Locations
The Keweenaw Peninsula has some of the most beautiful beaches I've seen anywhere. From rugged and rocky to sandy and soft, the geologic and environmental diversity is endless. These are my favorites and the places where I collect the rocks I use to create my art.
Great Sand Bay
Ever since I was a little girl, Great Sand Bay has been my favorite beach in the Keweenaw. An undisturbed stretch of coastline cradled by sand dunes that seems to go on forever, the bay has an ever-changing mood that is uniquely Great Sand.
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One day, a bright, shiny oasis with blue skies, white capped waves, crystal clear waters and sparkling sand that glistens in the sun's rays. The next day, an eerily quiet, mysterious wonderland shrouded in fog so thick you can barely see a couple feet in front of you.
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Regardless of the mood, Great Sand Bay is magic.
Cat Harbor
Cat Harbor is my "local beach". The beach closest to my cottage where I can walk to stretch my legs, take an evening SUP trip, sit and look up at the stars, or give my dogs an opportunity to swim and run like crazy.
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While Cat Harbor is much smaller than Great Sand Bay and mostly sand, the beach is littered with perfectly shaped rocks for painting (and occasionally a raw copper nugget for my collection).
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McLain State Park
McLain State Park is a recreation area in Houghton County, MI on the Keweenaw Peninsula - half way between the cities of Calumet and Houghton. It's a popular place to watch the sun melt in to Lake Superior in the evening, as well as to hunt for "Yooper Lights" after the sun fully sets and the stars turn on their nightly display.
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McLain State Park tends to have the best selection of larger rocks - perfect for some of my bigger pieces.
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Calumet Waterworks Park
Calumet Waterworks Park is located in Calumet Township on the Keweenaw Peninsula. It's yet another beautiful expanse of beach, ideal for watching sunsets and hunting for "Yooper Lights".
Similar to McLain State Park, I often find beautiful larger stones to paint here, as well as perfectly shaped sandstone which seems to be unique to this beach.
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