Black Beach, Minnesota: A Unique North Shore Gem
Are you planning a visit to the Black Beach in Minnesota during your trip to the North Shore?
This beach is made of small black rocks and really feels like one of those beaches that you would find in Hawaii, not here in Minnesota!
This is one of the most unique things to do on the North Shore, and although it has become more popular in recent years, it’s still worth the visit!
I grew up visiting the North Shore, and always have been blown away by Black Beach. My family would pack up lunches and hang out at the picnic tables on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
In this post, I’ll share everything that you need to know about this beach so you can also visit it and experience how unique to Minnesota it is!
What is Black Beach, MN?
Minnesota’s Black Beach is a beautiful beach on Lake Superior near Silver Bay that features small black rocks that make the beach appear black.
It has a much different look than the typical Minnesota beach, which is usually covered in light brown sand, which is what draws so many people in.
I’ll be honest, when I first saw pictures of the beach, I didn’t believe that it was actually in Minnesota. I had only ever seen black beaches in other places, but turns out, it’s real!
The unique jagged rock formations along the shore give Black Beach an even more astonishing and beautiful look.
Every time that I’ve visited, I’ve seen people being photographed for their weddings, engagements, or otherwise. It’s just the perfect place for photos.
Unlike Hawaii, where there are multiple of them, this is the only black sand beach in Minnesota!
Why is the Sand at Black Beach, MN Black?
While this beach is beautiful and a unique stop to add to your North Shore road trip, it didn’t occur naturally.
The black sand formed as a result of taconite (a type of iron ore) being dumped into Lake Superior and washing onto the shore.
Years ago, the iron ore was dumped by mining companies and was tossed among the harsh Superior waves.
It then made its way onto shore, mixed with pieces of sand and rock, and created what is now known as Black Beach!
Where is Black Beach Located?
Black Beach is located in the city of Silver Bay, Minnesota. It’s right in town, so no need to drive very far!
The beach is also sometimes known as Onyx Beach, so you may find it listed online as that as well.
From Duluth, it’s only about an hour and 10 minutes or 56 miles, or from Minneapolis, it’s just over 3 hours to reach the beach.
The map below will show you where it’s at.
How to Get to the Beach
While the beach is easy to get to, you’ll want to pay attention to make sure that you come to the right parking lot.
Coming from Duluth, continue to drive on Highway 61 before turning right onto Mensing Drive, which soon turns to W Lakeview.
Follow this to the ‘T’, then turn right onto E Lakeview and then stay right at the ‘Y.’ Follow this road until the end.
When I first visited Black Beach, I stopped at Black Beach Park. This isn’t where the actual beach is and you might have the same disappointment that I had if you stop here. The sand here is red instead of black.
So even if Google Maps leads you to this first parking lot, just trust me and keep going. Once you reach the very end of Water Plant Drive, you’ll be there.
When is the Beach Open?
Black Beach used to be private property and was not open to the public for visiting. But this changed in 2015 when it was first opened to the public over Memorial Day weekend!
You can really visit whenever you’d like, since there isn’t an opening or closing time, as long as you’re respectful and leave the place better than you found it.
It’s also open year-round, but the waves off of the lake can be really harsh in winter so always use extreme caution. But the North Shore in winter is still just as beautiful!
When Should I Visit the Beach?
The best time to visit the beach is in the summer months because the temperatures are warm and the waves are calm.
Although the later in the day you visit, the more tourists and visitors you’re likely to run into, so I would recommend visiting in the early morning.
Late spring and early fall are also great times to visit, but the wind off of the lake will definitely be a bit chillier.
On foggy, drizzling days, it gives a moody feel and almost feels like somewhere off of the Oregon and Washington coasts.
Can You Swim at Black Beach in Minnesota?
If you’re up for swimming in some pretty cold water, then you may even be interested in swimming at Black Beach.
But don’t expect the water to be very warm, even in the dead of summer since Lake Superior’s water never gets very warm. It averages 40 degrees throughout the year.
I’ve always just taken off my shoes and walked along the shoreline because I’m too chicken to actually get in the water.
Facilities at Black Beach
There aren’t many facilities around the beach, so it’s best to come prepared before arriving.
There are no bathrooms, but there are a few picnic tables and trash cans if you want to have a picnic.
