Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

About this place

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore runs for 68 km along the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, between the towns of Munising and Grand Marais, and covers about 296 square kilometres. Its western end begins just east of Munising, and Miners Castle, its best-known formation, is about 11 km in a straight line north-east of the town. The park takes its name from 24 km of colourful sandstone cliffs north-east of Munising, which rise up to 60 m above the lake and have been carved by waves into shallow caves, arches and shapes resembling castle turrets. In 1966 it became the first national lakeshore in the United States. Minerals seeping through the rock streak the cliffs in red, orange, green and white above turquoise water. Further east the shore turns to quiet coves, pebble beaches such as Miners Beach, waterfalls and the Grand Sable Dunes, and in autumn the forests blaze orange and gold. There is no entrance fee, and the best way to see the cliffs is on a boat cruise or kayak trip from Munising, both paid. Lake Superior is cold and its weather changes fast, so paddle only with an experienced guide.