10 Epic Things to Do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Lindsay & Justin
- Jul 8, 2020
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Justin and I quickly discovered that planning a Pictured Rocks adventure can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. Trust us - we've been there! As Michigan locals who have explored every trail, beach, and hidden corner of this incredible shoreline, we wanted to share everything we learned the hard way.
We've mapped out the best photo spots, figured out which activities are actually worth your time, and found those special places most tourists walk right past. Think of this guide as your cheat sheet from two adventure-loving friends who've done all the trial and error for you (sometimes literally - ask us about that quick walk that turned into a 10-mile hike!) to compile the top things to do in Pictured Rocks.
Table of Contents: Pictured Rocks Things To Do
1. Hike the Michigan Trail Network
The trails here literally took our breath away - both from the views and some unexpected climbs! We tackled the Chapel Basin loop and it turned into one of our favorite hikes ever. Sure, 10 miles sounds long, but between the dense forests, three gorgeous waterfalls, and those dramatic cliff-top views, the time flew by. If you're not up for an all-day adventure (or forgot trail mix like we did once), the 0.5-mile Miners Castle trail gives you plenty of Instagram-worthy views without the lengthy commitment. Just wear actual hiking boots - we saw too many people struggling in flip-flops, and those rocky sections can be tricky.
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2. Kayak Along the Colorful Cliffs
Kayaking is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the lakeshore. For the best experience, book a morning tour when the waters are calmest and the lighting is perfect for photos. The afternoon winds can make paddling more challenging, so early starts are recommended.
Due to Lake Superior's unpredictable nature, we strongly suggest going with local guide services. Don't forget to bring a waterproof phone case and wear quick-dry clothes - you're likely to encounter some splashing waves as you paddle alongside the stunning rainbow-colored cliffs!
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3. Camp Under the Stars
Camping here was a total game-changer for our Pictured Rocks experience! We tried both Twelvemile Beach (the developed campground) and a rustic site along the Little Beaver Lake, and honestly loved them both for different reasons. At Twelvemile, we fell asleep to Lake Superior's waves and woke up to the most incredible sunrise right from our tent.
The rustic camping felt more adventurous - just remember to store all food within your vehicle and never feed the wildlife. We saw so many squirrels and raccoons that weren’t afraid to come right up to our campsite after being trained that humans have food. Book your summer spots way ahead - we're talking months in advance for holiday weekends.
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4. Take a Scenic Boat Tour
While we haven't taken the boat tours at Pictured Rocks yet, everyone we've talked to raves about the sunset cruise! Based on our research and conversations with other travelers, the evening tours offer stunning photo opportunities as the setting sun illuminates the colorful cliffs. From what we've heard, you'll want to snag seats on the right side of the boat for the best views, and definitely pack an extra layer - that Lake Superior breeze can get chilly!
One tip that keeps coming up: book your tickets well in advance during summer months, especially for those popular sunset tours. It lasts about 2-3 hours and departs from Munising. Tickets are typically priced around $38 for adults and $10 for children. We can't wait to experience this ourselves and update this section with our firsthand adventure!
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5. Beach Hop Along Lake Superior
We turned beach hopping into a full-day adventure, starting at Miners Beach where the water looked like something straight out of the Caribbean (though don't let those colors fool you - it's freezing!). Twelvemile Beach became our afternoon spot - we had practically the whole stretch to ourselves. Another hidden gem near Munising that is perfect for a picnic is Sand Point Beach. Quick heads up: we learned the hard way that water shoes are a must. Those rocks can be pretty brutal on bare feet, and even in August, the water never got above 60°F. We lasted about 30 seconds in the water before running back to our beach towels!
6. Chase Waterfalls
We spent an entire day hunting waterfalls and honestly, it was one of our favorite parts of the trip! Miners Falls was our first stop - a pretty easy 1.2-mile round trip that is doable for all skill levels. Chapel Falls & Spray Falls took a bit more work to reach, but the three-tier cascade and 70 foot plunge into Lake Superior was totally worth the sweaty hike (we did this 10-mile hike on a day of its own).
