21 Best Things To Do In Pictured Rocks (2025)
If you’re considering visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ve come to the right place. Pictured Rocks covers 42 miles of gorgeous lakeshore, including 15 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs, fantastical rock formations, sea caves, and hardwood forests.
Visitors to the park will never be bored because there are a ton of wonderful things to do in Pictured Rocks. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, ATVing, birding, going on cruises, exploring shipwrecks, and so much more at this prime Upper Peninsula Michigan destination.
Read on to learn about all the best things to do at Pictured Rocks, plus a few essential FAQs to help you plan your trip.
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21 Best Things To Do In Pictured Rocks
At Pictured Rocks, there are great activities for every season. Read on to learn all about them from stargazing to snacking on whitefish.
Let’s get to it!
1. Pictured Rocks Cruise
Hands down, one of the best things to do in Pictured Rocks is to go on a cruise. Why? Because nothing beats seeing Pictured Rocks from the water.
Taking a cruise offers the best possible vantage point to enjoy the fabulous beauty of cliffs, crags, waterfalls, and naturally sculptured outcroppings.
Choose between the Classic and Spray Falls Cruise during either daylight hours or sunset. During the cruise, you’ll travel 32 miles round trip and view incredible painted cliffs, pristine beaches, and intriguing rock formations.
If you choose the Spray Falls option, you’ll travel a bit further to glimpse a gorgeous 70-foot waterfall that drops into Lake Superior. It’s a showy display you won’t want to miss.
During the tour, your captain will give you a great narrative about the areas you’re passing, including key points and history.
Pictured Rocks Cruises last two to three hours and leave from the Munising city dock.
Tips: The light may be best for taking pictures during the sunset cruise, as you’ll be out on the water during “golden hour.” If you choose to sit on top, be prepared for lake spray and chill wind as the day fades.
2. Kayaking
If you like the idea of being out on the water, but would rather paddle under your own power than take a cruise, kayaking is a perfect way to enjoy Pictured Rocks.
Taking your own kayak or going on a kayak tour will let you get up close and personal with the beauties of the national lakeshore. Paddle around incredible rock sculptures, sea caves, arches, and colorful cliffs.
If you opt for a paddle tour, you’ll be equipped with a super stable sea kayak. (Sea kayaks are so stable that novices and kids should feel comfortable in them.)
An expert kayak guide will lead you over crystalline waters to the feet of 200-foot-high cliffs. You’ll get a close-up look at wonderful landmarks including Miners Castle, Bridalveil Falls, the Caves of the Bloody Chiefs, Mosquito River, and Lover’s Leap Arch.
If you opt for a sunset tour, the experience will be even more spectacular than normal as the low light gleams on the oranges and coppery reds of the cliffs.
Tips: Some kayaking tours will take you on a boat to the most scenic spots. You’ll launch your kayak directly from the passenger’s vessel and paddle along with the boat trailing as support. That way your arms won’t get tired before you get to the good stuff. You’ll have access to bathrooms aboard the boat and emergency help if you need it.
3. Hiking
Another one of the best things to do in Pictured Rocks is to go hiking. The national lakeshore offers 30 miles of fabulous hiking trails along the coast of Lake Superior as well as shorter hikes to key landmarks such as Chapel Rock and Miners Falls.
Although this section isn’t exhaustive, here are a few of the best hikes in Pictured Rocks:
Hike the North Country Trail
If you love hiking long distances, you’ll love the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks. This trail runs from Grand Marais to Munising Falls, traversing nearly 40 miles of incredible lakeshore, rock formations, secret coves, and more.
Imagine sections of the Grand Canyon, but with water, and you’ll have an idea of what the terrain will look like.
The national lakeshore offers a shuttle service for hikers. Consider leaving your car at the endpoint, then taking the shuttle to wherever you want to start the hike (unless you plan to hike in both directions).
Tip: If you plan to camp, be sure to get a backcountry permit well in advance.
Hike to Miners Falls
If you’re looking for a quick but satisfying hike, consider heading to Miners Falls. This 1.2-mile roundtrip hike will take you over easy trails through the north woods.
To get there, park at the parking lot off Miners Castle Road, about four miles north of H-58. You’ll then walk about three-quarters of a mile to reach the falls overlook. From here, you can observe a powerful and beautiful waterfall cutting through the gorge.
