If you’ve ever wanted to visit a black sand beach, there’s one in Minnesota you’ve got to see. In the land of 10,000 lakes, this beach is unlike many others.
This black sand beach is one that we think belongs on your adventure list. However, it’s not the only thing to see and explore in the area.
Today, we’re sharing the Black Sand Beach in Minnesota with you and some of the best activities to enjoy while you’re there.
Let’s get started!
While most Minnesotans call it Black Sand Beach, it also goes by Onyx Beach. This unique beach is in Silver Bay, along the north shore of Lake Superior. The easiest way to access it is to punch the address for Black Beach Municipal Campground (200 W Lakeview Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614) into your GPS or favorite navigation app.
The beach here is black due to the mining industry that operated here for many years. For several decades, they dumped their taconite tailings into the water, which caused the sand to turn black.
While it was previously restricted to the public, that’s no longer true. The City of Silver Bay, Minnesota DNR, and Northshore Mining agreed to open the area to the public in 2015.
Yes, Black Sand Beach in Minnesota is open to swimming. On the other hand, Lake Superior is the deepest of all the Great Lakes, with an average depth of 482 feet and a maximum depth of 1,333 feet. Not only is it the deepest, but it’s also the coldest. Luckily, Black Sand Beach is relatively shallow, with slightly increasing water temperatures.
Like many public swimming holes, no lifeguards are on duty; swimming is at your own risk. You should never swim alone, and you should proceed cautiously. If you’re not a strong swimmer, staying close to the shore is a good idea.
Pro Tip: Check out whether it’s Worth Visiting Voyageurs National Park before making the trek to the land of 10,000 lakes!
Visiting Black Sand Beach in Minnesota is a fun and unique experience. We highly recommend booking a campsite at Black Beach Municipal Campground. This can allow you to not only enjoy Black Sand Beach, but also several other nearby activities.
If you take Highway 61 for approximately five miles north of Black Sand Beach, you’ll run right into Tettegouche State Park. This state park is 9,346 acres of Minnesota’s untamed wilderness. It sits on the shore of Lake Superior and has towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine forests.
One of the park’s highlights is the High Falls of the Baptism River. This waterfall plunges 60 feet into a rocky gorge. It’s a stunning view that is popular with hikers and photographers. In addition to 23 miles of moderate to challenging hiking trails, they offer options for mountain bikes and ATVs. The park also has trails for winter activities like cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowmobiling. It’s an adventurer’s playground any time of year.
Continuing south on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park is another 7 miles south of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. It’s approximately 20 minutes south of Black Sand Beach. As its name indicates, Gooseberry Falls is the highlight of this incredibly beautiful Minnesota state park.
The Gooseberry River has a series of rocky ledges that gather into a series of pools. This creates an incredible scene that attracts visitors year-round. While the falls may be the main attraction, there’s much more to see and do at Gooseberry Falls State Park.
The park has 20 miles of hiking trails that take you through evergreen and birch forests. In addition, there’s a one-mile wheelchair-accessible trail. Regardless of your age or hiking ability, Gooseberry Falls State Park has hiking options everyone can enjoy. It even has trails for winter sports. You can snowshoe anywhere in the park except on groomed trails.
Only 2.5 miles north of Black Sand Beach is Palisade Head. Here, you can enjoy a view that’s approximately 300 feet above Lake Superior. The stunning, rugged cliffs provide fantastic panoramic vistas of the world’s largest freshwater lake. If you’re looking for one of the best views of Lake Superior, this is likely as good as you’ll get.
If you visit during the fall foliage, the bright colors of the changing leaves add a unique experience to an already unforgettable view. Unfortunately, parking can be challenging at the top. Despite this, you’ll enjoy a picture-perfect view if you can score a spot.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Lake Superior’s north shore is to take the North Shore Scenic Drive. This scenic drive starts in Duluth, Minnesota, and follows Highway 61 north.
If you take the entire route, you’ll end roughly 150 miles later at the Canadian border near Grand Portage, Minnesota. While the drive can be stunning at times, a line of thick trees blocks your view of Lake Superior for much of the route. Yet, you can find multiple areas to pull off and enjoy the view.
If you head south instead of north on Highway 61, it only takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Some of the favorite attractions at this park are the historic lighthouse, trails, and lakefront campsites. Granted, the rocky beach is also a popular spot for guests.
The lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park guides ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. While visiting the surrounding area, you’ll find interpretive exhibits and guided tours to help provide a deeper understanding of the area. If you’re looking for a more heart-pounding adventure, hike, bike, or ski along the park’s trail system.
So, what are you waiting for? Black Sand Beach in Minnesota is a unique experience that needs to be on your travel bucket list. It is a sight to see, and the area has some fantastic activities to enjoy. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or longer, you’ll have no trouble filling your schedule with epic adventures.
