Plan Your Visit

A sandstone formation rises out of Lake Superior surrounded by autumn leaves. — Miners Castle is one of the most famous rock formations in the park. It is about 10 miles outside of Munising. Take H-58 east to Miners Road. Turn left onto Miners Road, in 6 miles, you will reach Miners Castle.
NPS photo

Welcome to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, America’s first National Lakeshore, is along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. With stunning beaches, 10 inland lakes, and nearly 100 miles of trails, everyone can find something to enjoy at Pictured Rocks!

No matter the time of year, there is something to do at Pictured Rocks!

Summer: Visit beaches, backpack, and camp (permit required). Looking for views of the cliffs? The best way to see the cliffs is from the water on a commercial boat tour.
Fall: Autumn colors in the Upper Peninsula are often breathtaking, drive the park roads to view the changing leaves! Hunting and fishing opportunities (state regulations apply) abound during fall!
Winter: Cold weather brings otherworldly frozen waterfalls, called “curtains”. Snowshoeing, skiing, and ice fishing are other popular winter activities. Check road closures and conditions before heading into the park in the winter.
Spring: Go birding or walk the marsh trail!

Viewing the Pictured Rocks Cliffs

Miners Castle

Miners Castle is one of the most famous landmarks along the Pictured Rocks shoreline, and is the only cliff area in the park accessible by vehicle.

From the parking lot, a short, paved wheelchair-accessible trail leads past interpretive exhibits to breathtaking overlooks of Lake Superior and Grand Island. Stairs and a steeper trail lead to the lower overlook adjacent to Miners Castle. Leashed pets are permitted on the paved trails, at overlooks, and in picnic area.

Chapel Loop

This 10-mile loop winds through hardood forests and traverses over four miles of Pictured Rocks shoreline, providing stunning views of cliffs and rock formations such as Lover's Leap, Chapel Rock, and Grand Portal Point. Review this map before departing.

The Chapel Loop parking area fills quickly, arrive early and be prepared for crowds.
Pets are not allowed on the Chapel Loop.
Learn more about walks and hikes at Pictured Rocks here.

Commercial Tours

One of the best ways to see the Pictured Rocks cliffs is from the water! There are several commercial tours that take you on Lake Superior via boat cruise and kayak.

Learn more about commercial tours here.

Walks, Hikes, and Other Scenic Areas

Waterfalls

Pictured Rocks is home to many waterfalls, from large, plunging falls like Miners Falls, to small, unnamed trickles.

Munising Falls is closed until further notice due to storm damage on the trail.
Learn more about Pictured Rocks' waterfalls here.

Beaches and Lakes

Sand Point Beach, Miners Beach, and Twelvemile Beach are all favorites among beachgoers.
Learn more about Pictured Rocks' beaches here.

There are several inland lakes in the park. Little Beaver and Beaver Lakes are in the Beaver Basin Wilderness and provide opportunities for solitude and recreation. Grand Sable Lake is a favorite among paddlers and anglers, there is an accessible fishing dock on the northern end of the lake. All fishing within Pictured Rocks must abide by State of Michigan regulations.

Au Sable Light Station & Other Maritime Sites

Visit the Au Sable Light Station for free daily ranger-led climbs throughout the summer. To reach the light station, drive to the Hurricane River day use area. From there, hike the Light Station Trail 1.5 miles to the Light Station grounds. Visit the Au Sable Light Station.

Learn more about the history of the Au Sable Light Station here.

Pictured Rocks is also home to several other maritime sites, learn about them here.

Find more places to go here.