Hike to Chapel Rock
Another great hike in Pictured Rocks is to Chapel Rock. Although you’ll definitely want to see Chapel Rock from the water, it is also impressive to see it from the opposite angle.
This cool rock arch is topped by a 250-year-old white pine tree.
To get to Chapel Rock, park at the Chapel/Mosquito trailhead parking lot. You can choose various hikes from here ranging from 2 to 10 miles roundtrip. The hike to Chapel Rock is 6.2 miles roundtrip. It is easy walking at first because it goes along an old roadbed, through a forest of maple trees, to Chapel Falls.
Keep going, and you’ll reach Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach. You can go back the same way, or make a loop. You can also keep going to Mosquito Falls for the popular 10-mile round trip hike.
Tip: No dogs are allowed on this trail. You may not climb on Chapel Rock, but you may take pictures of it. Walk carefully along the cliff edge.
4. Beach Hop
Are you wondering if you can swim at Pictured Rocks? You can, but the water is cold! The warmest Lake Superior tends to get is a chilly mid-60 degrees.
Other than the cold, the beaches are pretty and safe for swimming. In fact, Pictured Rocks has some of the best beaches anywhere on the lake.
Even if you don’t swim, you can wade, relax with a book, take photos, look for shipwrecks, collect colorful stones, watch the sunset, or stargaze. There are many wonderful beaches to choose from, and they may look quite different from year to year. Check out several if you have the time.
Many of the Pictured Rocks beaches are sandy, but some are also rocky. They all offer stunning vistas of Lake Superior.
Tip: Pets are allowed at Sand Point Beach, Miners Beach, Twelvemile Beach, Lake Superior Overlook Beach, Hurricane River Beach, and Sable Falls Beach.
5. ATVing
Another exciting way to enjoy Pictured Rocks is by going off-road. Alger Country (where the national lakeshore is located) offers visitors many scenic wonders off the asphalt.
Enjoy numerous trails in the county, stretching from Grand Marais to Munising to Hiawatha National Forest.
See the maps of the Alger County ATV trails.
Check at these companies for ATV/ORV rentals:
- Lake Superior Tours +1 906 387-5950
- Renze Power Sports – + 1 906 387-3920
- Country Wide Adventures Munising – +1 906 387-7400 (side-by-side rentals)
6. Biking
Another lovely way to explore Pictured Rocks and the surrounding area is by bicycle. Although biking is not allowed on the trails at Pictured Rocks, you can bike on the visitor-use roads. This could be a fun way to enjoy some of the park’s scenery.
If you prefer mountain biking, there is a vast network of wonderful trails in the hills above Munising. Grand Island also offers fantastic mountain biking. Go on a day outing to the island and ride through the Lake Superior wilderness, complete with soaring hardwood forests and awesome vistas of the coast.
7. Grand Island Outing
Going on a day trip to Grand Island is another great thing to do while you’re in the area. Hop on a ferry from Munising and spend time discovering sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and great hiking or mountain biking trails.
The best part about Grand Island is the view it affords of Pictured Rocks. Seeing the national lakeshore from this angle adds a whole new layer to the experience.
Not only that, but you can also check out the East Channel Lighthouse on Grand Island. This lighthouse was originally made of wood and dates back to 1868.
8. Snowmobiling
If you’re visiting during the winter, you’re in luck, as there are many excellent things to do in Pictured Rocks during the cold and snowy months.
Rent a snowmobile in Munising and ride over groomed trails, hooting, hollering, and having the time of your life.
Multiple businesses rent sleds and gear in Munising, including Munising Snowmobile Rentals.
9. Skiing
Skiing is another fun winter sport to enjoy at Pictured Rocks. The national lakeshore has two different cross-country ski trails with several loops. One of them is on the east end, near Grand Marais, and the other is on the west end near Munising.
The trails will take you through over 20 miles of beautiful forests, rugged hills, and farmer’s fields.
Since the area gets over 140 inches of snow every year, cross-country skiing is one of the most popular winter activities to enjoy at Pictured Rocks.
10. Ice Climbing
If you’re into climbing on ice, Pictured Rocks could be the destination of your dreams. Thanks to the combination of lake effect snow, abundant waterfalls, and numerous cliffs, a ton of water penetrate the rock strata at Pictured Rocks.
The result? Curtains and columns of ice!
The most popular spots to ice climb include Sand Point and Miners Falls.
