Great Sand Bay
Eagle Harbor, MI
Great Sand Bay is a long, curving beach on the Keweenaw's northwest shore, between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor along M-26. Wind-sculpted dunes back the sand, and the pebbles along the waterline are good for agate hunting. It's one of the wildest-feeling beaches on the peninsula.
Wild dunes and agates right off the road, though there are no facilities and the water is cold.
How we score beachesPull off along M-26 and walk the beach toward Eagle Harbor. The dunes are best in the evening light.
Roadside pull-offs along M-26.
Short paths over sand lead from the road to the beach.
The window for a swim is short, mostly late July and August. By October the big northwest swells roll in, and fresh agates follow.
More Great Lakes beaches
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