Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area
Minnesota's stunning pink beach, famous for its millions of smooth, salmon-colored rhyolite rocks and the unique 'singing' sound of Lake Superior's wa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Minnesota's stunning pink beach, famous for its millions of smooth, salmon-colored rhyolite rocks and the unique 'singing' sound of Lake Superior's waves.
"This is one of those places that pictures just cannot fully capture. It is absolutely stunning!"
🪨 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The beach is covered in smooth rocks, not sand. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
👂 Listen to the Waves
Lay on the rocks near the water to hear the unique 'singing' sound of the waves.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pink Shoreline
Main beach area
Millions of smooth, salmon-colored rocks create a stunning, unique beach unlike any other.
Musical Rocks
Near the water's edge
Listen to the unique, almost musical sound as waves interact with the smooth pink stones.
Rhyolite Cliff
North side of the beach
A cliff of pink rhyolite gives the beach its distinctive color and name.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pink Rocks
Listen to the 'Singing' Shore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪨 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The beach is covered in smooth rocks, not sand. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
👂 Listen to the Waves
Lay on the rocks near the water to hear the unique 'singing' sound of the waves.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This picturesque beach is ideal for photography, especially during golden hour.
🚗 Easy Access Parking
Good parking is available with a short, easy walk to the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🪨 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The beach is covered in smooth rocks, not sand. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
👂 Listen to the Waves
Lay on the rocks near the water to hear the unique 'singing' sound of the waves.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This picturesque beach is ideal for photography, especially during golden hour.
🚗 Easy Access Parking
Good parking is available with a short, easy walk to the beach.
🌊 Dip Your Toes
Enjoy the cool waters of Lake Superior and soak in the sun on the unique pink rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Iona's Beach, calling it a 'true hidden gem' and 'absolutely stunning.' The unique pink rocks and the musical sound of the waves are consistently praised, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere. It's considered a must-see on the North Shore for its picturesque beauty and easy accessibility.
"So beautiful. Go close to the the water and lay with your ear on the rocks to hear the water below. Soak your feet in the cool water and the rest of you in the sun! Saw river otters and a little “sea” cave. Take time to see blue white striped hidden unique rocks. Overall the beach is a beautiful pink!"
Bobbi Shiu
"Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area in Minnesota is a true hidden gem along the North Shore. This unique spot features millions of naturally pink rocks that create a one-of-a-kind shoreline you won’t find anywhere else. When you first step onto the beach, it’s hard not to be amazed by the soft, rounded stones that stretch as far as the eye can see. The sound they make as the waves roll in and out is almost musical, adding to the peaceful, magical feeling of the place.
It’s a perfect stop for families looking to enjoy a bit of nature and fun. Our family loved walking along the shore, skipping the pink rocks into Lake Superior, and just taking in the incredible views. The short 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the beach is easy and makes the spot very accessible, even for young kids.
Iona’s Beach feels like a special secret that you’ll want to share with others. Whether you’re planning a full day of exploring or just want a quick, memorable pit stop, Iona’s Beach is well worth it. We’ll definitely be back — it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave."
Hoshun Lam
"This is a Minnesota North Shore destination. Nothing like it. I’d advise if you’re going to Duluth this should be on your site seeing list. Good parking, nice short walk to the beach. Great place to take photos."
Robin Miller Kroening
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Iona's Beach is located on Minnesota's North Shore, about 15 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61.
Yes, the walk from the parking lot to the main beach area is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with young children.
The area is a popular entry point for bike trails along the North Shore, so you might see cyclists. It's easily accessible by car via Highway 61.
Look for signs for Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area along Highway 61. It's a well-marked stop for those exploring the North Shore.
Public transportation options are limited along the North Shore. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Iona's Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area is a public natural area and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to visit.
As a natural area, Iona's Beach is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
Parking at Iona's Beach is free. There is a designated parking lot available for visitors.
Yes, you can visit Iona's Beach in the winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures and potentially icy conditions on the rocks. The unique pink rocks are visible year-round.
