The Ultimate Lake Michigan Family Vacation: Beachwalk Resort Delivers for All Generations

Family, Travel
June 18, 2025
3:59 pm

As our four-generation family (from a vibrant 93-year-old great-grandma to a sweet 9-week-old great-grandchild!) searched for the ideal summer retreat, we stumbled upon a true gem: Beachwalk Resort in Michigan City, Indiana. Hailing from the South, our annual summer vacations traditionally led us to the salty vibes of the coast. But a yearning to understand the “Pure Lake Michigan” hype drew us north, and what a delightful surprise this lakeside village delivered!

Forget the humidity – here, pristine, cool, fresh water and crisp air set the scene for unforgettable memories. Our spacious rental became the hub for lively game nights, bringing all generations together, while the charming local town offered endless adventures. Our 93-year-old grandmother, in particular, proved that the best journeys truly are timeless. She even climbed in for a Dune Buggy ride in Saugatuck! While a week with the entire family under one roof might sound like a recipe for tension, Beachwalk Resort’s inclusive environment and abundant activities made our stay effortless and joy-filled. We even experienced the magic of the 4th of July, with a festive bike parade for the kids and countless dazzling fireworks displays over the lake. Our chosen home was perfectly sized, allowing everyone to spread out, take turns prepping and cooking meals, enjoy games, and gather around the fire pit for s’mores, with Grandma right in the thick of all the fun!

Why Beachwalk Resort is the Perfect Multigenerational & Accessible Family Getaway

We wholeheartedly recommend Beachwalk Resort for families of all ages and abilities. Here’s a closer look at what made our trip so special:

Our Family-Friendly Vacation Rental (8 Bed / 7.5 Bath, 1st Floor Primary!) featured exceptional perks:

Easy Entry: Only two steps to enter (and easily adaptable with portable aluminum ramps for even smoother access).
Seamless Main Floor Living: Zero-floor transition from the primary bedroom to its accessible bathroom.
Convenient Bathroom: Main floor bedroom and bathroom with a step-in shower.
Spacious Design: 36-inch doorways throughout, ensuring easy navigation even with mobility equipment.
Comfort & Support: A shower chair was thoughtfully provided.
EV Charging Station: Electric cars welcomed!
Inclusive Dining: Two large kitchen tables offered ample space for both wheelchairs and highchairs.
Baby & Toddler Ready: Equipped with essential baby accessories like a pack-n-play, bassinet, high chair, booster, and a treasure trove of beach toys.
Outdoor Fun Galore: Loaded with beach towels, toys, buckets, rackets, coolers, and more for endless outdoor enjoyment.

Unbeatable Location, Convenience, & Amenities within Beachwalk Resort, Michigan City, IN:

Golf Cart Community: Most rentals include a golf cart, making getting around a breeze.
Accessible Homes: Many homes within the resort feature built-in ramps for enhanced accessibility.
Walkable & Bikeable: Explore the resort’s charming streets on foot or by bike.
Beach Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs are available for rent at the main office in the center of the resort, allowing everyone to get closer to the water (though note the distance and dune elevation will require some assistance and taking breaks). Our MeeMaw enjoyed the fireworks from a beach wheelchair right by the water!
Resort Activities for All: Enjoy a playground, kayaks, paddle boats, paddle boards, putt-putt, and various outdoor games – all included!
Water Fun: Cool off at the splash pad, kids’ pool, and larger main pool.
Sweet Treats: Indulge in ice cream at the on-site shop.
Nearby Excursions: Easily drivable to exciting attractions like Dune Buggy rides, boat tours, and charming Lake Michigan beach towns such as South Haven, Saugatuck, and Holland.
Shopping & Nature: Explore the outlet mall for shoppers or challenge yourselves on the hills for the Three Dunes Challenge in Indiana Dunes National Park for outdoor enthusiasts.
Golfing Opportunities: Plenty of options for golf lovers.
Accessible Beach Pathways: Boardwalks and beach mats provide pathways to the beach.
Runners world: Ideal weather and location make it a perfect combo for walkers and runners to enjoy outdoor exercise.

These are just a few highlights – we barely scratched the surface of all that Beachwalk Resort and the Lake Michigan area have to offer!

Pro Tip for Booking Your Dream Lake Michigan Getaway:

Michigan vacation rentals, especially in popular spots like Beachwalk Resort and particularly during holiday weeks (like the 4th of July!), book up incredibly fast. Many prime rentals require booking a year in advance. Additionally, most vacation rentals off Lake Michigan have a 7-night minimum stay requirement, especially during peak season. Plan ahead to secure your ideal family retreat!

