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Families in southeast Michigan who have trekked to the Upper Peninsula will tell you: the long, long drive is absolutely worth it. Tucked along Lake Superior’s coast, in a region most downstaters only dream about each summer, lies a hidden gem that’s both stunning and surprisingly gentle on the wallet. We’re talking about Twelvemile Beach – a pristine stretch of sand in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that was recently crowned the most affordable beach destination in the entire country. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Up North getaway that won’t break the bank, this low-cost Michigan beach should top your summer travel list.
Want a full list of the best U.P. waterfalls? Check out our Michigan's Ultimate Waterfall Road Trip
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Facebook
The Most Affordable Beach in the U.S. – Right Here in Michigan
It might shock you, but according to a 2024 travel study, the nation’s best budget beach isn’t in Florida or California, it’s on Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Twelvemile Beach earned the top spot thanks to rock-bottom lodging and dining costs. On average, a six-night stay for two in the area runs only about $464 (total!) for hotels, with local meals around $20 each, and even craft beers about $7.50. In other words, you can treat the family to a week-long beach vacation here for the cost of a weekend somewhere else. This unbeatable value, combined with world-class natural beauty, makes Twelvemile Beach a no-brainer for families and adventurers alike.
Even Travel + Leisure took note, reporting how Twelvemile Beach “offers unparalleled value” for spring and summer trips. Think about it: you’ll enjoy all the sun, sand, and shoreline fun without the sky-high prices (or the crowds) of more famous coastal hotspots. For Metro Detroiters watching their budget, it’s like the travel gods delivered a gift in our own backyard. And affordability doesn’t mean skimping on experience; this beach delivers million-dollar views for next to nothing.
What to Expect at Twelvemile Beach
So, what is Twelvemile Beach actually like? In a word: breathtaking. As the name suggests, it’s a 12-mile stretch of soft, sandy shoreline along Lake Superior’s southern coast. Think clear freshwater waves lapping the beach, sugar-colored dunes, and a forested backdrop that feels wild and untouched. It’s part of the federally protected Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, meaning it’s preserved for its natural beauty and never overdeveloped.
At the east end of the beach is a day-use and picnic area, perfect for lunch by the water or relaxing with a blanket and a good book. Families love the quiet vibe, and kids can spend hours digging in the sand, skipping stones, or spotting birds along the shore. Just be aware: Lake Superior stays chilly, even in summer, refreshing on hot days, but something to prepare younger swimmers for.
Want to wake up to those lake views? Consider camping right above the beach. The Twelvemile Beach Campground offers 37 rustic sites perched atop the dunes. Each includes a picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring, no electric or water hookups, but you will have vault toilets and a nearby artesian well. These first-come, first-served campsites are perfect for disconnecting, recharging, and watching the sun rise right over Lake Superior.
Check out more budget-friendly beach escapes across Michigan.
Fun Family Adventures Around Twelvemile Beach
One of the best things about Twelvemile Beach is how many low-cost, family-friendly activities surround it. Here’s a roundup of nearby things to do that both kids and adults will love:
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Grand Marais Historical Society, Facebook
Pickle Barrel House Museum (Grand Marais)
Address: Lake Avenue & Randolph Street, Grand Marais, MI 49839
Located at Lake Avenue and Randolph Street in downtown Grand Marais, this whimsical little house was originally built for the creator of the “Teenie Weenies” cartoon from the Chicago Tribune. Today it serves as a volunteer-run museum that offers a quick, quirky stop for families. Kids will love the giant pickle-shaped architecture, and there are a few interactive exhibits inside. Right next door? A cozy tavern serving burgers, pizza, and kid-friendly meals.
Waterfall Tour Across Pictured Rocks
Address: Various locations across Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising to Grand Marais)
Downstaters may not think of waterfalls when they think “Michigan,” but the Upper Peninsula has dozens of stunning falls—and several are close to Twelvemile Beach.
