Au Train Beach: A Perfect Beach Stop Between Pictured Rocks and Marquette
If you’re driving from Pictured Rocks to Marquette, there’s a little hidden gem you really don’t want to miss: Au Train Beach. It’s one of those easy, no-stress stops that feels like a mini vacation all by itself — and best of all, it’s free.
Short walk to beach
Au Train Beach is located right off the highway with a small pull-off area and just a few parking spots. It’s the kind of place you might drive past without realizing how amazing it is… but once you stop, you’ll probably wish you had planned more time there. For our family roadtripping 10 days through the Upper Peninsula, it was the perfect stop to stretch legs and enjoyed the stunning Lake Superior Waters.
Location of Au Train Beach
Located between Marquette and Pictured Rocks along M-28. Au Train Beach is located along Michigan’s Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. Only about 10 minutes west of Munising.
Bathroom: Available during summer months.
Parking: Yes, but it is limited and fills up during peak hours in summer
Warmer, shallow waters where Au Train River meets Lake Superior
Why Au Train Beach Is So Great for Families
Some of the reasons why families love this stop is the beach itself:
The Water is Warmer - Let’s talk about the obvious first: Lake Superior is cold- ice cold almost all year long. Although, Au Train Beach is one of the best places to swim on Lake Superior, especially with kids, because the Au Train River empties into the lake here. That river water makes the swimming area feel about 10 degrees warmer, which is a HUGE difference when you’re dealing with Superior temperatures.
Small Dunes at Au Train Beach
Short walk to beach - just a few yards takes you to the Lake Michigan waters.
Soft sandy, shoreline with small dunes Kids will love running down the small dunes to splash into the water.
Shallow water near the edge and natural inlet pools- Easy for kids to splash and play without being immediately in deep water. Depending on the water level and waves, shallow inlet pools form where the river meets the lake.
Fishing by the river
Kayaking and Paddling - calmer spot to paddle in the area.
Quick Tips for Visiting Au Train Beach
Here are a few things that make the stop even easier:
1. Go Early (Parking is Limited)
There are only a few parking spots, so this is one of those places where arriving early makes a big difference — especially in summer. We planned accordingly and arrived mid morning with our travel trailer and luckily found a spot since we beat the noon rush.
2. Pack Towels and a Change of Clothes
Even if you don’t plan to swim, kids will probably end up in the water anyway.
3. Don’t Skip the Sunset
If you happen to be nearby in the evening, Au Train Beach is an amazing sunset spot.
4. Bring a Picnic Lunch
With scenic views, this spot is relaxing and ideal for a picnic
5. Dogs are allowed on a Leash
Let your pup and children run around and stretch their legs or stay for a while splashing and playing
Dogs allowed on a leash
Nearby Lodgings
Campgrounds
Au Train Beach Campground - In walking distance of Au Train Beach, featuring yurts and camping sites
Tourist Park Campground – Located in Marquette, close to town and Lake Superior, sandy beach, can ride bikes into town.
Munising Tourist Park Campground- Nice sites, showers, and close to town—great if you want easy access to Pictured Rocks and local amenities.
Bay Furnace Campground- Part of Hiawatha National Forest with spacious sites, lake views, and scenic sunrise/sunset spots near Lake Superior.
Munising / Pictured Rocks KOA Journey- KOA campground with full RV hookups, pool, cabins, onsite laundry and showers
Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview – Indoor pool and scenic views of Grand Island; ideal for families.
Americlnn In Munising, featuring hot tub and a unique pool for the kids, modern conveniences.
Superior Times Resort & Campground – Mix of cabins and camping sites with access to ATV and hiking trails.
American Best Value Inn – Marquette’s budget-friendly hotel with pool and included breakfast.
Holiday Inn Marquette Featuring both a large pool and hot tub, spacious rooms, & restaurant.
Au Train Beach is one of those places that proves you don’t need a big attraction or expensive ticket to make great family memories in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s a quick pull-off, a free beach, and one of the rare Lake Superior spots where the water feels just warm enough to actually enjoy. So next time you’re road-tripping between Pictured Rocks and Marquette, add Au Train Beach to your list — your kids will thank you, and you might just end up staying longer than planned.
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Looking for a quick, free, and family-friendly stop in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Au Train Beach is an underrated gem located right off the highway between Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Marquette. With a sandy shoreline, shallow water, and calm inlet pools created where the Au Train River meets Lake Superior, it’s one of the best places for kids to splash and swim. The river also makes the water feel warmer than most Lake Superior beaches, making this a perfect summer road trip stop for families exploring the UP.