Hancock Beach is a family-friendly spot with a small-town vibe. The best part? It’s just a few minutes from any location in town. You can come for a quick swim, or spend the whole day sunbathing on the grass, eating ice cream from the park store, and jumping off the dock into Portage Lake.
Visiting Hancock Beach
Hancock Beach is unlike any of the other beaches near Hancock, MI — the sandy beach itself is pretty small, so most people spread out large blankets on the sprawling, grassy lawn. Find yourself a shady spot under the enormous pine trees, or set up camp on a picnic table overlooking the water.
On hot summer days, the park fills up quickly. The beach itself looks like something out of a 1950s movie — parents chat on the beach, packs of kids run from the playground to the dock, and teenagers sunbathe on the shore. College students from Michigan Tech often spend hours playing volleyball on the sand courts.
Hancock Beach: The Basics
Hancock Beach is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. There is no lifeguard on duty, so it’s important to keep an eye on everyone in your group. The water is relatively deep at the end of the dock.
- Playground
- Sand volleyball courts
- Modern bathrooms and changing rooms
- Dock
- Picnic tables and grills
- Picnic shelter
- Trash cans
Portage Paddle Sports operates an ice cream store and watersports rental business at the beach. It’s open until Labor Day each year. (We recommend the Mint Mackinac Island Fudge.)
How to Get to Hancock Beach
Hancock Beach is located less than 2 miles from downtown Hancock. The large parking lot fills up quickly on summer weekends, so try to get there early.
Directions to Hancock Beach
- From downtown Hancock, head west on Quincy Street
- Near the Krist gas station, cross US-41 and continue on Quincy Street/M-203
- Drive 1.3 miles; the beach is on your left
If you see a sign for the Hancock Campground, you’ve gone too far.
Things to Do Nearby
If you’re still in the mood for a swim, drive a few miles to McLain State Park, or check out the beaches near Houghton, MI. Prefer to to hike? The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids Trails are close by; so is Bear Lake Trail. If you’re hungry, check out one of the restaurants in Hancock, MI.