National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreChapel Falls begins its cascades into Chapel Lake below, one of many waterfalls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Swimming & Diving
 
The white sands of Miners Beach stretch a half-mile just east of Miners Castle along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior.
NPS photo by Ed Lasich
Miners Beach
Swimming and Wading
The clean and clear waters of Lake Superior are tempting, though the water is typically cold for even the hardiest swimmers.

Visitors enjoy peaceful strolls along the lakeshore's white sand beaches, including Sand Point, Miners, and Twelvemile.

There are no lifeguarded beaches at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or its surrounding communities.  Rip currents can and do occur, and may change locations from year to year.

Please use extreme caution if you choose to venture into Lake Superior waters.

Beach fires are only permitted in the designated metal fire ring at Sand Point; fires are not allowed on other beaches.  Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches.  Please help keep our beaches clean.

 
 

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Some of the best scuba diving in the Midwest can be found in and around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Snorkeling and scuba diving are permitted throughout the lakeshore.

Scuba diving is popular in Lake Superior, especially within the Alger Underwater Preserve, a state preserve created to protect the submerged cultural resources. State and federal regulations prohibit the removal or disturbance of relics, artifacts, or historic features.

Always use a dive flag to mark your location. 

For more information ...
Boating
Shipwrecks site bulletin (pdf)

 
This visitor enjoys wading along the Lake Superior beach, but needs to be wary of rip currents.
Rip currents
powerful currents of water moving away from shore.
more...
Lake Superior waves at Au Sable Point. (National Weather Service photo)
NOAA marine weather forecast
for the south shore of Lake Superior.
more...
A small creek drops over a ledge at Miners Beach.
Water, water everywhere
Is it safe to drink?
more...
Shiloh - the hunting dog - enjoys a autumn day. (Grant Petersen photo)
Please check the regulations
concerning where pets are allowed.
more...
The Schoolcraft Blast Furnace was located at today's Munising Falls site.  

Did You Know?
The Schoolcraft/Munising Blast Furnace operated from 1869 to 1877. It produced many tons of pig iron for post Civil War continental expansion. Only ruins remain at this National Register of Historic Places site, located at Munising Falls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
more...

Last Updated: March 19, 2008 at 09:52 EST