OceanFinds
Michigan Community guide

Van's Beach

Leland, Leelanau County · 49654

Lake Michigan beach famed for 'Leland Blue', glassy slag from a 19th-century iron smelter, rather than bottle glass.

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About Van's Beach

Between about 1870 and 1885 an iron smelter in Leland dumped its slag into the harbour. Lake Michigan has been tumbling it ever since into 'Leland Blue', a glassy stone prized by local collectors. Supplies are finite and the beach is well picked.

Sea glass at Van's Beach

Not bottle glass: matte blue, purple-grey and green slag with tiny bubbles and rust spots. Best early in the morning and after the storms of autumn to spring.

Visiting Van's Beach

Safety
Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and follow the collecting rules above.
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Hunters' photos of Van's Beach

From the community

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      Sources

      • 9and10news.com : 9&10 News: Leland Blue is man-made smelter slag in limited supply.
      • mynorth.com : MyNorth: Van's Beach and North Beach are good places to start.

      Last updated 24 October 2026

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