Planning on visiting Michigan’s upper peninsula (AKA The UP)? Then you have to work in a day to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Why?? Imagine sandstone cliffs 200 feet high with streaks of unique color and texture, arches that stick out into the lake so far you can drive a boat under them, waterfalls, sandy beaches and crystal clear emerald waters. All this and more can be found at this remote stretch of Michigan shoreline.
Table of Contents
History of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This section of shoreline was our nation’s first National Lakeshore, and was designated as such by congress in 1966. Prior to this time the area was revered by local Native Americans, explored by pioneers, and harvested for timber.
While little is known about Native American settlements in the pictured rocks area, it is widely known that this part of Michigan was once inhabited by the Ojibwe tribe, and discoveries point to the seasonal use of the lakeshore by these early people. It is believed that the tribe visited the lakeshore during spring and summer for fishing, but did not settle permanently in the area due to the harsh winter climate.
However, in the late 1800s to early 1900s the area was used by many in the logging industry to harvest timber. That ended around 1910, at which point a large portion of the land around Pictured Rocks came under state government control due to unpaid property taxes by the logging companies. Through cooperation with the federal government, the area around Munising was protected from further development and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was officially recognized in 1966.
Location of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
As mentioned previously, Pictured Rocks gets its name from the 15 miles of shoreline northeast of Munising, MI. Munising is located in the northern portion of Michigan’s UP, just north of the Hiawatha National Forest, and can be accessed by Michigan Hwys 28 & 94. Hwy 28 is the main thoroughfare in the northern UP, and Munising is one of several towns along this route.
There’s not a major metropolitan area located in the UP, so for perspective Munising is approximately 2 1/2 hours northwest of Mackinac City, Mi and roughly 3 hours northeast of Green Bay, WI.
Road access to the lakeshore is limited to a handful of paved park roads (Sand Point Rd., Miners Castle Rd., & 12-Mile Beach Rd.) of which Miners Castle Road is the most popular. It leads to one of the park’s most recognized structures…Miners Castle (hence the name).
But, for the hikers out there North Country Trail spans the length of the shoreline and offers amazing views along the way (more on this trail below).
Geography of Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks consists of 42 miles of the shoreline of Lake Superior, but it’s the 15 miles northeast of Munising, MI that give the area its name. The cliffs in this area are composed of a particular variety of sandstone (the Munising Formation). As groundwater seeps out of the cliff face it evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits that form the streaks of color that the lakeshore is famous for.
You will notice a variety of colors in this area but the most common are red (from iron), black & white (manganese), pink & green (copper) and yellow & brown from limonite.
Points Of Interest In Pictured Rocks
Honestly, the entire 15 miles of lakeshore north east of Munising could all be considered one huge point of interest. It’s in this area that Pictured Rocks get its name, and the many cliffs and sandstone structures in this area are breathtakingly beautiful. Of particular interest, are several of the sandstone features that have become iconic landmarks of the park over the years.
Miner’s Castle
As one of the most well-known cliffs at Pictured Rocks, Miners Castle is a popular site seeing destination. In addition, it’s the only cliff area along the lake shore that is accessible by car. The NPS lists directions as “located about 5 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road H-58, then 6 miles north on Miners Castle Road (H11)”. Historically, Miners Castle has been a sandstone bluff with two turret-shaped sandstone peaks at its top. A landslide in 2006 removed one of the turrets permanently.
Chapel Rock
As one of the most iconic and easily recognizable features at Pictured Rocks, Chapel Rock is a must-see. It can be accessed by land via the North Country Trail, but like many other features in this area, its real beauty is appreciated most by viewing it by boat from Lake Superior.
The picturesque lone white pine on top of the rock is estimated to be approximately 250 years old.
Lover’s Leap (AKA Petite Portal Arch)
Lovers Leap is a breathtaking sandstone arch that juts out into Lake Superior. Legend has it that an ancient Native American couple demonstrated their love for each other by jumping together from this arch…but I wouldn’t suggest trying it for your self!
While the water under and around the arch is a picturesque turquoise blue color, it’s also quite shallow. In most conditions it it is just deep enough to take a kayak or pontoon directly under the arch.
Miner’s Beach
Adjacent to Miners Chapel, Miners Beach is an approximately 1 mile stretch of sand on the shoreline of Lake Superior. This slice of heaven is a perfect place to stretch out, relax and enjoy the sound of waves as they lap onto the sand.
The bluff directly behind the beach can be accessed via log ladders and a short hike down North Country Trail takes you to the back-side of Miners Chapel.
Spray Falls
Spray Falls is an iconic waterfall that marks the end of the most well-known and scenic portion of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This year-round waterfall sprays directly into Lake Superior from a height of approximately 70 feet. The 1856 shipwreck “Superior” lies at the base of the falls in approximately 20 feet of water.
How to Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Hiking
Pictured rocks features over 100 miles of trails. The longest of which is the North Country Trail which stretches approximately 42 miles from end to end throughout the park. Much of this trail runs right along the bluff and offers great views of the Pictured Rocks Cliffs. In addition, several spur trails branch off of this main thorough fare to explore some of the parks more popular destinations such as Miners Castle and Chapel Rock.
Boating
By far the most picturesque and preferred method to view the Cliffs and Sandstone rock formations is by boat. There are several tour companies that operate out of Munising that will provide cliff tours, shipwreck tours, and even guided kayaking tours along the lake shore. We chose to rent a pontoon boat for the day to explore the area and we were all so glad that we did. We rented from Seaberg Pontoon Rentals in Munising and had a fantastic time.
Having our own boat allowed us to view the cliffs on our own schedule which provided time to relax at Miners Beach, float under Lovers Leap, and launch our own kayak to explore several of the caves and cliff edges. The folks at Seaberg Pontoon were great and we would highly recommend using them if this type of adventure is of interest to you.
Should you choose to captain your own boat, we suggest making time to stop and visit the shipwreck of the Bermuda, a 150 foot wooden schooner that rests on the bottom of the lake just across from Munising Bay. The cold clear waters of Lake superior have kept her in remarkably good condition, and you can see her today where she rests at the bottom of Murray Bay on Grand Island in only 25 feet of water. Feel free to jump in, swim about and explore the wreck, just be prepared for the cold…Weston described it as “bone chilling”!
Where To Stay At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Camping
Pictured Rocks does offer a variety of camping opportunities in the park itself. Drive in camping is available at three primative campsites: Little Beaver Lake (8 sites), Hurricane River (21 sites) and Twelvemile Beach (36 sites). None of these sites offer hook-ups of any kind (no water, electric, or sewer) however, drinking water is available in the campgrounds from public faucets and a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad can be found at each site. Advanced reservations are required at all campgrounds, and can be obtained online from the NPS.
Backcountry camping is also available at Pictured Rocks (mostly along the North Country Trail) at 14 backcountry campgrounds, each of which contains multiple campsites. A permit is required to make use of the back country campsites and can be obtained online from the NPS up to 14 days prior to your desired night of camping.
We chose to camp in the city of Munising at the Munising Tourist Park Campground and had a great time.
Other Activities
The pictured rocks area contains many other activities that are waiting to be enjoyed. Everything from glass bottom boat shipwreck tours, to hiking and camping on Grand Island are all available and just waiting on you.
- Have you visited Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
- Are you planning a trip?
- Still have questions about the park?
We would love to hear your thoughts and help you have S’more Time Together with those you love! Leave a comment or ask any questions you may have!