Miners Castle – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Miners Castle overlook has one of the best views of the Pictured Rocks cliffs available from land. Located about 10 miles out of Munising, and nestled in with waterfalls and a scenic beach, this sandstone stack shows the power of Lake Superior and erosion over time. What I love most about the area is the deep blue-green of the water, so clear you can see fish down below when you look over the edge. This contrasts perfectly with the light blue sky, the green on the trees and the multiple light/sand colors of the cliff. It is a short walk from the parking lot, and a second trail takes you closer to the stack, and gives a view of more cliffs, the beach, and depending on the season maybe even Bridal Veil Falls. There’s also even a chance you’ll see one or more bald eagles flying in the skies nearby, as the shoreline cliffs provide them with many great nesting opportunities.

I can remember visiting this landmark as far back as the early 1990s, when there were two stacks here – one has since fallen into the chilly waters below. I’ve also viewed this from the Pictured Rocks boat cruise, which provides much different vantage points. The photo below is from a visit in 1993:

To get to Miners Castle, head east from Munising on H-58 for a little over 6 miles. Take a left on Miners Castle Rd. and follow it for another five miles. Signs will direct you to Miners Beach, Miners Falls and Miners Castle from this main road.