McLain State Park

18350 Highway M-203
Hancock MI, 49930

906-482-0278
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

443 (Acres)

Required

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.
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Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

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.

Beach Safety Logo

Campgrounds

McLain-Birches Camper Cabin
800-447-2757
(1)
McLain-Mini Cabins
800-447-2757
(6)
McLain-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(117)
McLain-Tiny House
800-447-2757
(1)

Trails

McLain-Bear Lake Trail
Trail Length: 4.00 (Miles)
McLain-Hiking Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Centrally located between the cities of Calumet and Hancock, the park serves as a great homebase for those wanting to explore the wester U.P. Visitors will find attractions such as abandoned shafthouses, tram cars, "poor rock" piles, ghost towns and the Keweenaw National Historic Park.

Activities (Display as List)

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: 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.
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is popular in Lake Superior and the Portage Canal.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: 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.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: The beach house is in the day-use area off the canal and includes restrooms, changing courts, food concessions and a reservable picnic shelter.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: 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.
Lighthouse Item is accessible.
Lighthouse:

The Army Corps of Engineers operates the Keweenaw Waterway Lighthouse near the park’s northwestern entrance.

Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: 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.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: 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.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: There are swings and a slide in the day-use area.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

Enjoy 2 miles of shoreline stretching along Lake Superior. Some areas are sandy, and others are rocky.

The designated swim beach is located off the canal; however, a large portion of the park is located along a Great Lake. Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. DO NOT swim near or jump off break walls or navigational channel walls and pay attention to changing conditions.