Au Train Beach
A serene stretch of soft sand on Lake Superior, offering breathtaking sunsets and easy access for a refreshing escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ample parking
Au Train Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ample parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene stretch of soft sand on Lake Superior, offering breathtaking sunsets and easy access for a refreshing escape.
"Awesome beach! Free parking, a toilet, and a really nice sandy beach with no rocks or shells."
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous parking is available right near the beach access, making it super convenient for visitors.
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Lake Superior water is bracing! Water shoes can make wading in more comfortable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Au Train Beach
Miles of soft, inviting sand perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely strolls along the vast Lake Superior.
Lake Superior Sunsets
Au Train Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the immense freshwater sea, a truly magical experience.
River Outlet Serenity
Eastern end of Au Train Beach
Where the Au Train River meets Lake Superior, offering calmer waters and a unique natural confluence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lake Superior Chill
Timing is Everything for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous parking is available right near the beach access, making it super convenient for visitors.
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Lake Superior water is bracing! Water shoes can make wading in more comfortable.
🌅 Sunset Spectacles
Don't miss the incredible sunsets over Lake Superior; they are a major highlight for many visitors.
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Michigan weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, as it can be sunny one moment and breezy the next.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous parking is available right near the beach access, making it super convenient for visitors.
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Lake Superior water is bracing! Water shoes can make wading in more comfortable.
🌅 Sunset Spectacles
Don't miss the incredible sunsets over Lake Superior; they are a major highlight for many visitors.
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Michigan weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, as it can be sunny one moment and breezy the next.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
The outlet of the Au Train River offers a good spot for fishing, especially if you're looking for a quieter activity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Au Train Beach's soft sand, ample free parking, and stunning Lake Superior views, particularly the breathtaking sunsets. While the water is famously cold, many find it a perfect spot for relaxation and family fun. Some note that it can get busy on weekends.
"Great beach with lots of parking, easy access, soft sand, and great views. We visited in early June and while we thought the water was too cold for swimming, there were others in the water. Great spot to watch the sunset as well."
Abbey Metzger
"Oh my gosh what gem of a stop to start out just gorgeous and nice place to create a recharge an relaxing uplifting spiritual cleansing for the whole family
Thank you"
Cassandra Durkatz
"Au Train Beach is awesome! In summer, the water gets warm enough for swimming, there is plenty of sandy shore to spread out a blanket and a picnic, and the views are amazing."
Martha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Au Train Beach is easily accessible via M-28 in Au Train, Michigan. There's a designated parking area directly off the highway, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, there is ample free parking available right at the beach, which is a major plus for visitors.
Yes, Au Train Beach Campground is located across from the beach, offering lodging options and easy access to the shoreline.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a day trip with its easy access, beautiful scenery, and recreational opportunities.
Simply navigate to Au Train, Michigan, and look for signs for Au Train Beach along M-28. It's a well-known local spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Au Train Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free.
Au Train Beach is a public access area and is generally open from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours.
No advance booking is necessary as it's a public beach with free access.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions beyond standard public beach etiquette. Always be mindful of the natural environment.
While the beach itself is sandy, access from the parking lot involves a short walk over a dune. Specific accessibility details may vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim (though the water is cold!), sunbathe, picnic, walk along the shore, and enjoy the stunning Lake Superior views. The river outlet is also great for calmer water activities.
The water is part of Lake Superior, so it's typically very cold, even in summer. Some visitors do swim, but be prepared for the chill!
The beach features soft, nice sand with no rocks or shells, making it very pleasant for walking and relaxing.
Yes, it's possible to see the Northern Lights from Au Train Beach, especially during clear nights in the fall and winter.
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at Au Train Beach, adding to the convenience for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vastness of Lake Superior, dramatic sunsets, the meeting of the river and lake, and the beautiful sandy shoreline. 
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting. Midday provides clear views of the lake's color.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local FAA guidelines and any posted rules at the beach before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto can be useful for distant shoreline details.
The entire shoreline offers great perspectives. The dunes provide elevated views, and the river outlet offers unique compositions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing sand toys and perhaps a small inflatable for very shallow water play. The outlet of the Au Train River can offer slightly calmer and warmer water for younger children. It's a great place for a picnic lunch with beautiful views.
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond fishing, the area is a haven for those who love the outdoors. Kayaking tours of nearby Pictured Rocks are popular, and the beach itself is perfect for long walks and enjoying the natural scenery. The Upper Peninsula offers numerous hiking opportunities nearby, making Au Train Beach a great base for exploration.
📸 Photographers and Sunset Chasers
+1Early mornings can also offer beautiful light, and the unique confluence of the river and lake provides diverse photographic subjects. Don't forget to look up on clear nights, as the beach is also a potential spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Lake Superior
Be prepared for the lake's temperament. While often calm and inviting, Lake Superior can quickly become rough, with powerful waves and sudden storms rolling in. This dynamic nature adds to its allure and is a key part of the experience for many who visit. Always check weather conditions before venturing too close to the water's edge, especially if you're planning any water-based activities.
The beach itself is a significant draw, characterized by its soft, expansive sand. Unlike some rocky Great Lakes shores, Au Train Beach offers a comfortable, walkable surface perfect for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the view. The gentle slope into the water makes it accessible, though the temperature remains a consistent reminder of its northern origins.
Camping and Lodging Near the Shore
Beyond the campground, the surrounding Au Train area provides various lodging choices, from cozy cabins to vacation rentals. Many accommodations are designed to offer guests a true Upper Peninsula experience, often with views or easy access to the natural beauty of the region. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the peak summer months, to secure your preferred spot.
Travelers often highlight the peaceful atmosphere of staying near Au Train Beach. It offers a more relaxed pace compared to busier tourist hubs, allowing visitors to truly unwind and connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or settling into a rental, the area provides a serene base for exploring the wonders of the Upper Peninsula.
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