Horseshoe Harbor

Along the shore at Horseshoe Harbor stands an archipelago of massive rock outcroppings – the largest stretching a good 1200 feet in length and rising over 15 feet above the lake. Harsh waves crash against their faces while a boreal forest of fir and spruce thrives in their protective shadow. Narrow canyons and small caves cut across their surface as the waters of Superior winds its way between them creating a web of narrow inlets and protected coves.

These impressive rock formations are only a small fraction of the almost 3 miles of undeveloped lakeshore at Horseshoe Harbor. Flanking those massive outcroppings are a pair of deep agate beaches built up with a seemingly limitless variety of lake stones. Beyond the beaches stretch a never-ending line of rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings sprinkled with the occasional sea cave. And behind it all over 1400 acres of serene northern forest and bedrock glades envelop the shoreline in quiet serenity.

NOTES: Horseshoe Harbor and the surrounding lakeshore are part of the Nature Conservancy’s Mary MacDonald Preserve. The preserve is remote and isolated and can only be reached by traveling several miles along rugged seasonal roads, some of which can be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. From there the beach is another quarter mile downhill along a narrow hiking trail featuring loose rocks and exposed roots. No motorized vehicles, camping, or fires are allowed on the beach.

Trail Map

Rock Formation

Beach

DIRECTIONS: From Copper Harbor, follow US41 east to its terminus (about 2.5 miles). From there continue on the seasonal Mandan Road for another mile until you come across a narrow two-track branching off to the left. Turn onto the two-track and follow it for another mile until you come to the marked trailhead and small parking area on the right. The trail to the lakeshore is on the left.