Chicago Bay Beach
Hovland, MN
Chicago Bay Beach sits in Hovland, about 19 miles northeast of Grand Marais, beside the Hovland Dock, the last remaining vintage commercial dock on Lake Superior's North Shore. The concrete dock dates to the early 1900s, when ships carried passengers and cargo between Duluth and Canada. There's a boat launch and a pebble shore.
A piece of North Shore shipping history on a quiet bay, though the beach itself is a small pebble shore.
How we score beachesWalk out on the old Hovland Dock for a view back at the bay, then stop at the Chicago Bay Market for a snack.
Parking near the boat launch.
A short walk from parking to the dock and shore.
The bay is sheltered enough for calm summer paddles. In winter, waves freeze onto the old dock, which makes for dramatic photos.
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