Erin June 4, 2025

Have you visited Michigan’s stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?  Along Lake Superior’s southern shore, beautiful 50-200 foot sandstone cliffs line the shore for over 15 miles.  These sedimentary sandstone cliffs are composed of minerals such as iron oxide, copper, manganese, and limonite deposited during the Precambrian and Cambrian periods. As groundwater drips down the face of the cliffs, these minerals appear in colors of red, orange, blue, green, and white, creating a beautiful banded appearance that gave rise to their name, “Pictured Rocks.”   

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Views along the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore - Pictured Rocks Cruise (effects by Prisma)
Views along the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore – Pictured Rocks Cruise (effects by Prisma)
Map of Lake Superior, image credit USGS
Map of Lake Superior, image credit USGS

Pictured Rocks was established as part of the National Park system in 1972.  The established Lakeshore includes a 42 mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline that includes numerous beautiful geologic features. You’ll find sea caves, stone spires, unique sandstone arches, and sand dunes like Grand Sable Dunes along the Superior shore.

National Parks Service Website

The National Parks Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website highlights historical information, maps, photos, site descriptions, and amenities. Pictured Rocks will not disappoint, whether you plan to hike, camp, or just enjoy the scenery.

I have visited Munising and the Pictured Rocks for over 40 years, and the area has remained largely unchanged, with the quiet, picturesque, vast beauty of Lake Superior’s southern shore.  For a unique adventure by boat, you can book a seat on the Pictured Rocks Cruises to take in this beautiful shoreline from the water.

All Trails Maps

For detailed trail maps on the go, the All Trails app has been my go to for the past few years. Search 450,000 trails with maps, photos, and detailed reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE. 

Munising, Michigan

Munising, Michigan is home to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located 43 miles east of Marquette along State Highway M-28, Munising is home to a population of about 2,000 and a warm, welcoming vibe.  Marquette, to the west of Munising, is considerably larger.  Munising offers visitors access to remote shoreline trails, scenic viewpoints, and beaches along the southern Lake Superior shore. Grand Island National Recreation Area and Hiawatha National Forest are worth exploring as well!
Are you looking for more information on recreation, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, Michigan? Be sure to check out my 2025 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan.

Muldoons Pasties

Be sure to stop at Muldoon’s Pasties in Munising for a pasty with gravy (best in the UP, in my humble opinion!).  Muldoon’s Pasties and Gifts address is 1146 M-28 West in Munising. Pasties available are beef, chicken, and  vegetable. Muldoon’s also offers dessert pasties! (cherry, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry, and seasonally, pumpkin!)

Muldoon's Pasties
Muldoon’s Pasty with gravy

Pictured Rocks Fees & Passes

  • Standard Pass: $15-25
    • Private Vehicle: $25.00
    • Motorcycle: $20:00
    • Snowmobile: $10.00
    • Bicycle/On Foot: $15 for 16 and Up
    • Children under age 16: $0
  • Annual Pass: $45
    • Covers admission for cardholder + 3 additional passengers for 12 months from purchase month
  • America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00
    • Covers admission for one private vehicle or four per person fees

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Miners Castle

Along Miners Castle Road (M-11), Miners Castle can be accessed 11 miles northeast of Munising.  Two viewing areas allow you beautiful views of Miners Castle.  Both viewpoints can be accessed by hiking the short, half-mile loop. You can access the North Country National Scenic Trail via Miners Castle.

I encourage you to hike the loop trail.  If you’re a bit more adventurous, you can hike the one-mile trail segment to Miners Beach (featured below).  Leashed pets are welcome. The views are incredible, and well worth the trip!

Miners Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan
Miners Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan
North Country National Scenic Trail signage at Miners Beach, Munising, Michigan
North Country National Scenic Trail signage at Miners Beach, Munising, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Miners Beach

Located about 10 miles from downtown Munising, Miners Beach is at the southern end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. (Miners Beach/Miners Castle Address – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore).  I highly recommend this mile-long stretch of sandy beach.  Miners Beach offers an expansive view of Lake Superior and Bridalveil Falls to the east.  Walking west along the beach, look for the mouth of the Miners River as it flows into Lake Superior.  Leashed pets are allowed!
Miners Beach at sunset, looking East, Munising, Michigan
Miners Beach at sunset, looking East, Munising, Michigan
Trail to Miners Beach - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan
Trail to Miners Beach – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Miners Falls

Speaking of Miners, you can’t miss Miners Falls!  Located on Miners Castle Road (M-11) about 4 miles inland from Miners Castle, you’ll find a small parking area with access to the falls via a short hike (.6 miles each way).  The falls is about 50 feet in height, and is well worth the short hike!

Scenic Waterfall | Munising Falls

If you plan to spend a day or two in Munising, don’t forget to check out Munising Falls. The falls are located at Washington Street and Sand Point Road within the city limits.  You’ll only need to walk about 800 feet along a paved trail to reach the falls. The paved trail is open to wheelchairs.  Leashed pets are allowed!
Visitor Center Signage; Munising Falls Trail
Visitor Center Signage; Munising Falls Trail
Trail to Munising Falls
Trail to Munising Falls
Trail End, Munising Falls
Trail End, Munising Falls
View of Munising Falls
View of Munising Falls
Lower Viewing Platform at Munising Falls
Lower Viewing Platform at Munising Falls
Viewpoint at Munising Falls
Viewpoint at Munising Falls
Native Rattlesnake Root, Munising Falls Trail
Native Rattlesnake Root, Munising Falls Trail

 

**NOTE:
The Munising Falls trail is currently closed.  Heavy rains and flooding occurred in April of 2025, washing out parts of the trail. Be sure to plan ahead and check the National Park Service Alerts for specific information on trail closures.

Gear for Your Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Adventures:

Weather along the shore of Lake Superior can be variable! It can be chilly in the morning and evening hours. If you plan to hike in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, make sure you have appropriate clothing and a comfortable pack to carry your gear. Explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off

Packs For Casual Adventures

For more casual adventures, consider the Daylite Sling. If you prefer a smaller waist pack option, consider the Transporter Waist Pack, which functions as a sling or a waist pack. If you prefer a lumbar pack for hiking, check out the Talon 6 Multi-sport Lumbar Pack.  Osprey’s Packfinder is a great tool to find the pack that best fits your frame and activity.

 The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has held a special place in my heart for 40+ years. A visit to Munising, Michigan and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will leave you breathless. Your time along the Lake Superior shore will leave you with a new appreciation for the vast beauty of our beautiful Great Lakes.  There is no shortage of scenic views, nature, history, and adventure.

Enjoy your visit to Munising, Michigan and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!

-Erin

Erin, blog author with Sasquatch statue at Muldoons pasties, Munising, Michigan