As a Scientific and Natural Area, visitors are asked to respect the natural environment. Stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing the rocks or wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Iona's Beach is famous for its millions of smooth, naturally pink rhyolite rocks that cover the shoreline, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
The smooth, rounded rocks create a musical, almost singing sound as the waves of Lake Superior wash over them.
Visitors can walk along the shore, skip rocks, listen to the waves, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful natural scenery. Some also explore nearby cliffs.
Basic amenities like parking are available. There are no restrooms or concessions directly at the beach, so plan accordingly.
While you can wade or soak your feet in Lake Superior, swimming is not recommended due to the cold water temperatures and rocky shore.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting that enhances the pink hues of the rocks.
The unique pink rocks, the vastness of Lake Superior, and the natural beauty make it a highly photogenic location.
The entire shoreline is a photo opportunity. Getting close to the water's edge or capturing the rhyolite cliff offers distinct perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive shoreline. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare from the water and rocks.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the Minnesota DNR for current rules regarding drone operation in Scientific and Natural Areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack a small bucket for collecting interesting rocks (remember to leave most behind to preserve the natural beauty!). While swimming isn't ideal due to the cold water and rocks, wading at the edge is fun. Keep an eye out for wildlife like river otters, which can be a thrilling sight for children.
📸 Photographers
The contrast between the soft pink stones and the deep blue of Lake Superior is visually striking. The rhyolite cliff on the north side provides an interesting geological feature to frame your shots.Best times for photos are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a warm glow on the rocks.
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive shoreline and a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water and rocks. The 'singing' aspect also offers opportunities for creative audio-visual projects.🚗 Day-Trippers from Duluth
It's an ideal spot for a quick, memorable stop to stretch your legs, take some stunning photos, and experience a truly unique Minnesota landscape. You can easily combine a visit here with other nearby attractions like Gooseberry Falls State Park or Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of the Pink Rocks
The pinkish-salmon color is a result of the mineral composition within the rhyolite, often containing feldspar and quartz. This natural phenomenon creates a shoreline that is visually striking and unlike typical sandy beaches.The rhyolite cliff on the north side of the beach is the source of these colorful stones.
For geology enthusiasts, Iona's Beach offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient volcanic history of the region. It's a testament to the erosive power of Lake Superior and the unique mineral makeup of the ancient lava flows that once shaped this landscape. The sheer volume of these pink rocks makes it a truly unforgettable natural spectacle.
Experiencing the 'Singing Beach'
This phenomenon is created by the unique interaction between the smooth, rounded rhyolite rocks and the waves of Lake Superior. As the water recedes, the stones shift and tumble against each other, producing a soft, melodic sound that can be quite mesmerizing.To fully appreciate this unique sound, visitors are encouraged to get close to the water's edge and even lay down on the rocks with their ear pressed against them.
This auditory element adds a layer of tranquility and magic to the visit, transforming a visually stunning beach into a multi-sensory experience. It's a reminder of the natural forces at play and the subtle beauty that can be found in the environment. Many visitors find this aspect of Iona's Beach to be one of its most memorable features, offering a moment of peaceful contemplation amidst the grandeur of Lake Superior.
Wildlife and Natural Area Status
While the primary draw is the pink rocks, the area also supports a variety of plant and animal life typical of the Lake Superior shoreline. Visitors have reported seeing river otters playing near the water, adding to the charm of the natural setting.As an SNA, the focus is on preserving the natural state of the area. This means visitors should be mindful of their impact and avoid disturbing the habitat. The rocky shoreline and the adjacent vegetation provide important niches for local flora and fauna. It's a place where you can observe nature in a relatively undisturbed environment.
While not a primary destination for extensive wildlife viewing, the presence of animals like otters and various bird species enhances the overall experience. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple landscapes are vibrant ecosystems. Respecting the SNA designation ensures that Iona's Beach remains a pristine natural wonder for generations to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit