“Are you a local?” a couple asked me atop Britton Peak as the sun was setting along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. “I’m not,” I smiled, “but sometimes I pretend to be.” “Do you mind if we ask you some questions?” they asked. I smiled and nodded, as they proceeded to ask me about Oberg Mountain, area beaches, and the best places to view the North Shore’s breathtaking fall colors without the crowds.
As I made my way back to my vehicle, I reminisced about how I got here—pretending to be a local offering insider tips about the best scenic vistas the region has to offer. Although I always enjoyed being outdoors, the first part of my life was the opposite of outdoorsy. Lack of exposure and resources made the activities I enjoy today just out of reach and way outside of my comfort zone.
In our late twenties, my husband and I married in Hawaii. We instantly fell in love with their outdoorsy lifestyle while visiting. But we had yet to discover the magical outdoor wonderland we had just outside our front door, back in Minnesota. That following spring, we rented a small cabin along the North Shore’s Scenic 61, and we were hooked. We made our way up to the North Shore to hike, paddle, and explore its scenic vistas and beaches as often as we could. It didn’t take long until we wanted more.
Several years after that, we camped for the first time in a camper cabin at Bear Head Lake State Park. And by the next summer, we found ourselves deep in the Superior National Forest camping in a tent. One thing led to the next, and we were soon backpacking and canoe-tripping. Although we’ve seen and experienced so much of Minnesota’s breathtaking Arrowhead Region, there’s so much we have yet to discover.
I hope this story will inspire the same curiosity in you. If you haven’t visited these must-see beaches, you will not want to miss them. And once you’ve seen all the most epic Instagram-able spots, allow yourself to stay curious and explore the lesser-known places the locals (and wannabes) won’t tell you about.
3 must-see beaches on Minnesota’s North Shore
These beaches are ordered from west to east, following Highway 61 from Duluth to the Canadian Border, to help with your planning. Each beach is unique, and I will tell you everything you need to know in the descriptions below. The first two are easily visited in a day. But for the third, I suggest planning a full day to explore the area. It’s not the most Instagrammed place in Minnesota, but I promise you’ll find magical and breathtaking vistas around every corner.
1 – Iona’s Beach
Iona’s Beach is located about 45 minutes from downtown Duluth between Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. You can find it on Google Maps here. If you’d rather get here on two wheels, it’s an easy stop along the Gitchi Gami State Trail.
Why Iona’s Beach is special
Iona’s Beach is a designated Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). The crescent-shaped beach is more than 300 yards long and made up of pink rhyolite stones. I’ve been to white sand beaches, black beaches, and even a green beach, but this is the only beach I’ve yet to visit covered in large stones that match the pink hues of the sky at dusk and dawn.
When to visit Iona’s Beach
It’s a perfect spot to stop and relax for lunch or an afternoon snack on a warm spring or summer day. Sunrise is also magical. But if you happen to be visiting the North Shore when the waves are coming in strong, you must stop at Iona’s Beach. Watch and listen as Superior lifts the stones from the beach as the waves come in and then, just as quickly, drops them as the waves recede. It’s an unforgettable sight to see. But the real magic is the song. Listen for a sound similar to what you’d hear from large wind chimes. This chorus is the reason Iona’s is referred to as the singing beach.
Plan ahead
Plan to stop for water and restroom facilities on the way. Gooseberry Falls State Park makes a great pit stop. In past years, portable toilets have been available seasonally near the parking area for Iona’s Beach, but I try not to count on them.
You can learn more about visiting Iona’s Beach here. Then you’ll want to read about the SNA-specific rules and regulations here.
2 – Black Beach on Minnesota’s North Shore
Black Beach is located less than 15 miles northeast of Iona’s, just outside of Silver Bay, MN. Which, between you and me, is one of my favorite small towns along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. You can find the exact location on Google Maps here.
What’s so special about Black Beach
It’s Minnesota’s only black sand beach and one of the few black beaches in the lower 48. Known for taconite tailings that became fine black sand, it’s one of the better spots for swimming along the shore.
