Lake Superior's waters earn frequent comparisons to the Caribbean, and Great Sand Bay completes the picture, with a mile-long sweep of sugar-white sand bordering a dizzying expanse of aquamarine water.
- Location
- 7.26.51640, -88.1308300
- Don't Forget
- Floatie, towels, fire starter, camera.
- Best Time to Go
- Summer
Fresh Coast Tip
The beautiful sand dunes around the bay are constantly in danger of erosion. Be a good steward by respecting signage and using care when climbing the dunes.
Consistently featured on “best of” lists for Michigan beaches, Great Sand Bay is one of the Keweenaw’s premier swimming destinations, the kind that makes you spontaneously pull over for an unplanned dip.
A soft sandbar floor makes for foot-friendly wading and keeps the water shallow enough for worry-free frolicking with children and pets. The half-moon shape of the shoreline is not only visually stunning but also provides protection from open water swells, leaving the bay tranquil even on windy days.
All that remains is to sink into your favorite floatie, crack open your beverage of choice, and enjoy an afternoon of dreamy drifting in the gentle sun-warmed current.
Feeling like a break from beach life?
Search for agates among the wind-polished pebbles, take in the view from the mountainous dunes, or explore the surrounding forest of storm-stunted red pine to gather blueberries or catch a glimpse of rare warblers, waxwings, and waterfowl. If the forecast calls for a clear night, gather some driftwood, build a fire, and settle in for an IMAX theatre-style starscape… and, if you’re lucky, a visit from the Northern Lights.
Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera—otherwise, no one will believe you got that gorgeous tan in Michigan.
Photo: Hans Isaacson / @outdoorpixs