McLain State Park – centrally located between the cities of Calumet and Hancock – is situated in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula along 2 miles of sandy beach on Lake Superior. The park is known for its sunsets and magnificent views of the lighthouse. Visitors will also enjoy camping, fishing, windsurfing, berry picking, beachcombing, rock hounding, sightseeing and hunting.
The picnic area, in the park’s day-use area, includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. There are several accessible picnic tables near the designated swim beach off of the Portage Canal.
There are two accessible picnic shelters located in the day-use area that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service and modern toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The beach house is in the day-use area off the canal and includes restrooms, changing courts, food concessions and a reservable picnic shelter.
Sundae in the Park – located in the beach house, in the day-use area off the canal – offers food, ice, souvenirs, camping supplies, clothing, ice cream and more.
Hunting is allowed south of M-203 (the area is indicated by hashmarks on the park map); however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
The Army Corps of Engineers operates the Keweenaw Waterway Lighthouse near the park’s northwestern entrance.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Paddling is popular in Lake Superior and the Portage Canal.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Superior shoreline and the Portage Canal. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
There are swings and a slide in the day-use area.
The park’s sanitation station is located in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Enjoy 2 miles of shoreline stretching along Lake Superior. Some areas are sandy, and others are rocky.
The modern campground is divided into two sections. Sites 1-91 are smaller and set along the Lake Superior shoreline, and sites 100-135 are bigger. Most sites are shaded by mature trees. There is 30- and/or 50-amp electrical service available on each site and a sanitation station.
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There are six mini cabins lined up along the lakeshore in the park's modern campground. Each mini cabin sleeps four people between a full- and twin-size bed and a folding cot.
The cabins have electricity, an electric heater, a two-burner hot plate and ceiling lights. There is no running water, but visitors can get water at the campground's fill station.
Amenities include a table and two chairs, a mini fridge and a microwave. There is a deck, a picnic table, a fire pit and a grill outdoors.
Guests are required to provide their own bedding and cookware.
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The park's tiny house overlooks Lake Superior. It sleeps four people between a full- and queen-size bed. Amenities include a small table and four stools, a mini fridge and a microwave. The tiny house has electricity, including air conditioning, a heater, a ceiling light and a fan. There is no running water, but visitors can get water at the campground's fill station. There is a deck, a picnic table, a fire pit and a grill outdoors.
Guests are required to provide their own bedding and cookware.
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The accessible camper cabin is tucked into the woods in the park's modern campground. It sleeps eight people between two full- and twin-size beds and two cots. The cabin has electricity, a gas fireplace heater, a four-burner stove and oven, a ceiling light and a fan. There is no running water, but visitors can get water at the campground's fill station.
Amenities include a table and chairs, bench, coffee table, kitchen counter, kitchen cabinets, mini fridge and microwave. There is a paved patio, clothesline, picnic table, fire pit and grill outdoors.
Guests are required to provide their own bedding and cookware.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
