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 America's first national lakeshore and
home to
Munising, Michigan
Pictured Rocks gets its name from the sandstone rock cliffs
that are exposed along the lakeshore, known as the Pictured Rocks. The cliffs are most prominent along the shoreline of
Lake Superior between Sand Point and Little Beaver Lake, a stretch of 15
miles. In some areas the cliffs rise some 200 feet above the lake.
The name "Pictured Rocks" is due to the
pictures that seem to appear on the rocks from the multicolored
sandstone and mineral stains on the rock surface. The cliffs
are composed of Cambrian Sandstone, dating back about 500 million
years. The stains on the sandstone are caused by water running down
the cliffs filled with oxides of copper, manganese, iron, and
organic minerals.
To get the best view of the rocks from land you should visit the overlooks at Miners
Castle, the east end of Miners Beach, and the Lakeshore Trail that
runs the length of the park. If you like to hike you will enjoy the
nine mile Chapel Loop trail. This Trail offers views from the
highest points of the cliffs.
If you do plan to hike atop the cliffs use caution.
The Cliffs are soft sandstone
some reaching heights of 200' which pose as a danger especially if the cliffs
are undercut by erosion, so Stay Back From The Cliff Edge.
 Whether your visit to the Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore lasts only an hour or if you stay for a week or two,
you might want to begin your visit at one of the visitor centers located in Munising and
Grand Marais.
Here you can pick up numerous amounts of brochures and any additional information you need to
help make your
visit outstanding.
The Pictured Rocks shoreline offers
each passing second filled with enchanted, sculptured shoreline
sights and the vivid sounds of the mighty power of Lake Superior...
thrashing its fresh, clear water over a multitude of colorful
sandstone monstrosities.
Picture Rocks Area Highlights
No matter how long your stay, consider trying to visit the following attractions:
Munising Falls:
The 50 foot falls are nestled in a cool and shady valley at the end of a short hike along a
very well maintained trail. The water from the falls once aided in the production of iron at the
Schoolcraft blast furnace.
(See Waterfalls)
Sand Point:
This is a popular area for bird watching as well as swimming or walking along the beach.
The Point Marsh Trail, a half-mile fully accessible interpretive trail provides access to a unique
wetland environment. You can enjoy maritime history exhibits near the old Munising Coast
Guard Station where Park Headquarters are located.
Miners Castle:
A fully accessible trail leads from a beautifully constructed picnic area past breathtaking
views of Grand Island and Lake Superior, down to an overlook platform directly above the Castle.
Erosion over long periods of time have formed the shape of a castle in the sandstone cliffs. At one
time you were able to walk atop the castle but due to the mass erosion you must now stay on the platform.
Miners Beach:
This beach which extends for one mile is a picnickers fantasy. The beach gives you a beautiful
look at Lake Superior and is a great place for children to build sand castles, but watch out for those
playful waves waiting to bring them down.
These are only a few of the many attractions located along the Lakeshore, in
order to visit and enjoy all the wonderful attractions that Pictured Rocks
offers, you would need to spend a week or more in the area. And chances are
you'll be back to return to see these and the many other resource-rich natural
scenic attractions our are can provide you and your family. The best way
to see all of the Pictured Rocks is to take a cruise on the Pictured Rocks Boat
Cruises, which began in the 1920's.
For more information on the Boat Cruises call or write to:
Pictured Rocks Cruises, Inc.
Box 355-Munising, MI 49862
(906) 387-2379
Pictured Rocks Cruise
Schedule
*
Directions - Location:
-Plane - Grass airfields are located near Grand Marais and Munising.
Regularly scheduled commercial airline service is located in Marquette,
Escanaba, and Sault Ste. Marie Michigan.
-Car - Michigan state highways M-28 and M-94 lead to Munising; state
highway M-77 leads to Grand Marais. County road H-58 and other spur
roads provide access throughout the park.
-Bus - Regional bus lines stop in Marquette and Escanaba.
Public Transportation - Local bus service (Altran, (906) 387-4845)
offers backpacker shuttle service in summer; reservations are required.
See Also:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Regulations & Safety
Pictured Rocks Related Links
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
*
PO Box 40
N8391 Sand Point Road
Munising, MI 49862-0040
Phone: Headquarters (year round) 906 3872607
Visitor Information (year round) 906 3873700
Grand Sable Visitor Center (summer only) 906 942660
Grand Sable Visitor Center (summer only) 906 4942660
Email: piro_information@nps.gov
Munising
Municipal Tourist Park
Camping in Munising. Look here for additional Munising campground information
and related links.
Munising, Michigan
Resources
Munising Michigan business directory, lodging, real
estate & outdoor recreation opportunities.
Michigan
Upper Peninsula Information Directory
Michigan U.P. Tourist and Travel Guide
Hiking Michigan Upper Peninsula
Michigan Upper Peninsula Hiking Journals
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Maps
Map of Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore
Detailed Location Map of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Download Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Map
An awesome map of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A must-have file. (pdf file)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Articles of
Interest
Superior cliffs
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A great information article- "Natural wonders, wrecks highlight Michigan's Pictured Rocks"
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