Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located in Michigan, USA.It lies between the towns of Munising and Grand Marais, situated along the southern shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, and is famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Location Map, Munising, Michigan
Michigan Related Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Chapel Rock – Natural rock formation resembling a chapel, surrounded by Lake Superior waters.
- Miners Castle – Dramatic sandstone cliffs with panoramic views of the lake and waterfalls.
- Au Sable Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse offering scenic views and photography opportunities.
- Twilight Cove – Secluded cove known for its colorful rock cliffs and calm waters.
- Beaver Basin – Picturesque area with trails, streams, and abundant wildlife sightings.
- Munising Falls – Easily accessible waterfall dropping into a rocky gorge, popular for photos.
- Grand Sable Dunes – Expansive sand dunes providing unique desert-like landscapes along the lake.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Facts
| Official Name | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore |
| Location | Munising / Alger County, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA (Lake Superior shoreline) |
| Latitude & Longitude | ≈ 46.4910° N, 86.5794° W |
| Total Area | 73,236 acres (≈296 km²) |
| Established / Opened | October 15, 1966 (designated as the first U.S. National Lakeshore) |
| Managed By | United States National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Great Lakes region / Upper Peninsula Michigan / Lake Superior coast |
| Address / Mailing Address | P.O. Box 40, Munising, MI 49862, USA |
| Zip Code | 49862 |
| Area Code | 906 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) - UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Colorful sandstone cliffs, Lake Superior shoreline, Beaches, Waterfalls, Sand Dunes, Forests, Hiking & Outdoor Recreation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Sandstone cliff zone (e.g. 15-mile colored cliff stretch) - Beaches (lake‑shore & dune beaches) - Inland forests, lakes and streams - Waterfalls and rivers - Backcountry / wilderness & 22 drive‑in and backcountry campgrounds | Multicolored sandstone cliffs rising up to 200 ft – “Pictured Rocks” cliffs, Sea caves, Arch & natural rock formations, Sand beaches & dunes, Waterfalls & inland streams, Boat/kayak sea‑shore tours, Hiking & forest trails, Backcountry camping |
| Trail & Shoreline Extent | 42-mile (≈67 km) shoreline; nearly 100 miles of hiking/backcountry trails through the park |
| Typical Activities | Hiking, kayaking / canoeing, boat tours, camping (drive‑in & backcountry), Beaches, Birding / Wildlife watching, Winter activities (snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, ice climbing, ice fishing), Scenic drives & sightseeing |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission — Entrance Pass Required for visitors 16 years and older |
| Ticket / Pass Price Range | Vehicle Pass: US$25 (7 days) — Individual (walk‑in / bicycle): US$15 — Annual Pass (park‑specific): US$45 — Also valid via “America the Beautiful” federal pass |
| Camping Fees | Drive‑in Camping: US$25/night (reservations required) — Backcountry Camping: US$15 permit + US$5 per person/night |
| Best Time to Visit | Late Spring through Fall for beaches & hikes; Summer for kayaking/boat tours & water activities; Winter for snow‑based recreation (check road/seasonal closures) |
| Nearby Major Access / Transportation | Access from Munising (west end) or Grand Marais (east end) via Michigan roads — main park roads partly seasonal; some coastal areas only accessible by boat or foot; boat/kayak launches at Munising harbor and Miners Beach |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/piro/ |
Distances from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to Nearby Landmarks
- Munising, Michigan – 8 km (5 mi)
- Miners Castle – 16 km (10 mi)
- Au Sable Point Lighthouse – 35 km (22 mi)
- Grand Sable Dunes – 40 km (25 mi)
- Chapel Rock – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Grand Island National Recreation Area – 55 km (34 mi)
- Log Slide Overlook – 10 km (6 mi)
- Miners River Falls – 18 km (11 mi)
- Miners River Beach – 15 km (9 mi)
- Hiawatha National Forest (nearest boundary) – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Pictured Rocks Visitor Center – 8 km (5 mi)
- Au Train – 30 km (18.5 mi)
- Sand Point Beach – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Munising Falls – 10 km (6 mi)
- Miners Castle Overlook – 16 km (10 mi)
- Chapel Rock Overlook – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Beaver Lake – 22 km (13.5 mi)
- Little Beaver Lake – 18 km (11 mi)
- Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park – 45 km (28 mi)
- Au Sable River Canoe Launch – 32 km (20 mi)
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