This Lake Superior beach was peaceful when we arrived. One family was standing knee deep and splashing around in the water. To me, they were brave on this 70 degree day.

The Legend

It is said that an Ojibwa woman lost her lover to Lake Superior. For the rest of her life she stood on the shore in perpetual mourning and continued to call to him. The sand carried on her wailing by making a singing sadness when moved with a hand or a rock. It is said that if the sand is removed from the beach, it will no long cry.

Singing Sand

The Scientific Explanation

In order to create this unique sound the spheres of sand must be uniform in size. As one moves the sand, the particles bump into each other causing a vibration. This vibration makes the air vibrate causing sounds detected by our ears.

Fodor’s List of Seven Singing Sands Beaches

Singing Sands are rare and found in a few locations across the globe. Fodor’s Travel Guide listed the following beaches which have this infrequent occurrence.

Basin Head, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Singing Beach, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts

Isle of Eigg, Scottland

Warren Dunes, Lake Michigan

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Austrailia

33 Locations on the British Isles

Porthor Aberdaron, United Kingdom “Whistling Sands”

Bete Grise Preserve

This 62 acre preserve, Baie De Gres which means Grey Beast, was once an important harbor for the mining towns of Bete Grise and Lac La Belle (to the north). The land has created a shield from Lake Superior’s furry which allowed ships to unload supplies and be loaded with copper ore.

The beach is stunning! Nearby are many hiking and biking trails, plus Mount Bohemia, a downhill ski resort. It’s worth the trip in any season!

Related Links

DaViking’s video highlights nine obscure sites around Keweenaw. Check it out by clicking the link.

Restless Viking merchandise is available here!

Resources:

Alexis Dahl’s video

Fodor’s Travel Guide to Singing Sand Beaches

Travel Keweenaw’s website