Weko Beach
Bridgman, Michigan · on Lake Michigan · Weko Beach Park
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $15
- SEASON
- Memorial Day through Labor Day is the official fee/staffed season for the beach; the adjacent campground is open through October 1 each year.
About Weko Beach
Weko Beach is the City of Bridgman's public Lake Michigan beach park, located at 5301 Lake Street just west of downtown Bridgman. This big-water swimming hole offers over 900 feet of freshwater beachfront along with a campground, dune trails, a rentable beach house, and a small boat launch, and is operated directly by the city's Parks & Recreation department, one of the most accessible places to swim on this stretch of Lake Michigan.
The park sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Berrien County, backed by wooded dunes; a dune trail system links the beach to the much larger Warren Dunes State Park nearby, per Wikipedia's description of the Bridgman park network.
Swimming at Weko Beach
Swimming is in open Lake Michigan water directly off a sandy beach. The city's own beach page posts "NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY! SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK!" and links to National Weather Service water temperature and hazard-flag information, indicating conditions (and rip-current-style hazards typical of southern Lake Michigan) can vary and swimmers are expected to check flags before entering.
How to get to this swimming hole
The beach and its paid parking lot are at 5301 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 49106, a short drive from downtown Bridgman (about 1.3 miles).
Parking: On-site paid vehicle lot at the beach; during Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily parking is $15 (credit card only), with season passes ranging from free for residents 65+ up to $45 for non-residents; separate boat ramp passes are $30/day or $30-$65 seasonal.
The hike in
None needed to reach the swimming beach - the parking lot opens directly onto the sand. Separately, a dune trail system connects Weko Beach to the much larger Warren Dunes State Park (which has about 8 miles of trails, including named dunes like Tower Hill at 240 ft), per Wikipedia, but the exact trailhead location and one-way distance of that connector trail could not be verified this session.
Beach access itself is a short walk (under a minute) from car to water across the lot/sand.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Open Lake Michigan swimming directly off the sandy beach with no lifeguards on duty (city signage reads 'SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK'); the city's own beach page directs visitors to check NWS water-temperature and hazard-flag info before entering, implying rip-current/rough-surf risk typical of southern Lake Michigan. Entry itself is a gentle sand slope with no rocks/cliffs.
Parking
Paid, $15/day (credit card only) in season; season passes $10 (resident) to $45 (non-resident)
Paved on-site lot immediately adjacent to the sand at 5301 Lake Street, Bridgman. A separate boat-ramp pass ($30/day, or $30-$65 seasonal) is required for trailered boats at the adjoining launch.
Restrooms
Yes
Beach restrooms and concessions on-site at Weko Beach, though the city notes hours may vary seasonally.
Hours
Beach open 5am-11pm daily; boat launch operates seasonally May 1-October 1; restroom/concession hours vary.
On the water
Restrictions: No jet skis permitted; vessels must be 16 ft or under at the boat launch; kayak/paddleboard rentals only go out during green/low-surf conditions and require a signed waiver.
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available through the city's own on-site rental concession; separately, a small-craft boat ramp (≤16 ft, no jet skis) is available with a daily or seasonal launch pass.
Rentals nearby
Single, double, and triple kayaks; stand-up paddleboards
Prices: $25/hr single kayak, $30/hr double kayak, $35/hr triple kayak, $30/hr paddleboard
On-site at Weko Beach, 5301 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 49106 · Seasonal (in-season beach hours 5am-11pm); rentals go out only in green/low-surf conditions and require a waiver
Weko Beach: FAQ
Does Weko Beach charge a fee?
Daily beach parking $15 in season (credit card only); season passes $0 (senior residents) to $45 (non-resident); kayak rentals $25-$35/hr, paddleboard rentals $30/hr; boat launch passes $30 daily. The beach is city-owned and does not accept Michigan Recreation Passport or county park passes.
Is Weko Beach kid friendly?
Open Lake Michigan swimming directly off the sandy beach with no lifeguards on duty (city signage reads 'SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK'); the city's own beach page directs visitors to check NWS water-temperature and hazard-flag info before entering, implying rip-current/rough-surf risk typical of southern Lake Michigan. Entry itself is a gentle sand slope with no rocks/cliffs.
Do I need to hike to reach Weko Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Weko Beach?
Paved on-site lot immediately adjacent to the sand at 5301 Lake Street, Bridgman. A separate boat-ramp pass ($30/day, or $30-$65 seasonal) is required for trailered boats at the adjoining launch.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Weko Beach?
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available through the city's own on-site rental concession; separately, a small-craft boat ramp (≤16 ft, no jet skis) is available with a daily or seasonal launch pass.
When is the best time to visit Weko Beach?
Memorial Day through Labor Day is the official fee/staffed season for the beach; the adjacent campground is open through October 1 each year.
What are the rules at Weko Beach?
No lifeguards on duty (swim at own risk); no dogs (service animals only), alcohol, glass, bonfires, or fireworks on the sand; no overnight parking or camping outside the designated campground; kayak/paddleboard rentals only go out in green/low surf conditions; jet skis prohibited at the boat launch; no ATVs/UTVs/golf carts anywhere on park property.
What water body is Weko Beach on?
Weko Beach is on Lake Michigan, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
