• Lake Superior in a stormy mood. Photo copyright Craig Blacklock

    Pictured Rocks

    National Lakeshore Michigan

Swimming & Diving

The white sands of Miners Beach stretch a half-mile just east of Miners Castle along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior.

Miners Beach

NPS photo by Ed Lasich

Swimming and Wading
The clean and clear waters of Lake Superior are tempting, though the water is typically cold for even the hardiest swimmers.

Visitors enjoy peaceful strolls along the lakeshore's white sand beaches, including Sand Point, Miners, and Twelvemile.

There are no lifeguarded beaches at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or its surrounding communities. Rip currents can and do occur, and may change locations from year to year.

Please use extreme caution if you choose to venture into Lake Superior waters.

Beach fires are only permitted in the designated metal fire ring at Sand Point; fires are not allowed on other beaches. Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches. Pets are allowed in designated areas; please know the regulations.

Please help keep our beaches clean.
 

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Some of the best scuba diving in the Midwest can be found in and around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Snorkeling and scuba diving are permitted throughout the lakeshore.

Scuba diving is popular in Lake Superior, especially within the Alger Underwater Preserve, a state preserve created to protect the submerged cultural resources. State and federal regulations prohibit the removal or disturbance of relics, artifacts, or historic features.

Always use a dive flag to mark your location.

For more information ...
Boating
Shipwrecks site bulletin (pdf)

 

Return to top of page

  • Alger Underwater Preserve Alger Underwater Preserve

    was designated to protect shipwrecks. Read More

  • Rip currents Rip currents

    powerful currents of water moving away from shore. Read More

  • NOAA marine weather forecast NOAA marine weather forecast

    for the south shore of Lake Superior. Read More

  • Visit a Lake Superior Visit a Lake Superior

    protected area Read More

Did You Know?

The Grand Sable Dunes are located just west of Grand Marais, Michigan, in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The Grand Sable Dunes are a federally designated Research Natural Area. The five square miles of dunes are an unusual glacial kame terrace with overlying dunes caused by fluctuating lake levels over the centuries. The dunes are located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, near Grand Marais, Mich. More...