Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Walter and Mary Burke Park Beach occupies a narrow crescent along Lake St. Clair's western shore, where the suburban rhythms of Macomb County meet the maritime pulse of one of the Great Lakes' busiest waterways. You'll park steps from the sand, watching pontoon boats cruise past on their way to Anchor Bay while children wade into the gradual shallows. The beach itself runs barely two hundred feet, but the park sprawls behind it—pavilions with weathered picnic tables, a playground where swings creak in the lake breeze, and a fishing pier that draws anglers chasing walleye and smallmouth bass. The water lacks ocean drama but offers something gentler: a swimming area roped off from boat traffic, a sandy bottom that slopes so slowly your toddler can splash twenty feet from shore without worry. Freighters glide silently across the horizon, their rust-red hulls bound for Detroit or Cleveland, while gulls wheel overhead scouting for dropped fries. The beach faces southeast, so morning light glints off the ripples and afternoon shadows stretch long across the sand. This is resolutely unglamorous Michigan shoreline—no dunes, no boardwalk vendors, no lifeguard stands plastered with vintage rescue buoys. Just a well-maintained strip of public access where metro Detroit families arrive with coolers and cornhole sets, claim their patch of sand, and spend entire summer Saturdays watching sailboats tack across water that connects, improbably, all the way to the Atlantic.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Walter and Mary Burke Park Beach.
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Walter and Mary Burke Park Beach sits on Anchor Bay along Lake St. Clair, offering generally calm waters suitable for families. However, swimming conditions depend on weather and water levels. Check local advisories before visiting, as Great Lakes beaches can experience sudden changes in conditions, including currents and wave action. The beach has no lifeguards on duty, so supervise children closely. Water quality can be affected by rainfall and runoff, so avoid swimming after heavy storms. The shallow, gradual entry makes it relatively safe for wading with young children.
The beach is accessible year-round, but peak swimming season runs from late June through August when Lake St. Clair water temperatures reach their warmest (typically 65-75°F). Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking, picnicking, and enjoying sunsets without summer crowds. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends. Michigan summers can be humid, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, so mornings often provide the best conditions. Winter visits allow for ice formations and peaceful waterfront walks, though amenities may be limited during colder months.
The park offers free public parking in a paved lot directly adjacent to the beach area, making access convenient for families with beach gear. The lot accommodates standard vehicles and has designated accessible parking spaces. During summer weekends and holidays, parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early morning is recommended. The beach is located off Washington Street in New Baltimore, easily accessible from I-94. Street parking may be available nearby if the lot is full. No parking fees are required for beach access.
New Baltimore's downtown area, within walking distance of the beach, features several restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops popular with beachgoers. The park itself has restrooms, picnic tables, and grills for cookouts. You'll find a playground for children and open green spaces. For groceries or beach supplies, chain stores are located along nearby M-29. Lodging options are limited in New Baltimore itself, but nearby communities along Lake St. Clair offer hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, typically 10-20 minutes away by car.
Yes, boat-watching is a popular activity at this beach. Walter and Mary Burke Park sits along the Lake St. Clair shipping channel, where you can observe recreational boaters, sailboats, and occasionally large Great Lakes freighters passing through the waterway. The beach offers unobstructed water views, making it an excellent spot for photography and sunset-watching. Many visitors bring binoculars to better view passing vessels. The boat traffic adds unique interest compared to more isolated beaches, though wave action from large vessels can temporarily affect water conditions near shore.
