India, July 26 -- If you assume Michigan is just another corn-filled landscape, you're not alone. But unlike other Midwest states, the Mitten is a secret hub for natural wonders, including some of the most stunning beaches in the region.

This year, USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards named South Haven's South Beach as the best beach in Michigan. To create this list, an expert panel selected the most competitive candidates, then voters did the rest. The award cited South Beach's ADA accessibility, picnic areas, concessions, and views-highlights that only scratch the surface.

For starters, South Beach overlooks the historic South Haven Lighthouse, which opened in 1903. You can walk straight from the sand to the pier to see it up cl...