Twelve - Mile Beach

For dining options near Twelvemile Beach, Grand Marais offers a variety of restaurants. The Grand Marais Tavern is a popular spot for American cuisine and a great selection of beers and cocktails. It provides a cozy atmosphere and is known for its fast service.

Another favorite is The Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Co., which offers a casual dining experience with live performances and a wide range of beers. For a mix of breakfast, lunch, and fine dining, The Breakwall is highly recommended, offering both casual and elegant dining options.

For a quick bite, Sherpa Shack is a great choice, known for its great coffee and desserts.

For accommodations near Twelvemile Beach, several options are available in Grand Marais. Hilltop Cabins offers a rustic stay with lake views and BBQ facilities, providing a cozy retreat amidst nature. The Superior Hotel is another excellent choice, boasting high ratings and offering free Wi-Fi. For those looking for a more casual stay, the Beach Park Motel provides colorful rooms with bay views and Wi-Fi access.

Additionally, Voyageurs Motel offers homey rooms with expansive Lake Superior views, along with amenities like a hot tub and sauna.

Twelvemile Beach Campground offers basic yet comfortable amenities, including well-maintained pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, making it a rustic camping experience. The campground also features an interpretive amphitheater and access to the North Country Trail and the White Birch Trail.

For those looking to relax on the beach, there are stairs leading down from the campground to the shore, providing easy access to the lake. The nearby Grand Marais area offers additional amenities like grocery stores and restaurants for supplies and dining.

Twelvemile Beach offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular pastime, with trails like the North Country Trail and the White Birch Trail providing scenic routes through the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can also enjoy long walks along the beach, exploring the shoreline and taking in the views of Lake Superior.

For those interested in water activities, nearby communities offer pontoon boat and kayak rentals, allowing visitors to explore Lake Superior. The area is also great for nature photography and birdwatching, given its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.

While Twelvemile Beach Campground offers some accessibility features, such as universally accessible campsites, the rustic nature of the campground means that some areas may be challenging for visitors with disabilities. The nearby Grand Marais area has more accessible facilities, including restaurants and public spaces with wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.

However, the beach itself requires descending a long flight of stairs from the bluff, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues. Planning ahead and contacting local resources for assistance is recommended for visitors with specific needs.

Parking at Twelvemile Beach Campground is available near the campsites, with some sites allowing drive-in access and others requiring a short walk. The campground has limited parking space, so it's advisable to keep vehicles and trailers under 42 feet in length. There are also day-use parking areas for visitors not staying overnight.

Parking is generally well-managed, with enough space for most visitors, but it's always a good idea to arrive early during peak season.

Twelvemile Beach is named for its 12-mile stretch of pristine sand beach along Lake Superior. The area is part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is known for its vibrant sandstone cliffs that have been colored by minerals over millions of years. The beach and surrounding trails offer stunning views and unique geological formations, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts.

The region is also rich in history, with evidence of ancient Native American settlements and early European explorers. Visitors can learn more about this history through interpretive programs and exhibits in the area.

Twelvemile Beach is part of the larger Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which offers numerous attractions. The area is famous for its sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore the nearby Miners Castle, a popular rock formation, or take a boat tour to see the colorful cliffs up close.

The Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge is another nearby attraction, featuring a marina and the historic Grand Marais Light. For nature lovers, the surrounding forests and lakes provide endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting.