Robert Micheau

This summer, visitors to Gladstone Beach have been greeted by three impressive sand sculptures created by the talented artists of Art Club Hub. Featuring a playful Bigfoot family enjoying a day at the beach, the sculptures have quickly become a favorite stop for both residents and visitors exploring Delta County.

Throughout the sculpting process, people gathered daily to watch the artists transform ordinary sand into detailed works of art. Families stopped to take photos, children watched in amazement as the sculptures came to life, and countless visitors returned to see the progress from one day to the next. Since their completion, the sculptures have continued to draw people to Gladstone Beach, creating another memorable experience along our Lake Michigan shoreline.

For the Board of Directors at Visit Escanaba, projects like these represent more than public art. They are another way to highlight one of Delta County’s greatest natural assets: our beaches, waterfront parks, and incredible access to Lake Michigan and the Bays de Noc.

Over the years, one message has remained consistent in our marketing efforts. When people think about planning a getaway, access to fresh water is one of the strongest attractions a destination can offer. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing day on the beach, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, sightseeing along the shoreline, or simply enjoying a sunset over the water, our coastline is one of the defining features that makes Delta County unique.

The same philosophy guides much of our tourism marketing. Fishing has long been one of our strongest visitor draws, but successful fishing marketing isn’t only about catching fish. It’s about showcasing beautiful bays, scenic shorelines, peaceful mornings on the water, and the outdoor experiences that surround them. Simply seeing those images often inspires people to imagine themselves here.

The sand sculptures follow that same approach. While the artwork itself is certainly the attraction, it also gives people another reason to discover Gladstone Beach and spend time enjoying one of the area’s most beautiful public spaces. Once visitors arrive, they experience everything else the shoreline has to offer; from walking the beach and swimming to enjoying the views across Little Bay de Noc.

Projects like this are possible through partnerships and creative thinking. Art Club Hub brought tremendous talent, professionalism, and enthusiasm to Gladstone Beach, creating sculptures that not only showcased their artistic abilities but also complemented the natural beauty surrounding them. Their willingness to interact with visitors throughout the week added another dimension to the experience, allowing people to witness the creative process firsthand.

The overwhelmingly positive response from the community has been encouraging. We’ve heard from residents who brought visiting family members to see the sculptures, travelers who discovered them while exploring the area, and numerous people who stopped simply because something unexpected caught their attention along the shoreline.

The Visit Escanaba Board is always looking for creative ways to highlight the experiences that make Delta County special. Sometimes that means promoting world-class fishing or outdoor recreation. Other times it means celebrating our parks, beaches, and waterfront communities through projects that encourage people to slow down, explore, and create lasting memories.

The sand sculptures are a wonderful example of how art and tourism can work together. They provide a unique attraction for residents and visitors alike while drawing even more attention to one of the greatest treasures we have to share: the beautiful beaches and Lake Michigan shoreline that define life in Delta County.