To reach Miners Falls, you’ll need to ski or snow-shoe for three miles starting from the junction of Carmody and Miners Castle Roads. This 40-foot column is a beautiful spot to climb.
Another nice spot to ice climb is the blue ice curtains of Sand Point. They can reach 20-50 feet high. To access them, park at Sand Point Beach or Munising Falls.
11. Stargazing
Did you know that Pictured Rocks is open 24 hours a day? Yup, that’s right! And that is a great thing because few places offer better opportunities for stargazing and night sky photography than here. If you’re lucky, you may even see the northern lights.
Any of the beaches and overlooks make for great stargazing locations, but some of the most popular include Miners Beach, Twelvemile Beach, and Grand Portal Point.
12. Visit Lighthouses
Michigan is known for its abundance of lighthouses, and Pictured Rocks is no exception. Don’t miss out on these visually interesting and historically intriguing buildings while you’re in the area.
Two favorite lighthouses are Au Sable Light Station and Grand Channel Island Lighthouse.
Au Sable is an 86-foot-tall lighthouse that dates back to 1873. It sits along a stunningly beautiful shore at Au Sable Point. If you can, join one of the ranger programs to go see it.
Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse is located on private property on Grand Island. Although you can’t get close to it, it is visible from the tip of Sand Point Beach. This historic building, which dates back to 1868, was recently restored.
13. Check out the Waterfalls
Waterfalls are all around you when you enter Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Why are there so many? Because of the Munising Formation. These hard sandstone-lime cliffs extend from Laughing Whitefish Falls all the way to Tahquamenon.
There are many stunning waterfalls to choose from when it comes to Pictured Rocks. From the water, you can view Bridalveil Falls and Spray Falls. To see others, you’ll need to hike in from the roadway.
Sable Falls cascades 75 feet over sandstone formations. Mosquito Falls drops over an 8-foot-tall rock shelf, and Chapel Falls is an incredibly beautiful 60-foot-high waterfall.
You could even create a waterfall checklist…see how many you can spot during your trip!
14. Try the Pasties at Muldoon’s
Since you’ll be expending lots of energy enjoying Pictured Rocks, eating pasties is a great way to refuel! What is a pasty you ask?
It’s a combination of meat or chicken, veggies, and gravy wrapped inside a flaky pie crust and baked to perfection. These savory creations are basically a whole meal in one flavor-packed packet.
Muldoon’s also offers dessert pasties filled with seasonal fruits. All pasties are made on-site and freshly baked every day.
Are you getting hungry yet? If so, head to M-28 West to treat your tastebuds to this Michigan staple.
15. Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Another cool thing to do in Pictured Rocks is to go on a shipwreck tour.
Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat and enjoy gorgeous vistas of Pictured Rocks, Grand Channel Lighthouse, and Grand Island. Next, you’ll turn your eyes below the water to see two shipwrecks dating back to 1860 and 1890. These two wooden shipwrecks are well-preserved thanks to the frigid waters of Lake Superior.
Throughout the two-hour tour, you’ll enjoy an intriguing narration that makes American history come alive.
16. Go Birding
Don’t forget to pack your binoculars because Pictured Rocks is a great place to go birding. It’s easier to get audio records than visuals in the dense woods, but if you’re up for a bit of a challenge and are willing to be persistent, you could spot numerous feathered friends during your visit.
There are over 180 different bird species in the area, including year-round residents, seasonal visitors, and migrants.
Piping Plovers nest on the far eastern end of Pictured Rocks, near Grand Marais. Numerous raptors including peregrine falcons, bald eagles, northern goshawks, northern harriers, sharp-shinned hawks, and barred owls also make their home in the park.
You can also see 25 different species of warblers, sandhill cranes, ruffed grouse, American woodcocks, great blue herons, red-breasted mergansers, and the common loon.
17. Book a Fishing Charter
If you love fishing, you’re in luck! The Pictured Rocks region is a great place to enjoy fishing on Lake Superior. Not only will you have the chance to fish, but you’ll also enjoy the wonderful scenery from the water.
Book a full-day or half-day fishing charter at any time of the year, catch dinner, and enjoy!
18. Dog Sledding Racing
Another unique thing you can participate in or watch near Pictured Rocks is dog sled racing! The Up 200 Dog Sled Race is one of the top musher races in the country. It features beautiful landscapes, challenging terrain, and huge crowds.
