Summer in Houghton can be surprisingly steamy — although the temperature rarely gets higher than 80 degrees, the humidity makes it feel much warmer. The next time the mercury rises, cool off at one of the beaches near Houghton, MI. Whether you prefer a quick swim in the Portage Canal or a brisk dip in Lake Superior, these beautiful spots have you covered.
1. Houghton Waterfront Park Beaches
When it comes to convenience, it’s hard to beat the beaches at Houghton Waterfront Park. Choose from two different sandy spots, both located a few minutes west of downtown Houghton. The main beach sits next to the Chutes and Ladders play structure; it offers a large expanse of sand and a shallow, roped-off swimming area. Families with young kids often prefer the other beach (see photo above), which is located between the parking lot and the City of Houghton public pier. It’s smaller, but it’s often less windy and offers a lovely view of the Portage lift bridge.
The park offers plenty of parking. After your swim, check out the modern bathrooms, picnic tables, ice cream shop, and watersports rentals. (Make sure to try Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream; it’s a Michigan favorite.)
2. Houghton Breakers Beach
Take a refreshing Lake Superior swim at Houghton Breakers Beach, which is located about 11 miles from downtown. This is one of the best beaches near Houghton, MI — you can swim in the calm, protected harbor or brave the waves on the other side of the breakwater. Or, walk out on the enormous breakwall rocks to the soak in the sun and jump into the deeper water. Just make sure you choose a spot where you can climb back up!
Houghton Breakers Beach (or “Breakies,” as locals often call it) is part of a park that’s operated by Stanton Township. For directions, information about campfires, and other useful facts, see our guide to North Canal Township Park.
3. Prince’s Point Beach
The beach at Prince’s Point is modest, but it’s easy to reach and rarely crowded. Located on the waterfront rail trail just below the Michigan Tech Rozsa Center. this small, sandy beach is popular with locals and MTU students. Drop your stuff on one of the picnic tables or benches, and enjoy a refreshing dip in peace. The park also features a campfire ring and grills that are open for public use.
You can get to Prince’s Point from the main Michigan Tech campus or the Houghton Waterfront Trail. For directions, check out our guide to Prince’s Point.
4. Chassell Beach
Chassell Beach is a favorite of local families — the water is calm and warm. The beach itself is a barely-there strip of sand, but there’s plenty of room to spread out on the expansive, grassy lawn. In the summer, the township puts up a swimming platform a short distance offshore.
This kid-friendly beach is located in Chassell Township Centennial Park. Bring your fishing gear and cast off the pier; make sure to keep an eye out for the traffic on the boat ramp. For directions and beach facilities, see our guide to Chassell Beach.
5. Agate Beach
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, head out to Agate Beach. Though it’s 24 miles from Houghton, this long, beautiful stretch of Lake Superior coastline is well worth the trip. The beach is located in Agate Beach Park, a township park that has pit toilets, camping, and day-use picnic areas.
Want to find the best spot to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing day? (Hint: skip the beach near the campground and head to the quieter spot pictured at the top of this page.) Learn more in our guide to Agate Beach Park, which is home to one of the most popular campgrounds in Houghton, MI.
6. Misery Bay Beach
Located just down the shore from Agate Beach, Misery Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches near Houghton, MI. (And a personal favorite.) The best part? The water is warmer than most Lake Superior beaches. It’s also pretty calm — you’ll often see people drifting serenely on pool floats or sitting in beach chairs in the shallows.
Though it’s 25.5 miles from Houghton, Misery Bay Beach is surprisingly busy. Don’t worry; the sand extends for a long way in both directions, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot to yourself. Bring snacks and sunscreen (there’s not much shade) and plan to stay all day. Need directions? Visit our guide to Misery Bay.
Tips for Visiting the Beaches Near Houghton, MI
As you’re planning a trip to one of the beaches in and around Houghton — or any of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula beaches, for that matter — keep these tips in mind:
- Have a plan B. If you’re thinking about visiting one of the Lake Superior beaches near Houghton, MI, make sure to have a backup beach in mind. When the wind shifts, the beaches on the lake can feel surprisingly cool. A change of location can do wonders for the weather. (Or the bugs.)
- Stick around for sunset. Michigan sunsets are spectacular; bring a hoodie and extend your beach day until the sun goes down. The best beaches in Houghton for sunsets are Houghton Breakers and the beaches at Kestner Waterfront Park.
- Pack snacks. Unless you’re visiting a beach in Houghton or Chassell, bring food and water. Houghton Breakers, Misery Bay, and Agate Beach are pretty far from civilization!
No hot weather in the forecast? When it’s too cool to go to the beach, check out our favorite waterfalls near Houghton, MI, or go hiking near Houghton, MI.