2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour
Saturday, July 11, 2026
From scenic beaches and nature preserves to charming waterfront communities, the 2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour showcases the beauty and character of Lake County's Lake Erie shoreline. Visit five unique destinations, discover incredible sand sculptures, and experience the places, people, and attractions that make Ohio's North Coast worth exploring.
Explore the Tour
Five sculptures. Five destinations. One unforgettable stretch of Lake Erie shoreline.
From Willowick to Madison, the 2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour invites visitors to discover parks, beaches, nature preserves, and waterfront communities across Lake County. Use the map below to plan your adventure and explore each stop along the tour
Explore all five tour stops along Lake County's Lake Erie shoreline. Click on a location below to learn more about the destination, tour hours, parking information, nearby experiences, and featured sand sculpture installation.
Featured Sand Sculpture Artists
The 2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour features talented professional sand sculptors whose creativity and craftsmanship transform ordinary sand into extraordinary works of art. Learn more about the artists bringing this year's tour to life.
Carl Jara
Carl Jara is an internationally recognized sculptor and artist known for creating extraordinary sand sculptures and public art installations. His award-winning work has been featured at competitions, festivals, and events throughout the United States and around the world
Greg J. Grady
Greg J. Grady is a professional sand sculptor, Marine Corps veteran, and event organizer with more than two decades of experience creating large-scale sand sculptures across the country. As a second-generation sculptor, Greg continues a family tradition of transforming ordinary sand into extraordinary works of art while helping to promote and grow the sand-sculpting community.
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Yes. The Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour is free and open to the public.
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No. Visitors are welcome to explore all five tour stops in any order that best fits their schedule. While tour stops are numbered from west to east along Lake County's Lake Erie shoreline, there is no required route and guests may begin at any location.
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You can experience the tour at your own pace. Some visitors may choose to stop at a single location, while others may spend the day or weekend exploring all five destinations.
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Most sculpture locations can be reached using paved paths or accessible walkways. However, some sculptures may be located a short distance from parking areas or adjacent to beach, grass, or natural surfaces. Visitors with mobility concerns are encouraged to review the individual tour stop pages for location-specific details before visiting.
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Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a camera are also recommended for exploring Lake County's Lake Erie shoreline.
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Sculpture construction begins in late June and continues through the event on July 11. As artist schedules are finalized, updates will be shared on Tour Lake County's social media channels so visitors can follow the progress and watch the sculptures take shape.
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Yes. While weather conditions will gradually wear down the sculptures over time, they typically remain on display for weeks and, in some cases, months after completion. Because weather and site conditions vary, the appearance and longevity of each sculpture may differ throughout the season.
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Visit the official Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour page and follow Tour Lake County on social media for the latest event information, artist announcements, and tour updates.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know before exploring the 2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour.
Stay a Little Longer
Turn your Sand Sculpture Tour adventure into a Lake County getaway. Explore hotels, lakeside lodging, and unique places to stay while discovering everything Ohio's North Coast has to offer.