If you've spent any time in the upper Midwest you know how wonderful the Great Lakes are. But living in New England I get skepticism — "Surf? Tides? Can't see across? Yeah, right." So whether you're a lover or a skeptic, here are some Lake Michigan pictures from an afternoon at Grand Mere State Park in southwestern Michigan.

Quiet path to the beach (imagine bird chirps).

The first big sand dune.

Vista after clambering over a couple dunes.

Vine and sand.

Heading down the last slope you can hear the surf.

Flora.

Some serious surf.

The beach.

Waves.

Can't see across.

Hanging out.

Beach grass.

Beach bum.

Heading back.

Cool horizon.