A father and son walking out to the Lake Superior shoreline at Little Presque beach

Beaches & Swimming

Embrace the summer sun on the sandy shores of Marquette, MI, where beautiful beaches line the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. From leisurely sunbathing to refreshing swims, these spots offer the perfect retreat for beach lovers seeking relaxation and recreation alike.

A couple swimming in Lake Superior, splashing each other in front of the historic red Harbor Lighthouse is Marquette, MI

McCarty’s Cove

During the summer, sunbathers flock to McCarty’s Cove for its convenient proximity to Lake Superior from downtown Marquette. This popular beach offers beautiful views of the big lake and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. With lifeguard supervision during peak season, this beach is a great option for families. The beach also hosts volleyball nets, so be sure to get in a game or two with your friends.

South Beach

Relax at Marquette’s laid-back South Beach, offering views of the Marquette skyline and southern hills. This beach along Lake Superior is a family favorite, with local lifeguards present throughout the summer and a shallow shelf great for supervising your young ones. This beach also offers accessibility options, parking, and restrooms on the beach.

Two kids running on the sandy beach toward a calm Lake Superior on a summer day in Marquette, MI

Little Presque Isle Beach

Looking to escape the crowd? Drive 15 minutes northwest of Marquette and you will find Little Presque Isle Beach. This beach is perfect for a lazy day or evening dip, with views of the endless Lake Superior horizon. The beach also offers access to nearby hiking trails if you are looking to explore the local wilderness and rugged shoreline cliffs.

Au Train Beach

Au Train Beach is a quick 25-minute ride off M-28 with the best dunes in central UP. Au Train beach is the perfect beach to witness Lake Superior’s natural beauty. With access to the Au Train River, visitors are free to splash around the shallow outlet before going for a dip in the chilly Lake Superior. This beach offers parking near the entry, making it perfect for small groups to celebrate the hot summer days.

Lake Superior Safety Tips

Respect the natural splendor and the many moods and thrills of Lake Superior. Check out these safety guidelines before swimming, paddling or boating on the big lake.

1. SWIM WHERE THERE ARE LIFEGUARDS. NEVER SWIM ALONE. BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER, MAKE SURE SOMEONE KNOWS YOU ARE DOING SO.

2. CHECK THE CITY OF MARQUETTE WEBSITE’S BEACH FLAG ADVISORY SYSTEM BEFORE SWIMMING IN LAKE SUPERIOR. FLAGS ARE PUT UP AT SOUTH BEACH, MCCARTY'S COVE, MIDDLE BEACH, AND PICNIC ROCKS TO INDICATE DANGEROUS TO HIGHLY DANGEROUS RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS. ALSO, CHECK THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE'S RIP CURRENT FORECAST.

3. ROCK FORMATIONS ARE A LIKELY PLACE TO FIND DANGEROUSLY STRONG RIP CURRENTS. THIS INCLUDES THE PICNIC ROCK AREA, WHICH IS LOCATED ON LAKE SHORE BOULEVARD, NEAR THE LAKEVIEW ARENA AND A SHORT WALK FROM CAMPUS. DO NOT SWIM IN THIS AREA. MOVE DOWN THE BEACH TO MCCARTY’S COVE WHERE LIFEGUARDS ARE LOCATED.

4. KNOW HOW TO “BREAK THE GRIP OF A RIP.” LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AT HTTP://RIPCURRENTS.NOAA.GOV AND SEE BELOW.

5. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT, GOING INTO THE RIP CURRENT AREA YOURSELF IS NOT THE BEST SOLUTION.

6. STRONG WINDS ON LAKE SUPERIOR THAT CREATE HUGE WAVES ARE AMAZING TO SEE AND PHOTOGRAPH, BUT THEY, TOO, CAN BE DEADLY. DO NOT GO INTO THE WATER OR OUT ONTO THE BREAKWALL AT PRESQUE ISLE PARK DURING HIGH WINDS.