The race starts in the city of Marquette, with thousands of cheering crowds lining snow-covered Washington Street. The dog sled teams will travel over 240 miles from Marquette to Munising to Grand Marais and then back again.
Portions of the trail lead through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
19. Visit VanLandschoot & Sons Fish Market
Michigan is famous for its whitefish, and there is no better place to eat it than at VanLandschoot & Sons Fish Market! Although this fish market is only open seasonally, stopping here is a must if the market is open.
To get there, simply head to 1338 Commercial Street in Munising. Although you might have a bit of a wait in line, it will be worth it! Order the crowd favorite: a whitefish sandwich with yummy fries. Be sure to try the fish dip as well.
20. Eat at Cap’N Ron’s
While we’re on the topic of food, Cap’N Ron’s Food Truck is another great spot to stop and eat an incredible meal.
Ron is a pro when it comes to smoking and serving up delicious seafood creations. With crispy breaded whitefish, tasty coleslaw, and amazing fries, you can’t go wrong!
21. Scuba Diving
If you are PADI certified, scuba diving around Pictured Rocks could be the experience of a lifetime. Explore shipwrecks, sea caves, and the dramatic underwater coastlines of the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve.
Shipwrecks are the main attraction, with over twenty-one within the bounds of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
While on a dive, you’ll have the opportunity to observe vessels that chart the full maritime history of the region starting with the fur trade to the transportation of copper and iron ore, then switching to lumber, and then to passenger freight.
There is a dive shop and air-fill station in Munising and it’s easy to find a charter or boat rentals to take you to various dive locations.
What Else Can You Do At Pictured Rocks?
If the 21 things to do in Pictured Rocks aren’t enough for you, you can also enjoy these additional activities.
Hunting
If you love hunting (with a gun or bow and arrow), you’ll be glad to know you can hunt at Pictured Rocks. The hunting season starts off in September when you can hunt for bear and grouse. During the winter, you can hunt snowshoe hare.
Tip: You’ll need a Michigan hunting license. You may also need waterfowl stamps.
Drive-in or Backcountry Camping
If you love camping, Pictured Rocks is a great place to do it! Enjoy the best of nature in this scenic setting, and spend your days hiking and exploring. Camping will also give you the chance to be in the park during prime stargazing hours.
Check out the Ranger Programs
If you’re traveling with kids, why not join a ranger program? Enjoy a guided tour to Au Sable Lighthouse, a ranger table talk, or sign your kids up to become junior rangers.
Where To Stay At Pictured Rocks
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Pictured Rocks, look no further. This list includes several Pictured Rocks top-pick hotels.
Comfort Inn & Suites Lakefront
Comfort Inn & Suites Lakefront is the closest hotel to Pictured Rocks. If you stay here, you’ll only be eight minutes from the park entrance and one mile from downtown Munising. Talk about convenience!
This property offers great amenities including a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, free wifi, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
All of the rooms are equipped with a TV and microwave. Some units offer lake views.
Check rates and book Comfort Inn & Suites Lakefront
Munising Motel
Another great lodging option is the Munising Motel. This budget-friendly and pet-friendly lodging option is in historic downtown Munising. It is newly renovated and has great in-room amenities including cable TV, WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a Keurig in each unit.
The location is perfect for anyone wanting quick access to restaurants, beaches, convenience stores, art galleries, gift shops, and coffee shops.
Check rates and book Munising Motel
Holiday Inn Lakefront
The Holiday Inn Lakefront is an award-winning hotel with views of Pictured Rocks, Munising Bay, and Grand Island.
This hotel offers one and two-bedroom suites, handicapped rooms, lake-view rooms, and free wifi. Each room comes equipped with a TV, coffee/tea maker, phone with free local calls, a hairdryer, an iron and ironing board, and a desk with a lamp.
Enjoy the free breakfast and lovely views of either the water or a wooded hillside.
Check rates and book Holiday Inn Lakefront
Pictured Rocks Vacation Homes
If you’d prefer to book a vacation rental, you can search for great options from Pictured Rocks Vacation Homes. Options include treehouses, cottages, lodges, lake houses, and more.
Check rates and book Pictured Rocks Vacation Homes
Bay Furnace Campground
If you’d rather camp than stay in a hotel, the Bay Furnace Campground is a favorite spot. The campground is in a beautiful area near Pictured Rocks. It has many beach-front camping spots.
You can also book RV camping at the casino across the street. It offers electric hookups for $15 per night.