Munising Falls ended up being our favorite though - a bit of a hidden gem on the south side of Pictured Rocks that drops 50 feet! Pro tip we learned after three visits: spring is amazing for dramatic flows, but we actually preferred early summer when you could get closer without getting soaked. Just bring bug spray - you’ll thank us later! We'd also recommend avoiding late summer altogether due to the biting stable flies! They make your adventures far less enjoyable.
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7. Visit the Grand Sable Dunes
After putting off the dunes for two trips, we finally made it there last summer and kicked ourselves for not going sooner! These massive sand mountains (they seriously rise 300 feet above Lake Superior) felt like we'd been transported to the Sahara. The best part? The parking lot is just a short walk from the top, not the bottom! Meaning you an enjoy those epic views without putting in the work of climbing them (although some people do descend the dunes with a risk of requiring a rescue helicopter to get back up).
We timed our visit for sunrise and watched the morning light slowly illuminate the dunes and lake. Quick tip: bring a jacket no matter what time of year. That early morning Lake Superior breeze was chillier than we expected!
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8. Drive the Scenic Byways
Justin and I spent a whole afternoon cruising the H-58, and wow - what a drive! While you can stop t places like Miners Castle and the Log Slide overlook, there are many scenic overlooks as you approach Grand Marais. Plus Grand Marais even has a brewery to celebrate the drive that we have pinned in our Michigan Google Map. We hit the jackpot timing our visit during peak fall colors in late September - the contrast between the red and yellow leaves against those blue waters was unreal.
9. Winter Adventure Activities
Winter transforms Pictured Rocks into a magical wonderland of outdoor activities. You can explore snow-covered trails on snowshoes, where the landscape resembles something out of a fairy tale. The frozen waterfalls create spectacular ice formations that attract ice climbers of all skill levels (guided tours recommended). One of the most unique winter attractions is the series of ice caves that form along the lakeshore - nature's own frozen art gallery. For safety, always check current ice conditions at the visitor center before venturing out, as Lake Superior's winter conditions can be unpredictable.
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10. Road Trip Around the Upper Peninsula
You do not have to travel out west to explore lush nature, mountainous backdrops, and rushing waterfalls. In addition to Pictured Rocks, there are so many hidden gems in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, it requires at least a week-long trip to explore everything. While in the Upper Peninsula, we highly recommend going on a road trip. This one week itinerary not only includes Pictured Rocks, but four additional can't miss U.P. destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to visit Pictured Rocks?
A: Mid-June through early October offers the most reliable weather and full access to all activities. However, we'd recommend avoiding July/August due to the biting Stable flies. During this timeframe is when they live on the beaches and make it very unenjoyable to hang out on the sand.
Q: How long should I stay?
A: A minimum of three full days allows you to experience the major highlights without rushing.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Yes, you'll need a park entrance pass, and separate permits (or reservation) for camping and certain activities.
Q: Are the waters safe for swimming?
A: Lake Superior is cold year-round, but swimming is permitted at designated beaches. Always check conditions first and treat Lake Superior as if it were the ocean with unpredictable waves.
🤫 Congrats, you found our hidden freebie! Click here and we'll send you our resource that takes the time and guess work out of planning
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Ready to start planning your own Pictured Rocks adventure? We've learned so much from our trips here, both the wins and the "well, that was interesting" moments! Check out our detailed travel guides where we break down everything from the best months to visit (spoiler: September was magical) to what actually needs to go in your daypack. We've put together seasonal guides, suggested itineraries (tested by yours truly), and those little tips we wish someone had told us before our first visit.
Want more behind-the-scenes peeks at our Upper Peninsula adventures? Follow along on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views where we share our current explorations, answer questions, and post those candid moments that don't make it into the blog (like that time Justin convinced me to go cliff jumping in Marquette). We're always excited to help fellow adventurers plan their perfect UP getaway, so drop us a message with any questions. Trust us, your epic Pictured Rocks adventure is going to be amazing!
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Any questions on planning your trip to Pictured Rocks? Let us know in the comments below, we respond to every single one 👇
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