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Places We Protect

Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve

Michigan

Trees along a shoreline are reflected in the water's edge.

Visitors can access the TNC preserve by walking along the beach through the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District’s Bete Grise Preserve.

Overview

Description

The 62-acre Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve consists of just over 4,000 feet of sandy shoreline along Lake Superior leading to dune and swale wetlands. Look to the skies (and treetops) to spot the common loon, merlin and bald eagle. Many species of special plants are found in the wetland areas of the preserve. Enjoy warm sunny beaches in the late summer months, and be on the lookout for vibrant beach glass!

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Pets are not permitted. Please do not trespass on private residences.

Highlights

This land is open for foot access and activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching and swimming.

Size

62 acres

Explore our work in this region

TNC's Work in the Keweenaw

Bete Grise is located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, an area TNC has been active in for decades. The Keweenaw has globally significant opportunities for nature-based carbon solutions and land and water protection, all contributing to the health of one of the world’s largest freshwater systems, the Great Lakes.

Explore the Keweenaw
A common loon flaps its wings in the water.
A green forest of trees in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
A mink frog rests in the shallow water at Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Water from Lake Superior splashes against rocks in the Keweenaw.
Aerial view of the peninsula, showing vast forests and blue water crashing on the shore.

Exploring the Preserve

The activities below will help you explore this preserve and enhance your connection with nature—from the comfort of your home or while onsite.

  • A person crouches down to examine green plant life while on a hike at Nan Weston Nature Preserve in Michigan.

    iNaturalist

    Help our scientists and restoration managers keep track of the species in our nature preserves by using iNaturalist. You can record your observations, help others identify species and view other users' identifications. Learn More

  • More Ways to Explore

    We offer a variety of ways to explore including geocaching, webinars, events and volunteer opportunities. You can even request a permit to use TNC land for scientific research! Learn More

Snow covers the beach as waves crash on shore.
Bete Grise The winter horizon. © Ron Leonetti

Background

Located in the beautiful Michigan Keweenaw, Bete Grise boasts nearly one and a half miles of high-quality sand beach along Lake Superior, possibly the longest in the Keweenaw. This entire beach area was slated for a housing development in the early 2000s. But, after many public meetings and negotiations, the property was set aside for conservation, opening the beach to the public.

Photos from Bete Grise Wetlands

Tag your preserve visits on Instagram with #TNCMichigan to have your photos featured here!

A kayaker glides through a quiet lake passed a treelined shore.
View of a quiet lake from a shore covered in sand and green plant growth.
A path winds through a forest of colorful autumn foliage and trees.
The sun sets over the horizon and is reflected in the surface of the lake and small ponds. along the shore.
A sign that says Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve. Established 2004. The sign is surrounded by green plant life.
Blue skies and white clouds are reflected in the water of a wetland area.
A sandy and rocky shore with a small inlet of water making its way to the lake.
Two boulders lie in the water of Lake Superior and the sun sinks below the horizon. Clouds cover the sky.
Large and small rocks are deposited on the sandy shore of a lake.
Towering trees grow along a sandy shoreline. Waves crash on the shore.
A kayaker glides through a quiet lake passed a treelined shore.

Kayaking: A kayaker glides through Lake Superior © TNC

View of a quiet lake from a shore covered in sand and green plant growth.

Lake Superior: 4,000 feet of sandy shoreline along Lake Superior. © TNC

A path winds through a forest of colorful autumn foliage and trees.

Autumn at Bete Grise: Take a stroll through Bete Grise in the autumn. © Jason Whalen

The sun sets over the horizon and is reflected in the surface of the lake and small ponds. along the shore.

Sunset at Bete Grise: Watch the sun slip behind the horizon. © Ron Leonetti

A sign that says Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve. Established 2004. The sign is surrounded by green plant life.

Welcome: Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve was established in 2004. © Jason Whalen

Blue skies and white clouds are reflected in the water of a wetland area.

Wildlife: Home to common loon, merlin and bald eagles. © Gina Nicholas

A sandy and rocky shore with a small inlet of water making its way to the lake.

Pack Your Suit: Bete Grise is a popular Lake Superior swimming spot. © All Rights

Two boulders lie in the water of Lake Superior and the sun sinks below the horizon. Clouds cover the sky.

Beach at Bete Grise: Explore the sandy shore. © Jason Whalen

Large and small rocks are deposited on the sandy shore of a lake.

Wetlands: The sandy shore leads to dune and swale wetlands. © Ron Leonetti

Towering trees grow along a sandy shoreline. Waves crash on the shore.

Keweenaw: Bete Grise is located in Michigan's beautiful Keweenaw. © Gina Nicholas

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The preserve is open year round. However, spring, late summer and early fall are the best times to visit this preserve to fully enjoy the beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula without the irritation of the biting insects that come out in the early summer. 

  • Bete Grise is a popular swimming destination. Make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, bug repellent and water. 

  • Visitors can access the TNC preserve by walking along the beach through the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District’s Bete Grise Preserve. To view the lighthouse, follow the trail north to the channel.

    The trail at this preserve is about one mile in length. There are some areas where hikers may have to duck through nearshore woody vegetation, but then the track opens up to beach. Trail difficulty is easy, but the route can be seasonally wet in the southern section before it reaches the beach.

    Please note: There are private residences at the end of the trail along the canal. We ask that you are respectful and do not trespass on their property. 

    • Hiking, skiing and snowshoeing
    • Bird watching, nature study and photography
    • Swimming in Lake Superior
    • Kayaks and canoes are permitted on Lake Superior. Vessels must be carried from the parking area.
    • Research projects and educational studies with approved permit

  • For the safety of both the habitats at this preserve and visiting guests, we ask that you please follow the rules listed below.

    • No motorized and non-motorized vehicles
    • No building of new trails
    • No pets
    • No hunting or trapping
    • No removal of plants or animals (alive or dead)
    • No removal of rocks, water or other non-organic materials
    • No camping, bonfires, fireworks or other fires
    • No firewood collecting
    • No littering

  • Have questions about the preserve? Contact us at miplaces@tnc.org. 

Keep Exploring

From shifting sand dunes to granite bald mountains, explore our preserves and reserves spread across the state of Michigan.

An image of a map with flags marking different locations.

Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

See the Complete Map

Make a Lasting Impact

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