A treasure trove of natural beauty awaits you in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. While choosing where to start can be a tough task, every visitor needs to have Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on their list. This stunning stretch of coastline bordering Lake Superior offers some of the best outdoor recreation and sightseeing in the entire state!
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What Can You Do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
Activities
So, you want to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? Well, there are more than a handful of ways to do it. One of the best options for viewing the stunning natural coastline of the Upper Peninsula is by getting out on the water. Kayaking is incredibly popular here, and it provides visitors with an up-close and personal opportunity to see the marvelous rock formations formed by years of erosion from Lake Superior.
While kayaking can be a fun and exciting experience, make sure you take plenty of precautionary measures to prepare yourself. The lake can be extremely dangerous, even for experienced kayakers. Check out the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website for tips and other information regarding this activity.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore also offers plenty of bike trails, fishing opportunities, day hikes, and swimming during the summer. Continue exploring the unmatched beauty of the lakeshore with an unforgettable Upper Peninsula boat tour (a safer alternative to kayaking). Snowmobiling, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are fun things to do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the wintertime.
Check out the full list of things to do here!
Sights
In addition to the many activities at Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, you’ll find an incredible array of sights worth visiting alone. Pictured Rocks cliffs are the main attraction here, and specific areas, like the Petit Portal Arch, Miners Castle, and Chapel Rock, are very popular. The majestic Grand Sable Banks and a collection of beaches also offer stunning views of Lake Superior. You’ll also find more than a half-dozen waterfalls pouring into the lake during the summer, making hiking a must if you want to see the true beauty of this one-of-a-kind place. You can also explore ice caves during the winter months!
Fees, Hours, and Other Information
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is open during all four seasons! Check their website for changing operating hours regarding the Grand Sable Visitor Center and the Munising Falls Visitor Center. Note that visitor centers may be closed on federal holidays. The entrance fee to the park is $25 per private vehicle. If you plan to visit Picture Rocks National Lakeshore more than once, consider purchasing their annual pass for $45. For those who want to visit multiple National Park or Federal Recreation Areas over the next year, an annual National Park Pass is only $80.
Road closures can be expected during the winter due to snow. As always, be safe, respect the park, and have fun! (Note: These prices are current as of 4/1/25.)
Discover Adventure in Michigan
Craft a picture-perfect getaway with our Upper Peninsula Itinerary. Pick and choose from the best things to do, beautiful sights to see, and incredible places to eat.
When you are ready to plan your Michigan adventure, let us help you find the ideal accommodations. Freshwater Vacation Rentals has the perfect vacation rental home for you! Our collection of properties across the state features plenty of homes and cottages in the UP near Pictured Rocks. Check out our Upper Peninsula Things to Do page and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!