The Copper Country beaches have been popular with locals and tourists alike; out and about soaking in our phenomenal recent sunny weather. The area’s beaches all around have been well visited, and nothing can compare to these local beaches. Warm water, fresh clean air and soft beach sand. Stunning scenery, fresh Lake Superior water and plenty of fantastic destinations to choose from. From Copper Harbor, Great Sands Bay, then down and over to Agate Beach near Toivola.

Sometimes it’s a surprisingly difficult decision to decide where to go. Houghton’s Chutes and Ladders beach, Hancock Beach, White City and Calumet’s Waterworks Beach all have their own highlights. There’s such a huge offering of choices for everyone to enjoy. As the pinnacle of summer weather is upon us, make sure to live a little and visit one or two of our many incredible beaches.

Houghton’s beach is at the heart of the Copper Country that ties our towns all together with the bridge in the back drop. The beach is best for ease of parking and a great children’s playground. There’s a concession stand that is consistently open. The pavilion is used for parties and gatherings and offers nice shade and picnic tables. Children love the large wooden structure with long orange slides. The beach area is wonderful for small children; however, there are no lifeguards at any area beaches so take extra care with toddlers. The Houghton beach is well loved by locals and tourists alike. Higher temperatures and warm water make this beach a current highlight for the summer. In recent days, the sand volleyball court, swings, campground and swimming area have been very popular.

Across the canal, Hancock Beach is worthy of a trip or two. The beach has been packed due to the sunny weather. Everyone has been living their best beach life — from the young people playing volleyball to the kids swimming and playing in the sand and lake. Kids jumping off the dock and paddle boarders and boaters off and about. The slides were being used as was virtually every amenity that the beach offers. Hancock is the epitome of beach activities and attracts a wide array of visitors. Also, the concession stand is popular as well. The soft sand is great for both small children and adults. Hancock is hands-down a top local beach to visit.

Taking a ride further through the Keweenaw is a summer essential. Get out to White City. There is white sand and clear Lake Superior fresh water. It is definitely worth the going the extra miles. The water is shallow and there are always friendly locals and tourists visiting. Remember Michigan does have a dog leash law. Everyone likes to enjoy the beaches together. At this beach, people play games they bring or swim in the water or build sand castles. Depending on the direction of the wind, some days the water is cooler or warmer. And White City is the perfect spot for a nice picnic. Remember to take out all your trash or put in trash cans provided in the parking lot. Generally, boats stay to the left and swimmers to the right closer to the lighthouse.

On your way to White City, stop in Lake Linden for any picnic or cooler necessities. Bring a blanket or enjoy a spot near the breakwall at a picnic table. Definitely pack your own lunch/ snacks/ dinner and extra icy drinks. This beach is a top spot to visit. It is great for children, too, because of the soft sand, shallow water and quiet atmosphere. Remember sunglasses and sun hats. And beach towels and blankets in case it gets cooler or windy. You may want to stay for the grand finale at the end of the day: the sunset. Maybe throw in a few chairs to experience nature’s very own drive-in theater.

Calumet’s Waterworks beach is fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages love this beach. Bring beach essentials and sunscreen. The past few days, the water temperature has been almost as warm as bath water. This spot has been well-visited by people from all over the country. Some recent tourists visited from Detroit, Illinois, Wisconsin, California, Arizona and Ohio. The best part of our beaches is meeting everyone. It’s fun to share each other’s company and see how everyone enjoys our Lake Superior. One big caveat for this trip here is to bring strong thick beach shoes for walking into the lake! Or just bring an old pair of shoes. Otherwise, it’s tricky walking on the rocks. So definitely bring water shoes of some kind.

This beach caters to a wide assortment of interests. Picnic tables, horseshoe pits, a nice sandy beach area and a playground area for kids with swings, slides and a basketball court. Two different sets of stairs lead down to Lake Superior or use the ramp near the gazebo to the right. It is incredibly loved by rock-picking enthusiasts, as well. There is a constant new supply of rocks of every kind due to the waves of Lake Superior.

Bring all essentials; such as drinks and food you may need as there is only outdoor facilities. It is absolutely worth the time and effort to enjoy this beach that much more. Recently the black flies have nearly completely vacated the area, and there have been no mosquitoes. However, pack the bug spray anyway as this could always change with the direction of the wind. Calumet Waterworks beach is a well-loved beach by everyone near and far from the Copper Country. There are also a couple fire pits up in the parking lot available to cook out or make s’mores.

Basic beach necessities and essentials will vary for everyone. Basic essentials include cold drinking water, lemonade, etc. Coolers, sunscreen, ice, extra ice, beach swimming gear, suits, towels, etc. Swimming goggles, sand toys, swimming toys and plenty of healthy summer snacks and food. Cameras, books and kites. Bug spray, warmer dry clothes and a hoodie if it gets cooler before the sun sets. Blankets, pillows, matches and whatever else calls to you. And as always a little bit of summer sisu.