Things To Do In Pictured Rocks FAQs
Is Pictured Rocks Worth Visiting?
Yes! Pictured Rocks is absolutely worth visiting. This national lakeshore is one of the state’s most prized natural wonders. The area is famous for its unique geological formations, stunning scenery, and its slew of available activities.
There are so many things to do in Pictured Rocks! You can hike to waterfalls and beaches, through hardwood forests, and along cliffs. You can mountain bike, go kayaking, go fishing, enjoy multiple winter sports, and take pictures of night skies, picturesque lighthouses, and incredible rock formations.
How Do I Get To Pictured Rocks?
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located between the towns of Munising and Grand Marais on the south shore of Lake Superior. The main visitor’s center is located at Munising Falls.
To get to Pictured Rocks by car, take Michigan state highway M-28 or M-94 to Munising, or State highway M-77 to Grand Marais. Be sure to check ahead to see if there are any winter road closures.
To get to Pictured Rocks by plane, you can fly to Marquette, Escanaba, and Sault Ste. Marie, then rent a car to reach the national lakeshore.
There is a shuttle service within the park. For more information visit the shuttle services page on the national park service website.
How much does it cost to visit Pictured Rocks?
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore charges the following entrance fees:
Private Vehicle – $10
Individual arriving on foot, or by bicycle, snowmobile, or boat – $5
Motorcycle – $10
Year Pass – $20
Note: With the exception of the year pass, entrance fees are valid for 7 continuous days. You must put the pass on the dash of your vehicle and make sure it is clearly visible through the windshield.
What Is The Best Time To See Pictured Rocks?
Depending on what activities you enjoy, Pictured Rocks can be amazing at any time of year. The visitor centers are not always open, but the park itself is open 24/7.
The summer is an inviting time to enjoy warm days on the beaches, hikes through the woods, and days out on the water.
Fall paints the trees with hues of orange, crimson, and gold, framing the waterfalls in autumn beauty.
In the winter, visitors can enjoy ice climbing over frozen waterfalls, skiing through the woods, and snowmobiling along trails. Just be sure to pack warm clothes, as the weather can be frigid.
In the spring, wildflowers carpet the trails and everything turns shades of yellowy green.
Late August could be the best time of all with sunny warm days followed by cool nights that discourage biting insects.
How Long Should You Spend At Pictured Rocks?
Plan for 2-4 days to enjoy all of the best Pictured Rocks activities and scenery, as well as time to visit eateries in the surrounding areas.
Of course, you can spend much longer if you wish; there is plenty to do to fill your days.
What To Pack For A Trip To Michigan
Now that you know all the wonderful things you can do in the region, be sure to pack these essential items so you can fully enjoy your trip to Pictured Rocks. Keep the weather in mind, and be sure to pack what you need for specialized activities such as mountain biking, scuba diving, ice climbing, and more.
- Hiking Boots – Essential for miles on the trail
- Wicking T-shirts – Stay cool and wick away the sweat
- Water bottle – Staying hydrated is important
- Camera – Capture essential memories
- Dry Suit – If you plan to scuba dive
- Dry Bag – perfect for beach days and kayaking
- Sun hat – keep the sun off your face
- Sunscreen – protect your skin from UV rays
- Sunglasses – enjoy the scenery without squinting
- Bug Spray – stave off evil biting black flies and mosquitoes
- Towel – for lounging on the beach and drying off
- Swimsuit – for swimming or wading
- Water shoes – Good for exploring rocky beaches
- Rain Gear – in case there’s a sudden shower
- Waterproof Phone Protector – so you can capture memories without worry
- Fleece/Warm Layers – the weather can drop into the 40s in August, and it’s even colder in the winter, so plan ahead and layer.
- Bear Spray – optional and use only as a last resort. Follow the NPS Bear Aware guidelines.
- Clothing for extreme conditions – if you are going skiing/snowmobiling in winter
Conclusion: Things To Do In Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks is the perfect combination of striking natural beauty and fabulous activities. There is something for everyone at this prime Upper Peninsula Michigan destination, whether you want to spot shipwrecks through the glass bottom of a boat, kayak beneath 200-foot-tall cliffs streaked with luminous colors, or join the Up 200 dog sled race.
History buffs, adventurers, birders, scuba divers, hikers, fishermen, ice climbers, mountain bikers, and more will love these wonderful things to do in Pictured Rocks.
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