Discover the Magic of Beach Glass

Green, white and brown beach glass on the shores

A Family-Friendly Treasure Hunt

Looking for a family-friendly adventure that combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the serenity of the great outdoors? Beach glass hunting along Northern Michigan’s shoreline is the perfect blend of fun, exploration, and discovery! Whether you’re a seasoned beachcomber or a curious first-timer, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of spotting those smooth, colorful gems hidden among the sand and pebbles. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the fascinating world of beach glass!

What Is Beach Glass?

Known as “mermaid tears” by some, beach glass is the ultimate example of nature’s recycling. These smooth, frosted pieces of glass start as broken shards, tumbling for decades in the Great Lakes, where water and sand polish them into tiny treasures. Once sharp and jagged, the glass becomes soft, rounded, and safe to touch—like little miracles of the waves.

Where Does Beach Glass Come From?

Every piece of beach glass tells a story. Some of it comes from discarded bottles and jars, while other pieces might trace their origins to old factories or long-forgotten shipwrecks. Decades ago, people even dumped trash into the lakes, inadvertently creating these sparkling jewels we find today.

The Colors of Beach Glass

The color of each piece reveals its origin:

Common Colors: White, brown, and light blue
Uncommon Gems: Green, dark blue, and purple
Rare Finds: Red and deep violet

Here’s a fun fact: Clear glass with manganese turns purple after prolonged sun exposure. The more manganese, the richer the hue!

Is It Glass or a Pebble?

Not sure if you’ve found beach glass or just a pebble? Here’s a tip: Wet it! Glass will let light shine through, revealing its translucent beauty. However, frosted milk glass, jadeite, or ceramics—though not translucent—are also considered true beach glass if they’ve been smoothed by the water.

When and Where to Hunt

Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best beach glass. Try these tips:

Springtime Magic: After the ice melts on the Great Lakes, fresh treasures are revealed along the shore.
Post-Storm Treasure Hunts: Summer storms churn the lakebed, stirring up hidden gems and washing them ashore. As soon as the wild waves calm down, grab your bucket and hit the beach!

Pro tip: Look for areas where rocks and pebbles collect—it’s prime real estate for beach glass.

Show Off Your Finds

After a day of adventure, display your newfound treasures in clear vases, incorporate them into potted plants, or turn them into unique jewelry. Want a simple keepsake? Glue a magnet to the back and create a one-of-a-kind fridge decoration to remind you of your beach day fun.

Go Find Your Own Treasure!

Doesn’t the idea of uncovering sparkling gems along a beautiful lakeshore sound like the perfect adventure? Pack up the kids, grab a bucket, and set off on a hunt for beach glass. The Great Lakes hold countless treasures, and with a bit of luck and some patience, you’ll discover your own mermaid tears to cherish forever. What are you waiting for? The beach is calling!

Why Choose Dyer Lake Vacation Home?

Our home offers the best of both worlds—a private escape surrounded by nature, paired with convenient access to Lake Michigan area beaches that are perfect for finding beach glass and other treasures. Dyer Lake is thoughtfully stocked and managed by local hosts, it’s designed to feel like your home away from home.

Visit our photo gallery to see all the pictures of Dyer Lake Vacation Home.

Ready to book your stay? Book direct and save or you can book through Airbnb if you prefer.

Hello there! I’m Marisa, Patrick’s mom, and I’m here to make sure your stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home is as delightful as possible. Whether you have questions about the area or need help with anything during your stay, I’m your go-to person. My goal is to ensure you have a fantastic time and enjoy our little slice of heaven.

Our family finally settled in the Traverse City area in 1995 after years of vacationing here. Back in the day, when we were a bustling family of six, finding a suitable cabin was quite the adventure—before the days of the internet. I would call the Visitors Center (now Traverse City Tourism) and patiently wait for mimeographed sheets listing various cabin options. Finding a place that could fit our crew and accommodate our needs was no small feat!

With four kids, two hotel rooms just didn’t cut it, and dining out for every meal added up quickly. We loved having a home base, but finding a well-stocked kitchen with more than the basics felt like winning the lottery. We used to cross our fingers hoping the oven was big enough for a 9×13 pan and that there were at least two working burners on the stove.

Oh, how times have changed! You can leave the old days behind when you stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home. Patrick, Lauren, and the rest of the family cook here, vacation here and play here. You will find a kitchen that’s well-stocked and ready to handle all your culinary adventures. We’ve got a full-size refrigerator and a stove/oven that actually works! Dyer Lake offers a comfortable place to hang out and a quiet lake for kayaking or lounging lakeside. Enjoy your stay—we’re thrilled to have you here!