Sandy Public Beach Au Train Open Water Swimming

Sandy Public Beach lives up to its name with a true sandy public beach at a remote roadside scenic stop on Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located near Au Train with access via M-28, parking is available at the designated pulloff. This is a rustic beach with limited facilities appropriate to its remote location and roadside character. The beach sits within a bay providing some shelter from Lake Superior’s full exposure to wind and surf.

The protected bay location offers more moderate conditions than fully exposed Superior beaches, with the surrounding geography providing relief from prevailing winds and swells. The sandy beach creates good entry into Superior’s famously clear, cold waters. Water temperatures remain cool throughout summer, typical of Lake Superior, with surface temperatures in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit even during peak season. The bay’s partial protection means conditions are more suitable for swimming than completely exposed Superior shoreline, though swimmers should still respect the lake’s power and cold temperatures.

This location appeals to swimmers seeking a more accessible Superior swimming experience compared to wilderness beaches requiring significant hiking. The roadside access combined with the bay’s protection creates conditions suitable for cold water swimming without the extreme remoteness of some Superior locations. Swimmers should still exercise appropriate caution with Superior’s cold water and changing conditions, wearing wetsuits or having significant cold water experience. The beach attracts both casual swimmers and those specifically seeking cold water swimming challenges in a somewhat protected setting.

Water quality monitoring for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula beaches is conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and local health departments. Lake Superior maintains exceptional water quality throughout its system. Sandy Public Beach provides convenient access to Superior swimming in a protected bay setting, combining the lake’s pristine waters with more moderate conditions than fully exposed locations. The roadside access and partial protection make this an attractive option for Superior swimmers who want the lake experience without extensive wilderness travel.