The parking lot also isn’t super huge, so if you’re visiting during the summer on a hot day, you might not be able to find a spot. You can park at the parking lot down the road and walk the road down to the beach.
Things to Know About Black Beach, MN
- It’s the only beach of its kind in Minnesota.
- The black sand found on the beach is not a natural occurrence.
- The beach is also known as Onyx Beach.
- A campground named after the beach is located less than a mile away.
- The beach is open to visitors year-round.
- There are picnic tables on the beach.
- There are no restrooms at the beach.
- It’s located in Silver Bay, Minnesota
Where to Stay Near the Beach
Here are some of the best places to stay near the beach, so you can explore the surrounding areas with an easy home base.
This newly renovated hotel is right in Silver Bay and is within walking distance of the beach. This makes for easy access, and you can enjoy the hotel’s features like a pool and complimentary breakfast.
➡️ See Rates and Availablity for Black Beach Inn here!
Situated right on the shoreline of Lake Superior, this beautiful hotel offers great views, an on-site restaurant, multiple lodging options, and an indoor pool and hot tub.
➡️ See Rates and Availablity for Cove Point Lodge here!
Camping at Black Beach Municipal Campground
There’s also a campground, called the Black Beach Municipal Campground located just a few short blocks away from the beach.
There are almost 50 sites available with 34 of them being full hook-ups. Each of them has a picnic table and fire ring, and they put you at easy access to the rest of the North Shore.
It is recommended to have reservations for the campground well in advance because it can fill up fast.
Other Things to Do in Silver Bay, MN
If you’re visiting Black Beach, MN, then you’ll be in Silver Bay and might be looking for other ways to keep yourself busy. Here are some of the other great things to do nearby.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
This is one of the most iconic state parks on the North Shore, thanks to its beautiful lighthouse that towers high above Lake Superior.
There are hiking trails all over the place within this park, and you can even walk along the beach to see the lighthouse.
Or, if you love history, take a tour of Split Rock Lighthouse and get up close and personal with it.
Palisade Head
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful viewpoint on Lake Superior! It overlooks the entire lake and you can see so much of the shoreline.
It’s easy to get to, and you don’t have to hike. But you might have to wait in line for a parking spot because it is so popular.
Tettegouche State Park
Home of some of the best hiking on the North Shore as well as Minnesota’s tallest waterfall is Tettegouche State Park.
This park is located just a short drive from Split Rock and boasts some of the most beautiful views. I love Shovel Point, but many people also hike High Falls for a change of pace.
Grab a Bite to Eat
There are so many great restaurants on the North Shore to check out, including many that are in Two Harbors and Silver Bay.
A few of the best include Zoe’s Pizza Kitchen and Cove Point Crossings in Beaver Bay.
FAQs
The beach was given its name because of its black color. The small black rocks are made of taconite and make up the entire beach.
Black Beach on the North Shore is located in Silver Bay.
The beach used to be private, but now it’s open to the public daily.
Black Beach is famous for its black color. There aren’t any other beaches in Minnesota like it, so it’s very unique!
Conclusion: Black Beach, MN
There are a lot of really unique places in Minnesota, but Black Beach, MN is one of the very best and unlike anywhere else in the state.
It’s the perfect place to stop and have a picnic, relax on the shore of the beach, or take a dip if you’re willing to brave the cold.
This amazing hidden gem is so worth adding to your adventures on the North Shore, even if just for a quick trip!
Read More About Visiting the North Shore:
- 11 Best Hikes on the North Shore of Minnesota
- The 11 Best Places to Stay on the North Shore, Minnesota
- North Shore, MN Hidden Gems: 11 Must-See Spots
- 13 Best Places for Camping on the North Shore, MN
- Restaurants on the North Shore, MN: 21 Best Places to Eat
- 13 Fun Winter Activities on the North Shore, MN to Beat the Cold
- 9 Beautiful Cabins on the North Shore, MN for a Getaway
- Visiting the North Shore, MN With Kids: 11 Things to Do
- 21 Awesome Things to Do in Two Harbors, MN
- Two Harbors, MN Lodging: 9 Best Places to Stay
- Grand Marais, MN Lodging: 13 Best Places to Stay
- 19 Great Things to Do in Grand Marais, MN
