Horseshoe Harbor
Copper Harbor, MI
Horseshoe Harbor is a crescent-shaped cove east of Copper Harbor, protected by The Nature Conservancy. A short hike through pine forest ends at a shore of tilted volcanic conglomerate, with clear green water inside the curve of the harbor. There's no sand to speak of. People come to sit on the warm rock, explore the ledges, and watch the waves.
One of the most beautiful coves on Lake Superior, though it's rocky and the preserve asks visitors to tread lightly.
How we score beachesBring shoes with good grip. The conglomerate ledges are slick when wet.
A small parking area at the end of the road; the preserve is walk-in only.
Reached by a short, rooty forest trail; the shore itself is uneven rock.
Calm summer days make the water inside the cove look tropical. On stormy days the waves crash over the outer rocks, which is a show from a safe distance.
More Great Lakes beaches

Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
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Warren Dunes State Park
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