When to go
Operated by the city of Silver Bay, Black Beach opened in 2015. For years, my husband and I enjoyed quiet afternoons here, often alone. But as more people discover their inner longing for the great outdoors, this beach has become very popular. Likely due to its uniqueness along with the prevalence of social media.
If you don’t mind crowds, any day is a great day to visit. But we prefer early morning. It’s a great spot to catch the famous Superior sunrises. The shoulder seasons are another great time to visit. If you can plan your visit before Memorial Day, between Labor Day and fall colors, or after fall colors, you’ll be rewarded with a quieter experience on one of Minnesota’s most unique beaches.
Know before you go
Unlike Iona’s rustic offerings, you’ll find a solid list of amenities here. Perhaps the best amenities of any beach on Minnesota’s North Shore. You’ll find clean vault toilets, picnic tables, as well as fire rings and grills. You can learn more about Black Beach Park here.
3 – Paradise Beach + bonus beaches
Prepare for a drive, and if you can, give yourself a full day to explore this area. Paradise Beach is about 70 miles east of Black Beach and less than 15 miles from the famed North Shore small town of Grand Marais. You can find directions to Paradise Beach on Google Maps here.
Why Paradise Beach is a must-see
This is the place to go if you enjoy solitude. As you drive up the shore toward the Canadian border, you’ll begin to notice fewer and fewer travelers, especially beyond the tourist towns, shops, and restaurants. More than just a beautiful and secluded stretch of beach, the surrounding area is a haven for hikers and beach lovers. You’ll find the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) Lakewalk about 1.5 miles to the west. If you head 1.5 miles in the other direction, you’ll find yourself at Judge C.R. Magney State Park—home of the infamous Devil’s Kettle.
If you have more than a day and decide to stay longer, you’ll find even more secluded hidden gems. Some of my favorite sections of the SHT are located in this area, along with countless wonderful beaches that unassumingly dot the shoreline between Paradise Beach and Grand Marais. One of these special beaches is at the Icelandite Coastal Fen SNA.
Best time to visit Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a fine place to swim, which makes it great on a hot summer day. Even though I go on plenty of remote, solo adventures, I would not recommend swimming here—or anywhere along the North Shore—if you’re alone. It’s remote, and I often find myself completely alone here. Not to mention, the water can be painfully cold most of the year. The smarter choice if you plan to swim is to bring a buddy or two.
Like much of the North Shore, you can find great spots to watch stunning sunrises and sunsets. And a special kind of magic rolls in during the fall and winter months. Moody Superior and crashing waves can transform the shoreline in a few short hours. Winter’s ice-sculpted shoreline and snow-covered fen transform this area into a mystical land that surely inspired a fairy tale or two.
Be prepared
Due to its remoteness and lack of development, it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between public and private land here. Please be mindful of private property. If you don’t know, don’t go.
You’ll also want to brush up on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations before visiting. No camping, campfires, vehicles, drones, or organized events are allowed in SNAs. The collection of plants, animals, rocks, and fossils is strictly prohibited. Most of these rules also apply to Minnesota State Parks.
There are no facilities here, so be sure and bring everything you’ll need. The closest public restrooms are at Judge Magney, 1.5 miles east up Highway 61. Parking is plentiful along Highway 61’s wide shoulder, but I’ve always managed to find safe parking pull-offs along the scenic byway. You can use Google Maps in satellite mode to zoom in and plan ahead.
One of my favorite things about Minnesota’s North Shore beaches is that they’re always a different beach, even if I visit the same beach during the same trip. The world’s largest freshwater lake and its wild weather reshape the shoreline day by day, and on a good day, hour by hour. While these beaches are truly magical and worth traveling around the world for, make sure to also stop at pull-offs near rocky cliffs and shorelines to witness more of Lake Superior’s splendor. Especially if you’re visiting on a windy day with epic waves. Just remember to never turn your back on Lady Superior.
Holly Scherer is a Minnesota-based writer, photographer, outdoorswoman, and guide. She’s most at home in the great outdoors; camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, and gardening. When she’s not on an adventure, she and her husband live in the Twin Cities where they’re fond of saying, “home is where we store our outdoor gear.”