Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: national park, outdoor adventure
Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a must, and Pictured Rocks delivers unforgettable beauty with sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and sweeping Lake Superior vistas. This pristine stretch of shoreline offers adventure by land and water.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Get Out on the Water – Book a narrated boat tour or guided kayak tour to cruise beneath sandstone cliffs and revel in the closest views of Pictured Rocks’ colorful, iconic formations.
- Visit Miners Castle – Drive to this landmark overlook for stunning cliffside views of Lake Superior. A trail leads to Miners Beach, perfect for picnics and swimming.
- Go Waterfall Watching – Stroll to Elliot Falls or hike to Miners Falls. For a longer adventure, the Chapel-Mosquito Loop reveals waterfalls and hidden coves.
- See the Au Sable Light Station – Walk 1.5 miles along the North Country Trail to tour this historic lighthouse, perched on Lake Superior’s dramatic shoreline bluffs.
- Stroll the Beaches – From Munising to Grand Marais, beaches abound. Sand Point Beach stands out for sunsets across Munising Bay. It’s also the park’s only beach with picnic tables.
Itinerary Idea: Kayak along the colorful cliffs, arches, and sea caves of Pictured Rocks. Book a guided paddling tour that begins with a boat ride to your launch point. Depending on your route, you’ll paddle past highlights like Miners Castle, Rainbow Cave, and Chapel Rock.
Photo Credit: Charlie Wollborg/Unsplash