Where is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

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

Where is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Located in Munising, Michigan
About Map: The map showing location of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Munising, Michigan in the United States.

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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

Famous Attractions / Highlights
Official NamePictured Rocks National Lakeshore
LocationMunising / 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 / OpenedOctober 15, 1966 (designated as the first U.S. National Lakeshore)
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionGreat Lakes region / Upper Peninsula Michigan / Lake Superior coast
Address / Mailing AddressP.O. Box 40, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Zip Code49862
Area Code906
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) - UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptColorful sandstone cliffs, Lake Superior shoreline, Beaches, Waterfalls, Sand Dunes, Forests, Hiking & Outdoor Recreation
Main Sections / AreasSandstone 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 ActivitiesHiking, 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 TypePaid Admission — Entrance Pass Required for visitors 16 years and older
Ticket / Pass Price RangeVehicle 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 FeesDrive‑in Camping: US$25/night (reservations required) — Backcountry Camping: US$15 permit + US$5 per person/night
Best Time to VisitLate 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 / TransportationAccess 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 Websitehttps://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)