Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
National Lakeshore · Munising, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a National Park Service area on the south shore of Lake Superior near Munising in the Upper Peninsula. Its famous stretch is about 15 miles of colourful sandstone cliffs rising up to about 200 feet, streaked with mineral stains and cut into arches, caves and towers by waves. The best way to see the cliffs is by boat from Munising, a seasonal cruise of several hours run by a concession, or by guided sea kayak. On land you get Miners Castle, Miners Falls, Munising Falls, Chapel Rock, Mosquito Beach, Au Sable Light Station, the Grand Sable Dunes and a Lakeshore Trail of about 40 miles. It suits hikers, photographers and families who enjoy scenery. Be honest about conditions: the lake is cold, storms arrive suddenly, and black flies and mosquitoes can be fierce in June and July. Plan two or three days, leave a spare day for weather, and confirm fees, boat times and road conditions with the park before you go.
N8391 Sand Point Road, Munising, Michigan, 49862, United States
The lakeshore itself is open all day and all year, since most of it is trail, beach and shoreline with no gate. Visitor centre hours, the Munising boat tours (commonly late May to October, confirm) and campground seasons are seasonal and change with snow and funding, so confirm before you drive far. In winter many park roads are unplowed and used by snowmobiles or skis, and the main roads to Miners Castle and Munising Falls may be reduced. Lake-effect snow can be heavy. Boat tours sell out in July and August, and cancel in rough weather, so have a spare day. Daylight is long in summer, short in late autumn. Check the National Park Service site for current road and trail status before each day out.
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