• 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)

 

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  • 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 light tower and flagpole of the Au Sable Light Station stand proudly.

Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Au Sable Light Station is on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1874, the station beacon still shines over Lake Superior's frigid waters. The lamp is now solar powered. More...