Mineral-stained sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from Lake Superior at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The 70,000 acre park follows the south shore of Lake Superior for 42 miles.

The awe-inspiring cliffs are shaped by wind, ice and pounding waves. The cliffs are colored in shades of brown, tan, and green by the iron, manganese, limonite and copper in the water. As the water trickles down the rocks or mountainous waves slam into the cliffs with a vicious suddenness, the sandstone Pictured Rocks are formed and changed.

The sculptured rocks create images in your mind of fortresses and castles. Miner's Castle, Battleship Row, Indian Head, Lover's Leap, the Color Caves, Rainbow Cave, and Chapel Rock are only a few of the breathtaking sights which can be seen. There are scenic overlooks, beaches and campgrounds, but the Pictured Rocks are best seen by boat or by air.

The Pictured Rocks can be reached at one end by following Highway 28 or 94 to Munising. The other end of the National Lakeshore may be reached by taking Highway 77 to Grand Marais. A sandy road (H-58) wanders in and out of the lakeshore connecting Munising and Grand Marais. This is the road through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There are Visitor Centers at both Munising and Grand Marais.

Miners Castle has a new look. The right tower broke off on Thursday, April 13, 2006 and fell 90' into Lake Superior

Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises (906) 387-2379 from Munising offers a lakeside view of the cliffs and the Grand Island Shipwreck Tours (906) 387-4477, also available at Munising, takes visitors to three shipwrecks on the bottom of the lake as seen through a glass viewing area. Au Sable Lighthouse may be reached by following a 1.5 mile trail from Hurricane River Campground at Munising.

Visit the historic Munising Coast Guard Station near the end of Sand Point Road and see the 36' motor lifeboat, "Grand Marais" in the old boathouse.

Campgrounds in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Three rustic campgrounds can be reached by car. Hurricane River, Little Beaver Lake, and Twelve Mile Beach. Individual sites with tent pads, picnic tables, and grills. Vault toilets, water, but no showers. First-come, first-served. Handicap accessible site at each campground. Rate about $12.

There are also other rustic campgrounds in the Hiawatha National Forest or private campgrounds in the area.

Back-Country Camping: There are 13 hike-in campgrounds and 7 group sites spaced every 2 to 5 miles along the Lakeshore Trail. Mosquito River and Chapel Beach have toilets. No potable water. Fires allowed in metal fire rings, no ground fires permitted. Camping in designated sites only. Permits required and are available at the Visitor Center at the blinking light in Munising or the Grand Sable Visitor Center just west of Grand Marais on H-58.

Hiking and Walking: The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has wonderful hiking trails. You can chose short trails or long for an easy walk or an energetic hike. Pick up your trail map at the Visitor Center at the blinking light and take water and a snack with you. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and enjoy this beautiful lakeshore.

Pets are welcome along roads, some trails, campgrounds, and visitor center areas. Please keep them on a 6'leash and under your control at all times. Watch for signs as some trails are closed to pets because of sensitive vegitation or nesting birds. Pets are not permitted in the Lakeshore backcountry. Please watch for signs.

For more information on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, call (906) 387-2607, write to Pictured Rocks, National Park Service, P.O. Box 40, Munising, Ml 49862 or visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm

Map of Munising end of the Pictured Rocks

Map of Grand Marais end of the Pictured Rocks

On the shores of Gitche Gumee,

Westward by the Big-Sea-Water,

Came unto the rocky headlands,

To the Pictured Rocks of sandstone

Song of Hiawatha W.W. Longfellow

 

Pictured Rocks and Grand Island Air Tour Video VHS & DVD. Take a real Air Tour in the comfort of your own home. Video includes area Lighthouses, Shipwrecks, Waterfalls, Sand Dunes, and much more. Approximately 38 minutes in length with nice background music. Narrated by Don Riggs. Filmed & Edited by Express Digital Video. Flying by Commercial Pilot Mark Geitka.

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Christmas Michigan, 3 miles west of Munising on M-28.

AuTrain Michigan, 10 miles west of Munising on Highway M-28. Lodging on AuTrain Lake.

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