About 300 ft of sand
Grand Sable Dunes
Towering dunes just west of town. Climb up, look out over Lake Superior and feel very, very small (in a good way).
Lake Superior's agate party
Rock on in Grand Marais!
Two days of banded beauties, rock-hound stories and treasures from around the world, all on the wild south shore of Lake Superior. Bring your loupe, your curiosity and an empty pocket or three.
Sept. 10 & 11, 2027Fri + Sat · Grand Marais, Michigan
The rocks are waiting.
Countdown to opening morning, Friday, Sept. 10, 2027.
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Why Grand Marais?
The coolest little harbor town on the biggest lake around.
Grand Marais sits at the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where giant dunes, waterfalls and lighthouses line Lake Superior. It's a village where you can see the whole main street in a stroll, the sunsets go on forever, and the beach is full of stones begging to be picked up. Come for the agates. You'll want to stay for the rest.
Waterfall over sandstone
Sable Falls
A short walk and a staircase lead to a cascading waterfall that tumbles down to the beach. Pack your camera.
Built 1874 · shipwreck trail
Au Sable Light Station
A 1.5-mile beach walk from Hurricane River passes old shipwreck remains on the way to this classic lighthouse.
Logging-era chute
Log Slide Overlook
Lumberjacks once sent logs racing down this sand slide to the lake. Today it's one of the best views on the shore.
Harbor of refuge
The Harbor & Breakwall
Stroll the bay, watch the boats, and stake out a sunset spot. The maritime museum tells the stories of this storm-tossed coast.
Treasure hunt included
Agate Beaches
Lake Superior polishes stones day and night. Walk the shoreline after a storm and you might spot that famous orange glow.
Try it: crack an agate
Every rough rock has a secret inside.
That's the magic of agates. A plain, bumpy, potato-looking stone can hide a billion years of rainbow bands. Tap the rock to crack it open. Then tap again for a new one. (Fair warning: this is exactly how rock hounds are made.)
Agates cracked: 0
What's inside?Fortification? Eye? Moss? Only one way to find out.
Rock-solid trivia
Tap a card. Impress your friends.
Beach-hunting 101
How to find your own agate.
Show weekend is the perfect excuse to hit the beach. Here's how the pros do it.
Know before you pick: rock collecting is not allowed inside Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hunt on public beaches outside the park, and ask a local (or a dealer at the show!) for a good spot.
Go early, go after a storm
Big waves churn up fresh stones. Morning light and fewer footprints help too.
Walk toward the sun
Agates are translucent. With the light behind them, they glow like little lanterns.
Look for the waxy shine
A pitted, waxy surface and a hint of banding on the edge are the giveaways.
Get it wet
A splash of water makes colors pop. Many hunters carry a little spray bottle.
Make a weekend of it.
Find a cozy motel, cabin or campsite, then grab a pint and a bite in town. Our local guides have everything you need.