About Jill Halpin
About Jill Halpin — Michigan Travel Expert & Founder of MyMichiganBeach.com
Founder and Chief Beach Officer, My Michigan Beach and Travel Michigan’s Top Travel Information Website & Trusted Guide since 2019.
I’m Jill Halpin—a lifelong Michigan resident, experienced travel journalist, and the voice behind MyMichiganBeach.com, the state’s most trusted resource for discovering hidden beaches, charming small towns, and unforgettable adventures across all five Great Lakes.
Living part-time between Metro Detroit, Chicago and Northern Michigan, I’ve spent decades swimming, sailing, hiking, and exploring every corner of our beautiful state—from Traverse City to Petoskey, Oscoda to South Haven. She also covers Chicago travel as founder of LittleChicagoGuide.com, reaching a combined audience of hundreds of thousands of Midwest travelers across both platforms.
Thinking about exploring Michigan? See my latest travel guides or work with me to reach fellow Michigan adventurers!
Jill’s Experience & Credentials
- Bachelor’s in Journalism and Master’s in Library & Information Science from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)
- Author of award-winning features for the American Heart Association on women’s wellness
- Library of Congress Information Science Fellow
- Frequent contributor to top Midwest media: TV, print, and online
- Based in Michigan: Split time between Metro Detroit, Northern Michigan, and Chicago—exploring (& sharing) Michigan’s best beaches, small towns, and hidden gems all year round
About My Expertise
I am passionate about exploring my home state of Michigan and have combined my skills as a journalist and librarian with my love for Michigan travel to create MyMichiganBeach.com. As a recognized Michigan travel expert, I spend all four seasons discovering new destinations—from the shores of Lake Michigan to the towns of the Upper Peninsula—bringing readers the latest travel tips, guides, and hidden gems.
National & Local Media Recognition
Jill has appeared on television more than 40 times across five major Midwest network affiliates — Fox 17 West Michigan, WDIV Detroit, Fox 2 Detroit, Fox 32 Chicago, and WSBT South Bend — covering Michigan travel, seasonal guides, and Great Lakes safety since 2022.
👉 See every appearance with links →
Today, My Michigan Beach is recognized as Michigan’s top travel blog. I am frequently invited to share expert Michigan travel advice on TV, local radio, and major print and online media outlets. Here are some of my most recent features and media appearances:
- Best Michigan beaches to visit to kick off the summer
- 5 Must-Visit Michigan Beaches for 2024
- 2024 Beachy Award winners
- My Michigan Beach Shares Fantastic Spring Break Destinations
- Best Spots to See Michigan Fall Color Fox 17 West Michigan
- My Michigan Beach + Spring Break Destinations Fox 2 Detroit
- Best-Kept Secret Getaways in Michigan – Detroit Free Press
- Last-Minute Michigan Beaches to Visit – WDIV’s “Live in the D”
National and Local Press Appearances
Fun Facts About Me
- I have a 14-foot racing Dinghy named The Lady Celeste that I sail on Lake Huron in the summer
- I love playing tennis (NOT pickleball) with my family and love scoping out tennis courts when I’m traveling…and I never travel sans racquet
- I still stick to the Greens even though I’ve been skiing for more than 40 years…but hey, it works for me!
- I have a favorite beach on all five of our Great Lakes…including Lake Ontario!
- I started LittleChicagoGuide.com in 2023, and it’s now Chicago’s must-visit resource for exploring the city!
- Favorite places to swim? Lake Huron in Greenbush; The Homestead on Sleeping Bear Bay and the lap pool at LifeTime River North in Chicago
What You’ll Find on MyMichiganBeach.com
My blog highlights the beauty of the state and shares the best Michigan travel spots, special places to play, stay and eat and fun activities to do all year long.
With over 500 posts, you’ll find everything from where to look for your favorite Michigan rocks like Yooperlites (hint: mostly in the Upper Peninsula) and Petoskey Stones to What to Do on Spring Break in Michigan (maybe it’s a staycation?) and Why You Should Celebrate Thanksgiving in Frankenmuth!
You’ll also find travel guides to help you explore Michigan, ranging from the best Upper Peninsula campgrounds and how to Explore Harbor Country in Southwest Michigan to why you must visit the Caseville Cheeseburger Festival in August and a Map of Best Christmas Light Displays all over Michigan! and the best places to catch an amazing Fourth of July fireworks show!
Reader’s Favorites
Some of our readers favorite articles (you’ll want to bookmark these) include:
Explore Michigan with Jill Halpin and MyMichiganBeach.com
Discover the Interactive Michigan Beach & Travel Map
Looking for the perfect place to start your Michigan adventure?
Check out my Interactive Michigan Beach and Travel Map – the ultimate guide to exploring the state’s top beaches, small towns, lighthouses, and hidden gems. This exclusive map was featured in a full-page spread in The Detroit News and is one of the most popular resources on MyMichiganBeach.com! If you’re planning a Michigan getaway or searching for the best local secrets, you’re in the right place!
- Easily search hundreds of verified Michigan travel spots
- Explore by region, activity, or interest
- Find expert tips curated from my personal travels across the state
Start your journey on the Michigan Travel & Beach Map and discover the places locals love.
Have a question or Want to Work With Us?
I enjoy working with brands that I love, please review my work with us brand collaboration page for more information. You can also reach out to me directly at: jill@mymichiganbeach.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links through Amazon, Impact and others, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. Read the full disclosure policy here.