Swimming & Diving

The beach at Sand Point tends to be warmer for swimming than other park beaches.

NPS photo

Swimming and Wading
The clean, clear waters of Lake Superior are beautiful and inviting, though the water is typically cold even for the hardiest swimmers. Shoreline water temperatures in summer usually range from the upper 50s to the upper 60s. Some years it can reach 70 degrees by mid-August in Munising Bay. Sand Point Beach generally has the warmest summer water temperatures.

There are no lifeguarded beaches at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or its surrounding communities. Rip currents can and do occur. Rip currents do not always appear in the same spot every time; they can change position. Please use extreme caution if you choose to venture into Lake Superior.

Caution: Do not jump off rocks or cliffs into the water! It is illegal within the national lakeshore to jump off any part of cliffs or rocks higher than 15 feet above the lake level. Climbing to the top of Miners Castle from the water or on any part of Chapel Rock is prohibited. Areas for cliff jumping exist in Marquette.

Jumping into the water from any height is generally not safe here. The water depth can be difficult to predict and there's a good chance of rocks or logs in the water. Impact with the water can cause injury, and injury can lead to drowning. Hitting a solid surface under water is often deadly. If you want to go in the water, walk in from the beaches.

Please help keep our beautiful beaches clean! A growing problem at Pictured Rocks is visitors leaving cigarette butts in the sand. This diminishes the quality of the park experience for all people.

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

 

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 park.

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 webpage

 

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