Black Sand Beach
Did you know Minnesota has a beach with black sand? Typically you see beaches with cool sand in other countries, like the pink sand beach in the Bahamas, but we have one too.
If you didn’t know about this amazing beach, that’s probably because it was privately owned and fenced off for a long time. However, Black Beach, also known as Onyx beach, has been open to the public since 2015. It’s just 3 hours north of Minneapolis, an hour past Duluth on the North Shore in Silver Bay.
If you’re wondering how we got such a cool beach right here in our own backyard, it’sthe result of taconite which was dumped into the water for years by mining companies. The tiny pieces of this mineral have mixed with the sand to create this one of a kind beach.
If you’re looking for the Instagram of your dreams in a simple day or weekend trip, this is the spot! The North Shore cliffs and bay create a stunning backdrop. Plus, due to the protective cove, it’s a good swimming beach with shallow water. Granted, it’s still is the North Shore, so it may not be as warm as you’d like. There are even picnic tables and fire rings, so plan to make a whole day of it!
Credit to Lindsey Ranzau. I found this picture she took on Instagram!