Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a haven for families who love the outdoors, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the top spots to explore together.
This 42-mile stretch of sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior, nestled between the towns of Munising and Grand Marais, offers endless opportunities for family adventures—from scenic hikes to water activities with breathtaking views.
What makes this shoreline so special? Pictured Rocks was the first designated national lakeshore in the U.S. back in 1966 and is still one of only three today.
While its iconic, mineral-stained cliffs are a must-see, the miles of beaches and woodlands are just as inviting for families looking to connect with nature.
Dig into our guide to Pictured Rocks. We share what you need to know, plus the best trails, fun things to do nearby and four-season fun at Pictured Rocks.
What families love about Pictured Rocks
These cliffs offer a step back in time, as its visible rock layers were formed in two separate intervals of geographical time. According to the National Park Service, the sedimentary rocks and surficial deposits are recorded from the Late Precambrian, Cambrian, and Early Ordovician Periods (500-800 million years ago), and the Late Quaternary Period (2 million years ago).
Visitors will love taking in the breathtaking views of the formation’s sea caves, arches and other natural features including the famous Chapel Rock, Miner’s Castle and Lover’s Leap.
Don’t forget to build in a stop to Au Sable Lighthouse to climb the tower and learn more about the history of the area. Or travel over to Grand Island for long-distance views of Pictured Rocks.
Want to get a one-in-a-million view of Pictured Rocks? Consider booking a ride with Pictured RocksCruises or a guided kayak tour to get up close and personal. Neil Weaver Photography also hosts guided photography instruction for professional and amateur photographers alike.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is also home to miles and miles of trails including the Chapel Falls Trail, Munising Falls Trail and North Country Scenic Trail.
Miners Castle, one of the park’s most popular spots, also has its own trail down to Miners Beach. The trails range from an easy, kid-friendly afternoon hike to a more rigorous overnight camping experience.
Though bicycles and e-bikes are not permitted on the walking trails, visitors are welcome to use visitor-use roads throughout the park. Fishing and hunting are also popular recreational activities for those with the proper permits.
Planning a trip during the winter? Pictured Rocks is the perfect place for your family to try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and even ice climbing. For those looking for a more relaxed winter experience, consider checking out the ice curtains that naturally form from the cliffs.
Getting to Pictured Rocks
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is around a 6-hour drive from Metro Detroit, but it’s an easy trek up I-75.
The scenic route through northern Michigan requires a drive over the iconic Mackinac Bridge to get into the Upper Peninsula. Upon arriving in St. Ignace, take US-2 W to M-77 N up to Grand Marais. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located just a few miles away along Lake Superior.
With a 6-hour drive, it’s likely you’ll need to make a pitstop or two along the way to stretch your legs. Here are some of our favorite spots worth checking out with your family:
- Play and learn. The route takes you through Saginaw, where those of all ages will love a trip to the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum where families can enjoy 10 galleries designed specifically for children birth to 10 years old.
- Go on an adventure. South of the Mackinac Bridge is the small town of Indian River, filled with big big adventures — Big Bear Adventures, in fact. Guests of all ages and skill levels will enjoy an outdoor adventure at Big Bear including raft, tube and kayak trips, guided ATV trips and more.
- Get some fudge. If you’ve got some extra time to spare en route to Pictured Rocks or coming home, your family will love a trip to Mackinac Island to get some of its iconic fudge. Ferries to the island are available in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City on either end of the Mackinac Bridge.
Family-friendly places to stay
To get the full Pictured Rocks experience, consider staying at one of the three drive-in campgrounds in the park — Little Beaver Lake Campground, Hurricane River Campground and Twelvemile Beach.
Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate and a tent pad, as well as vault toilets and well water. No drop-in camping is allowed, so be sure to make a reservation for your stay ahead of time.
Campsites are limited in the park, but other private and public campgrounds are also available in nearby Alger County.
A number of motels, rental cabins and other lodging options are also available nearby, including the Beach Park Motel in Grand Marais and Beach Inn Motel on Munising Bay and the Comfort Inn & Suites Munising Waterfront in nearby Munising.
Restaurants the whole family will enjoy
After a long day of exploring, head to the nearby towns to grab a bite to eat. Dogpatch Restaurant in Munising is one of the closest options. The location also offers its own snowmobile rentals and has a large parking lot to accommodate snowmobile trailers, which makes it the perfect spot to stop after a day in the park.
Dogpatch’s menu ranges from country breakfast to seafood, steaks and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. The kids will also enjoy exploring Dogpatch’s gift shop full of local souvenirs and unique handmade gifts.
What’s a trip to the UP without a Yooper specialty? During the winter months, the Cherrywood Lodge’s Cherrywood Sports Bar and Grill is open, serving up pasties in addition to its popular whitefish basket and steaks. You can also get the classic specialty — plus a tasty dessert treat — at Miners Pasties and Ice Cream.
Pictured Rock Pizza is another great option the whole family will love with its custom and specialty pizza options, pasta and special dessert pizzas.
You’ve got the basics, but before you head out for your own family Pictured Rocks experience, be sure to check out the rest of our guide. You’ll find the best trails, fun things to do nearby and four-season fun at Pictured Rocks. Have a great family road trip!
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Learn more at buyfordnow.com. Find more road trip guides and full city guides at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
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