General information about the National Lakeshore
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore protects over 42mi of scenic shoreline with its colorful rock formations, waterfalls and sand dunes along the shores of Lake Superior. Pictured Rocks takes its name from the colorful sandstone cliffs northeast of Munising. The cliffs rise up to 196feet above the lake level. They have been naturally formed into a variety of caves, arches and whimsical formations. The US Congress designated Pictured Rocks as the first National Lakeshore in the United States in 1966.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: May to October
Our visits:
So far 1 visits: October 2024
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 25$/car and all passengers valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open all year round.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Munising Falls
Description: Starting from the small visitor center, you can reach the waterfall via a short, very well-built, easy path. To see the waterfall from above, there are two viewing platforms that can be reached via several steps. The Munising Falls plunge about 50feet over a sandstone cliff.
Our rating: As the waterfall is very easily accessible, you should definitely not miss out on a visit here. Even though it's not a very spectacular waterfall, we really liked the detour here.
Miners Falls
Description: Miners Falls is a waterfall on the Miners River in the western part of the park. The waterfall falls about 40feet over a sandstone ledge. It can be reached via an approximately 1.2mi long trail (round trip), which leads up numerous steep steps to a viewing point. To see the waterfall, you first have to climb down these steps and then back up again. From the upper viewpoint, the view of the waterfall is blocked by trees.
Our rating: This waterfall is also very easy to reach. The only obstacle to seeing it are the many steep steps to the viewpoint. If you don't want to or can't climb them, you can basically save yourself the walk. A pretty little waterfall that is definitely worth the short hike.
Miners Castle Overlooks
Description: Miners Castle is one of the most famous formations on the Pictured Rocks coast. A short, paved path leads to two viewing platforms (Upper Overlook). The path to the Lower Overlook is only a couple of hundred feet long, but here you have to climb a few steps to the viewpoint.
Our rating: This is a must-see when visiting the National Lakeshore, not least because of its accessibility. Here you not only have a beautiful view of Miners Castle but also of Lake Superior.
Pictured Rocks Boat Tour
Description: One of the best ways to see the Painted Rocks is from the water. There are several tour options that vary in duration and frequency depending on the season. We opted for the Sunset Spray Falls Tour in October 2024. This lasted about 2 hours.
Our rating: The tour was great, there was lots of information about the individual formations along the way. If you are traveling in October, you should pack a warm jacket for the trip, at least if you want to sit on the upper deck. We can recommend this trip to everyone.
Tip: For photography, the right-hand side of the boat, facing the direction of travel, is recommended, as the boat travels much slower and closer to the rocks on the outward journey. The return journey is then much quicker.
