Anyone who’s ever visited Lake Superior can attest to the fact that it truly looks like an endless sea. As the largest of the Great Lakes – it contains more water than the other four combined – and the second-largest lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior certainly lives up to its name. Here in Minnesota, we are lucky to have more than 100 miles of shoreline along this beautiful lake, including many wonderful beaches. Below, you’ll learn about six of the best Lake Superior beaches in Minnesota. Visit them, and you’ll feel like you’re at the ocean.

1. Black Beach, Silver Bay
Black Beach, Silver Bay, MN, USA
Will H/TripAdvisor
Black Beach is a fascinating spot along Minnesota’s North Shore. The black sand is unlike anything else in the state. It was created from taconite tailings that were dumped into the lake by past mining operations. The black sand is harmless, but it does provide a beautiful backdrop to your visit, especially when combined with the blue sky and water and the rugged red cliffs nearby. Not only is black beach gorgeous, but it is also a great place to dip your toe in the lake’s icy waters!
2. Iona's Beach, Iona’s Beach SNA
Iona's Beach Scientific & Natural Area (SNA), Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USA
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Iona’s Beach is often called Minnesota’s singing beach. When you visit, you’ll soon understand why. As Lake Superior’s waves wash ashore, the pink pebbles that make up the beach move together to create a high, tinkling sound. The chiming rocks combine with the expansive view of Lake Superior, making visitors feel like they are far from Minnesota - perhaps at an ocean thousands of miles away.

Check out this video tour and virtual hike of Iona’s Beach, courtesy of the Minnesota DNR:

3. Park Point Beach, Duluth
Park Point Beach And Beach House, Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, MN, USA
Caroline C/TripAdvisor
Park Point Beach is perhaps the most ocean-like beach in Minnesota. It’s located all along the world’s largest sandbar - also called Minnesota Point - and it’s, by far, the best known among the Duluth beaches. There’s plenty of sand for spreading out a beach blanket, and it’s an excellent place to swim. The cold water of Lake Superior will cool you down on hot summer days.

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4. Artist Point, Grand Marais
Artist Point, Grand Marais, MN, USA
WisconsinKaasKop/Flickr
Artist Point is not your traditional beach. It doesn’t have any of the sand - or even pebbles - that make up other North Shore beaches. But that’s what makes it so uniquely beautiful. Flat rock formations look out over the endless water, making this beach feel like it’s on a rugged ocean coast halfway around the world. The beautiful scenery and easy hike to Artists’s Point make it a popular stop for northern Minnesota travelers.
5. Agate Beach, Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USA
Anna/Flickr
Found within the borders of one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks, Agate Beach is just steps away from the gorgeous Gooseberry Falls. But when you visit, your eyes will be on the powerful waves of Lake Superior as they wash ashore on this rugged coastline. This is not a swimming beach, but it is well worth visiting for those who love to explore the North Shore.

6. Burlington Bay Beach, Two Harbors
Burlington Bay Campground, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
David Adolphson/Google Reviews
The name of the town is Two Harbors, although most folks are probably really only aware of one of its harbors: Agate Bay. It’s there that you’ll find the famous break wall, the lighthouse, the train depot, and the massive iron ore terminals that welcome leviathan lake freighters. But just around a point, near the municipal campground, you’ll find the much mellower Burlington Bay. Its wide crescent of small pebbles, protected from most of the big lake’s wave action, and gradual slope into the water make it the perfect place to wade in the water and pick through the pebbles, hunting for agates and lake glass polished smooth by water.

Have you ever visited any of these Lake Superior beaches? Do you have other favorites that we didn’t list? Let us know in the comments! Also be sure to check out our road trip that will take you to all of the best places on the North Shore in just one day!

 

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Lake Superior Beaches

Trent Jonas | June 15, 2023

Are there any other Lake Superior beaches in Minnesota?

There are several other Lake Superior beaches in Minnesota, and they can be found in many places along the North Shore Scenic Byway. There are two that are particularly noteworthy which were not mentioned in the main article above.

Probably the most obvious is the pebble beach located right in downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota. This beach is the focal point of this charming small town’s business district. It overlooks the quaint harbor with its moored boats and break walls, as well the iconic light house that stretches out from Artist Point. The beach is part of a small park, so you’ll find benches, statues, and other things to explore right in the area. Grab a smoothie from Shook, and take some time to sift through the stones looking for treasure.

You’ll find the other beach at Flood Bay State Wayside, which is just outside of Two Harbors as you head up the North Shore. Pull in for a bit and scramble over the rocks, or just sit back and enjoy the waves as the roll up over the craggy beach.

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