby
Pontoon/tri-toon boat rentals for use on Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and the Inland Waterway
Indian River, MI
MasterCraft powerboat rentals, jet ski rentals, and water toys (water trampolines, flyboards, stand-up paddleboards)
Burt Lake, MI area (exact marina/dock not stated on site; delivered to 'marina of your choice')
Brand-new Tahoe tri-toon pontoon boats (200 hp, 12-person capacity) for Burt Lake and Mullett Lake
3247 Club Road, Indian River, MI 49749 (Fay Martin River Resort)
What regulars say
Visitors describe DeVoe Beach as shallow, warm, and clear over a sandy bottom, with 'ample space for big groups without feeling crowded' and a tip to visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid weekend crowds. Because the cove sits at the mouth of the Indian River channel into Burt Lake, visitors note 'heavier boat traffic' passing by, which doubles as 'good people watching.' Restroom facilities are called out as basic (pit toilet/port-a-potty) with no handwashing station or changing area, so regulars suggest bringing hand sanitizer; one visitor said the bathrooms are nonetheless kept well cleaned. It's noted as a good sunset-watching spot and a popular Independence Day fireworks viewing location.
Backstory
In 2026 the Indian River Women's Club won second place and a $15,000 grant in the Consumers Energy Foundation's 'Put Your Town on the Map' contest to fund ADA and accessibility upgrades at DeVoe Beach, underscoring the park's role as a community landmark.
DeVoe Beach: FAQ
Is DeVoe Beach kid friendly?
Buoy-marked, shallow, sandy-bottomed cove separates the swim area from the boat channel at the river mouth; visitor reviews describe warm, gentle water with kids playing right at the water's edge. Some boat traffic passes nearby since the cove sits at the mouth of the Indian River channel into Burt Lake, so keep younger kids inside the buoy line.
Do I need to hike to reach DeVoe Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for DeVoe Beach?
On-site township park parking lot right next to the beach; no fee or permit requirement was found in any official or aggregator source.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to DeVoe Beach?
Michigan Water Trails lists DeVoe Beach as a carry-in canoe/kayak landing (under 50 yards from parking to water) in addition to swimming and fishing. The buoy-marked swim area is separate from the adjacent river-mouth channel, which sees 'heavier boat traffic' from motorized boats and the Inland Waterway passing between Burt Lake and the Indian River channel; this appears to be through-traffic in the channel rather than launching from the beach itself, so motorboat use at the beach itself is not confirmed.
When is the best time to visit DeVoe Beach?
Summer (June through September), per visitor data.
What are the rules at DeVoe Beach?
Swim area is marked off with buoys; facilities are ADA accessible, including the Veterans Memorial fishing pier. No formal posted hours or fee schedule were found in official sources.
What water body is DeVoe Beach on?
DeVoe Beach is on Burt Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
