Nickel Plate Beach

Erie County’s largest public swimming beach is located just east of the Huron River at the end of Nickel Plate Drive. The 12.3-acre Nickel Plate Beach is comprised of natural sand containing only minor amounts of shell fragments and small stones – some of which are perfect for skipping. The very popular bathing and swimming beach has foot-friendly sand which extends into the water. The shallow nearshore includes an extensive sand-bar system. During certain wind and high-wave conditions, rip currents have occurred at this beach. (see beach safety tips in the introduction). However, at other times the water is calm. The park grounds include a picnic shelter and tables, grills, benches, portable restrooms, three beach volleyball courts and playground equipment on the beach. There are no lifeguards on duty; life rings are located in the Beach Safety Box found at the base of the flag pole. The Huron River’s one-third mile east jetty is accessible from Nickel Plate Beach. The foot of the large limestone block jetty is within the wooded area on the beach’s west side. A small pocket beach on the river, along with the jetty, both offer fishing access. During summer, a daily parking fee is required for vehicles to park at the beach lot, or a seasonal pass can be purchased. The beach is open to foot and bicycle traffic year-round for free.