Have you visited Michigan’s stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? Along Lake Superior’s southern shore near Munising, Michigan, 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.”
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A Special Place
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has held a special place in my heart for 40+ years. 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
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore National Parks Service website highlights historical information, maps, photos, site descriptions, and site 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/App
You can find detailed information on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews.
- 500K+ trails
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
- 14 languages supported
To explore the AllTrails app, 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 20,000 and a warm, welcoming vibe. Marquette is a considerably larger city, albeit with the same welcoming feeling. 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!
For more information on outdoor recreation, great restaurants, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, check out my 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan.
Muldoons Pasties
For a delicious Upper Peninsula meal, 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 is located at 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!)
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 highly recommend the half mile loop trail! For those a bit more adventurous, the views are incredible along the one-mile trail segment to Miners Beach (featured below). Leashed pets are welcome, and the hike is well worth the effort!
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!
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 handicap accessible/open to wheelchairs. Leashed pets are permitted!
Munising Falls Closure
As of January 2026, the Munising Falls trail is currently closed until further notice. Heavy rains and flooding occurred in April of 2025, washing out parts of the trail. Read more about Munising Falls trail closure HERE. Be sure to plan ahead and check the National Park Service Alerts for specific information on trail closures.
Pictured Rocks Beauty
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, and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!
-Erin
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