We’re never going to deny the majesty of the ocean, but if your beachy experiences are limited to the coasts, you’re missing out.
The Midwest isn’t just farmland and prairies. Thanks to the Great Lakes plus lots of river systems and idyllic pools and ponds, the central region of the United States is home to dozens of the best-kept secret sandy beaches in the country.
And plenty of residents would argue that the calmer, warmer, shark-free waters provide an even better beachgoing experience than what you can find on shorelines abutting oceans—but we’ll let you be the judge.
Here are 5 of the most unique—and most impressive—beaches in the Midwest.
North Avenue Beach in Chicago
One of the biggest surprises awaiting first-time visitors to Chicago is just how much of a beach town the city really is. Sure, the concrete ledges along Lake Michigan get the most online attention—but Chicago earns its “Third Coast” nickname by virtue of its 26 miles of sandy beaches and 18 continuous miles of developed Lakefront Trail.
Each plot of sand along the way has its own personality and fan base. Foster Beach, for instance, is popular with families and barbecue picnickers, whereas Osterman Beach (also sometimes called Hollywood Beach) has more of a party atmosphere and draws members of the city's queer community.
Visitors—especially those staying downtown—would do well to visit North Avenue Beach, a Chicago icon and the gold standard for urban beaches. Nestled right up against skyscrapers, the boisterous, high-energy, actually swimmable area has kayak rentals, volleyball nets, an ocean liner–inspired bar and restaurant, lots of free Park District events, and even Wi-Fi.
Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan
Elevation is an underrated factor for beach experiences. The forested glacial hills and towering sandy bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes are a summer standout in northwestern Michigan.
The most famous destination in the region is probably the notorious Dune Climb, an arduous, 3-to-4-hour round-trip endurance test up sandy slopes that challenge even the most seasoned hikers. A gentler way to take in the natural vistas is to walk the wooden pathways leading up to the Glen Lake Overlook, which shows off vibrant, groundwater-fed blue waters in a rare hue for Midwestern lakes.
Another difficult climb can be attempted from the Lake Michigan Overlook area—though the National Park Service discourages people from trying. Going down the dunes toward the water isn't so hard; it's coming back up that's difficult. In fact, a sign at the site warns that folks who can't handle the extremely steep 450-foot ascent will be charged a whopping $3,000 for rescue from the Coast Guard.
Maybe you should stick instead to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a mostly paved 22-mile scenic path great for hiking and cycling.
The Fugitive Beach in Rolla, Missouri
If you're looking for a swimmin’ hole vibe, you can't do much better than the Fugitive Beach water park, which features a man-made lime quarry popular with cliff-diving thrill-seekers. Whether you'll want to linger in the water—a heavily dyed pond that lacks a filtration system—is a matter of discretion. But even if you don't get wet, it's entertaining to settle on the sandy beach and watch lifejacket-clad daredevils yeet themselves off a 20-foot-high ledge.
Black Beach in Silver Bay, Minnesota
A few miles north of Ioana Beach on the northeast edge of Minnesota lies an especially striking beach. Easily mistaken for the volcanic rocks found in places like Hawaii and California, the sandy pebbles of Black Beach are actually the byproduct of taconite tailings created during the iron ore-mining process.
The cresting waters of Lake Superior create a dramatic gradient between the onyx-colored sand and the smooth pink-hued rocks, making this spot one of the most treasured of Minnesota's many waterfronts.
Lovers of the outdoors can take advantage of nearby cycling, hiking, and ATV trails as well as dozens of rugged campsites.
Apostle Islands in Wisconsin
The ancestral home of the Ojibwe people, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features incredible sea caves and 12 miles of Lake Superior shoreline with many sandy beaches. The picturesque grottos are especially popular with kayakers; there are a number of outfitters that offer full- and half-day equipment rentals, guided trips, and safety classes.
The 22 islands and their natural surroundings are also popular with black bears, so consider taking a guided tour to keep unwelcome excitement to a minimum while viewing the largest collection of lighthouses in the country.