Some favorites:
- Miners Falls – a tall, thundering waterfall accessible via a short wooded trail.
- Munising Falls – an easy, paved path leads to this peaceful waterfall, great for little ones.
- Sable Falls – just west of Grand Marais, and includes a staircase to a breathtaking view.
Each one is a perfect quick stop on your way to or from the beach and adds a little adventure to your trip.
Shipwreck Boat Tour (Munising)
Address: Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours | 1204 Commercial St, Munising, MI 49862
Lake Superior has claimed more than a few vessels in its day, and now you can see the remains of real shipwrecks on a family-friendly glass-bottom boat tour.
Tours include:
Views of two shipwrecks (the Bermuda and Herman H. Hettler)
- Rock formations around Grand Island
- The historic East Channel Lighthouse
- Multicolored cliffs along the shoreline
Kids love the novelty of seeing the sunken ships beneath their feet, while adults enjoy the scenery and storytelling.
Dog Sledding Summer Tour (Husky Haven Sled Dogs – Shingleton)
Address: E17769 Nugent Lake Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884
While sled rides only happen in the winter, Husky Haven Sled Dogs offers a summer experience that’s just as memorable, especially for curious kids. Families can visit the kennel to meet the dogs, learn how a sled is built, and see how the team works. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that blends education, animal interaction, and U.P. culture.
If you return in winter, they offer full sledding tours with 8 to 10-mile runs through the woods, plus a kennel tour and mushing history lesson.
Au Sable Light Station Hike
Address (Trailhead): Hurricane River Campground | H58, Grand Marais, MI 49839
Take a scenic 1.5-mile walk from the Hurricane River day-use area to the Au Sable Light Station, a historic red-brick lighthouse that’s been guiding ships since the 1800s. The flat trail is easy enough for most kids and offers peekaboo lake views and shoreline access along the way.
During summer, you may be able to tour the lighthouse tower and learn about maritime history. Even if the tower isn’t open, the walk and setting are worth it, especially with a picnic lunch.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Facebook
Grand Sable Dunes & Log Slide Overlook
Address: Log Slide Overlook, Grand Sable Dunes | H58, Grand Marais, MI 49839
One of the most iconic stops in Pictured Rocks, the Log Slide Overlook sits just west of Grand Marais and offers a sweeping view over hundreds of feet of golden dunes rolling into Lake Superior.
Fun fact: loggers once used this giant sand slope to “slide” timber down to the lake. Brave kids and teens might attempt the run down (and slow, sandy climb back up!). Bring a camera, the views here are postcard-worthy.
Archie’s Bay West Diner (Grand Marais)
Address: E21825 Veteran St, Grand Marais, MI 49839
It’s rare to find a truly vintage diner experience, but Archie’s Bay West Diner delivers, and then some. This 1950s-style diner features teal bar stools, shiny aluminum, and vinyl booths, serving up comfort food and retro vibes.
Menu highlights:
- Kid-favorite pizzas and ice cream scoops
- Classic diner breakfasts with tall stacks of pancakes and hot coffee
- Burgers, omelets, and hearty Midwest favorites
It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger just a little longer, and maybe snap a photo or two.
Here’s our favorite road trip route. Read Our Best Road Trips from Detroit: Weekend Getaways Worth the Drive
Why Twelvemile Beach Should Top Your Summer Bucket List
Twelvemile Beach offers more than just affordability. It offers freedom to unplug, explore, and spend quality time surrounded by Michigan’s most breathtaking natural scenery. From beachfront camping and crystal-clear waters to nearby adventures like waterfalls, shipwrecks, and sled dogs, this corner of the Upper Peninsula is built for memory-making.
And while it may be a haul from Metro Detroit, that’s part of the magic. You’ll cross the Mackinac Bridge, pass into another world of pine forests and quiet roads, and wind up on the shores of a Great Lake that still feels wild and untouched.
So pack the car. Download your maps. And head north, because the best beach vacation in America might just be waiting for you right here in Michigan.
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