Ready to plan your own unforgettable multigenerational family vacation on Lake Michigan?

Click here to explore Beachwalk Resort rentals and book your accessible family getaway today!

Have you discovered a favorite Lake Michigan beach town? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

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Frances Nell Blanc

6 months ago

Even though you are my granddaughter, I am honestly not prejudice: this blog is extraordinary, interesting, informative, and entertaining all wrapped together! Congratulations on a “Job Well Done”👏♥️

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Tiffany

6 months ago

Reply to Frances Nell Blanc

Thank you and grateful for the fun memories we have created together and continue to build ❤️

Meet the Blogger

Hi, I’m Tiffany Dill!

As a mom with profound hearing loss, I know firsthand the beauty and chaos of navigating life with young kids, extended family, and all the little surprises along the way. At Blue Day 2, I’m all about creating spaces and experiences that bring joy to families of all ages and abilities. From home designs that work seamlessly for everyone to sharing my favorite picks from my LTK and Amazon shops, I’m here to make life and travel simpler, more accessible, and filled with joy. Stick around for plenty of inspiration, a little less stress, and a whole lot more fun as we embrace life’s perfectly imperfect adventures together!

Let's Get Personal!

Click on the tabs below to learn more fun facts about me. Do we have anything in common?

Tiffany, you've been married to Andrew for over 16 years now. Any special anniversary traditions?

Oh, absolutely! Every year since we got married in September 2008, we’ve worn the exact same clothes we left our wedding reception in. Yup, I'm talking my gold cocktail dress, wedding jewelry shining, and Andrew rocking his wedding suit. We’re not about to let that tradition slide. It’s been 16 years of pure anniversary magic. I guess you could say we’re "stuck" in our wedding day outfits, but in the best way possible!

Completing an Ironman and earning a doctorate in occupational therapy in the same year sounds intense. How did you pull that off?

Intense is one way to put it! But honestly, raising two energetic boys might just be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The Ironman and doctorate were definitely tough, but mom life? That’s the ultimate endurance race. It’s the one that keeps me—and even Andrew—on our A-game, every single day. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, though. There’s nothing like their opposite personalities and they surprise you with so much joy even in the chaos, and that's where my energy goes—no finish line required.

You’ve set a pretty ambitious goal with playing ‘Sweet By and By’ on the piano. What’s the story there?

Ah, yes! I miss playing the piano. I started playing piano since second grade and even made it to an advanced level through college. But now, my life goal is to master Sweet By and By (again) before I leave earth. It’s definitely a stretch, but that’s the fun part, right? First, though, I need to add a piano in a room I’ve been dreaming of since we built our home. Playing piano was always my outlet. Until then, running is my stress reliever.

Hidden talent alert: You can read lips. How’d you discover that one?

Oh, this one goes way back! When I was four years old, I managed to fool five different audiologists during my hearing tests. It wasn’t until a doctor noticed that I wasn’t repeating what she said when she turned around (back in those days they didn’t cover their lips nor did they have tinted windows in the sound booth)! I had spinal meningitis at 13 months, which nearly took my life and left me in a coma for a week. As a result, I had to start over on a few developmental milestones and missed a lot of early speech and language development. Thanks to years of speech therapy and a knack for lip-reading, I still manage to fool people with my profound hearing loss. It comes in handy when someone wants to know what the ref said on the field or TV, or if I’m in a crowded room and want to eavesdrop—just kidding. Sort of.

On the flip side, what are some things you’re not a fan of?

Confined spaces. Cilantro. Olives. Blue cheese. I could live without all of those. And don’t even get me started on being stuck inside for hours at a time. I'm much more suited to wide-open spaces, the great outdoors, and pretty much anything that involves fresh air.

We all know you’re a planner, but what do you hold closest to your heart?

Sentiments. They’re irreplaceable. There’s something about the things that carry emotional weight—whether it’s a moment or an object—that just can’t be duplicated. I’ve learned to really appreciate the simple, meaningful stuff in life. In fact, our Christmas tree is adorned with over 20 years of ornaments symbolizing memories from a loss of loved ones to trips and even sour times. It’s like finding joy in the simple little things whether they are happy or sad or even bad memories.

You’re a busy mom and entrepreneur, but how do you manage to squeeze in family time?

Time? What’s that? Ha! Honestly, there’s just not enough of it. And the thing is, we can’t get it back. So I prioritize memory-making with my family. That’s my top priority. Whether it’s hiking, running, biking, traveling, or exploring the great outdoors with my boys, I live for those moments. In fact, I devote one day off work a week to be with my little guys and my husband and I carve out a weekly date night.