Bete Grise Preserve in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Bete Grise Shoreline Bete Grise Preserve in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. © Ron Leonetti

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Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve

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Bete Grise is the highest quality dune and swale wetland system remaining in the Upper Great Lakes.

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Why Is This Preserve Significant?

Located in the beautiful Michigan Keewanaw, 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 negotiation, the property was set aside for conservation, opening the beach to the public.

The 62-acre Bete Grise Wetlands Preserves consists of just over 4,000 feet of sandy shoreline along Lake Superior leading to dune and swale wetlands, and 1,000 feet of frontage on the Mendota Ship Canal.

What Can I See Here?

Look to the skies (and tree tops) as the common loon, merlin, and bald eagle nest at the site. Many species of special plants are found in the wetland areas of the site. Enjoy warm sunny beaches in the late summer months, and be on the look-out for vibrant beach glass!

Easiest access to the Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve is through the Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District’s Bete Grise Preserve. TNC has assisted the HKCD in acquiring land in this area and we intend to transfer more in the future. 

Bete Grise is a popular swimming destination. Bring sunscreen. 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. If you want to visit during the early summer months, bring insect repellant.

Permitted Activities

  • 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

Prohibited Activities

  • 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
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