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NatureNational & State Parks

The Most Remote Sand Beach In Wisconsin Is A Must-Visit This Summer

Bear Beach State Natural Area in Wisconsin offers a secluded and picturesque beach experience on the Lake Superior shoreline.

Published Jul 20, 2023

Written by 

Ben Jones

There are some places in Wisconsin that are a little out of the way, but well worth discovering. In fact, one special Wisconsin beach is just about as far north as you can go Wisconsin, and that’s part of what makes it special. Bear Beach State Natural Area is an unspoiled beach that offers soft sand and a gorgeous view that, on some days, your might have all to yourself. Gas up your car and grab the beach towels and sunscreen – here’s why Bear Beach State Natural Area has one of the best sand beaches in Wisconsin.

Bear Beach State Natural Area is located in Douglas County, a place that’s on the north side of Wisconsin's Northwoods. It includes the city of Superior as well as many wild places.

A serene lakeside view with sandy shore, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.
Google / John Zimm

Douglas County draws a lot of visitors – it’s home to some attractions and shops, it’s the gateway to vast forests, and it has miles of beautiful Lake Superior shoreline.

A serene sunset over a calm lake, with silhouettes of trees along the shoreline and a gradient sky.
Google / Will LaValley (Sonic4Spuds)

There are a lot of great places to enjoy the lake, but one of the best is Bear Beach State Natural Area. It’s on a long, undeveloped stretch of lakeshore.

A serene landscape featuring a rainbow in the sky above trees at sunset, with soft pink and purple hues.
Google / Will Ziegler

Bear Beach State Natural Area actually has several stretches of undeveloped beach along the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s all in the area that’s west of where the Brule River flows into the lake.

Aerial view of a serene lake bordered by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
Google / Aaron Carlson

You won’t mistake Bear Beach for a crowded urban waterway, and while there are few amenities, one of the biggest reasons to visit is the solitude.

A serene beach scene with gentle waves lapping at the sandy shore under a clear blue sky.
Google / loveangel132

The place is always changing due to the action of the waves, the winter ice, and the strong lake winds. If you enjoy photographing nature, bring your camera. You’ll find scattered pockets of natural cobblestones and driftwood "gardens” - and a beach view is hard to beat!

Dry, cracked earth in a forested area with sparse vegetation and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
Google / Shelly A

You can learn more about Bear Beach State Natural Area on the state Department of Natural Resources website and get all your back country beach supplies at REI. I recently spent some time nearby, over in Bayfield County, exploring the incredible natural areas around Washburn – this area, like many of Wisconsin’s best attractions, is amazing!

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