Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Planning Your Visit
Directions
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, between the communities of Munising (west) and Grand Marais (east).
Car
Michigan state highways M-28 and M-94 lead to Munising. State highway M-77 leads to Grand Marais. Alger County Road H-58 and other spur roads (some unpaved) provide access throughout the lakeshore. Many roads are closed by snow during the winter.
Plane
Grass airfields are located near Grand Marais and Munising. Regularly scheduled commercial airline service arrives at Marquette, Escanaba, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Bus
Regional bus lines stop in Marquette and Escanaba.
Public Transportation
The local bus service (Altran, 906-387-4845) offers backpacker shuttle service in summer; reservations are required.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Welcome to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Americaâs first National Lakeshore.
Unlike any other place on Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks offers the opportunity to explore miles of pristine beaches, hike over 100 miles of trails, and experience the serenity of the northern hardwood forest.
In the spring, a new world appears along trails carpeted with the soft beauty of wildflowers. Summer gives way to warm basking days. Blinking lights of orange, red, and yellow signal the wonder of change in autumn. In the winter, the raw windy beauty of snow frequents the days though periodically the snow blazes forth with sunlight.
Take time to experience and learn about the different worlds of Pictured Rocks, a mosaic of colors, textures, and sights. Enjoy your stay!
Weather
Climate
Lake Superior greatly ameliorates temperature extremes, slowing spring warming and the onset of winter. The coldest months average well below 0°C (32°F) and the warmer months about 22°C (70°F).
The average date of the last freezing temperature in spring is June 8, and the average first fall freeze is September 23; however, freezing can occur during any month. The freeze-free period, or growing season, averages 107 days annually.
The big lake's presence also increases precipitation at the Lakeshore. Annual precipitation averages 31 inches; annual snowfall is 140 inches. Snow generally covers the ground from late November through late April.
The area is the second-most cloudy region of the Untied States, characterized by an annual mean cloud cover of 70 percent. Much of the cloudiness occurs in autumn and winter, and can be attributed to cool air flowing over Lake Superior being warmed along the shore and forming clouds. This condition also often results in rain, fog, and snow. Spring is relatively clear due the cold water surface of the lake.
The prevailing wind is from the west, with average velocities ranging from 7 to 9 miles per hour. High winds and storm conditions on Lake Superior are not uncommon. The highest recorded one-minute wind speed was 59 miles per hour.
The lakeshore is located approximately 46 degrees north latitude and 86 degrees west longitude. Munising is 680 feet above mean sea level.
Weather Statistics
Based on data collected from 1949 through 2001 by the National Weather Service, the highest recorded temperature was 101°F on July 7, 1988. The lowest recorded temperature was -30°F on February 2, 1985.
Average snowfall is 140.7 inches. Highest recorded snowfall was in 1958 when 200.6 inches were measured. Lowest recorded snowfall was in 1973 when 89.6 inches were measured. Highest one-day snow accumulation was on March 19, 1983, when 17 inches were recorded. Snow has been measured in every month except July and August, though only a trace fell in June.
|
|
Average high temperature |
Average low temperature |
Average precipitation |
Average snowfall |
|
January |
25.1°F |
10.7°F |
3.03 inches |
41.6 inches |
|
February |
27.5°F |
11.5°F |
1.59 |
19.2 |
|
March |
35.3°F |
19.8°F |
2.16 |
16.3 |
|
April |
46.3°F |
29.9°F |
1.83 |
6.1 |
|
May |
61.2°F |
40.0°F |
2.85 |
0.7 |
|
June |
70.2°F |
49.7°F |
2.68 |
0 |
|
July |
74.1°F |
55.6°F |
3.36 |
0 |
|
August |
74.1°F |
55.6°F |
3.20 |
0 |
|
September |
65.7°F |
48.4°F |
3.60 |
0 |
|
October |
53.6°F |
37.9°F |
3.99 |
2.9 |
|
November |
39.4°F |
27.2°F |
3.26 |
16.3 |
|
December |
29.1°F |
16.4°F |
2.99 |
37.6 |
Fees & Reservations
Backcountry Camping
All backpackers and kayakers camping overnight in the lakeshore must obtain a backcountry permit. A user fee of $4 per person, per night is paid when you obtain your permit. There are no refunds. This fee will change to $5 per person, per night in 2008.
Backcountry reservations are possible, but must be made at least 14 days in advance. The reservation fee is $15. Cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard cards are accepted. There are no refunds.
Drive-In Camping
Campers staying at one of the Lakeshore's three drive-in campgrounds will pay $14 per night. Lakeside sites at Twelvemile Beach Campground are $16 per night. Sorry, no reservations. Cash (U.S. currency) payment is preferred.
Discounts (50%) are available for holders of the America The Beautiful Senior Pass and Access Pass (new in 2007) and the old Golden Age and Golden Access passes (2006 and prior).
Entrance Fee
There are no entrance fees at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. No fees are charged for day use.
Guided Tours
Visitors to the Au Sable Light Station may enjoy the grounds year-round at no charge. From July 1 to Labor Day, a $3 fee (cash) is charged for a ranger-led tour of the double keepers quarters and light tower. The half-hour tour begins at the porch.
During 2009 and 2010, the tour schedule may change depending upon the status of road construction on Alger County Road H-58.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is open year-round, 24 hours day, though many roads are closed by snow in the winter. There is no entrance fee.
Four Seasons to Enjoy
There is no particular "best" season to visit the Lakeshore for each has its own charm and variety of activities. In the spring, wild flowers bloom in great profusion to add to the beauty of the natural area. The summer brings pleasantly warm weather and abundant sunshine. Autumn boasts a colorful display as the hardwood forest changes color. A mantle of snow sets the stage for winter activities.
Operating Hours - Visitor Centers
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Hiawatha National Forest Interagency Visitor Center is open year round, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays). It is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September with extended operating hours.
The Grand Sable Visitor Center, Munising Falls Interpretive Center, and Miners Castle Information Center are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Park headquarters at Sand Point in Munising is open year round, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, but closed on federal holidays.
Environmental Factors
The lakeshore is located approximately 46 degrees north latitude and 86 degrees west longitude. The coldest months average well below 0°C (32°F) and the warmer months about 22°C (70°F).
Lake Superior greatly ameliorates temperature extremes, slowing spring warming and the onset of winter. The average date of the last freezing temperature in spring is June 8, and the average first fall freeze is September 23; however, freezing can occur during any month. The freeze-free period, or growing season, averages 107 days annually.
The big lake's presence also increases precipitation in the lakeshore. Annual precipitation averages 79 cm (31 inches); annual snowfall is 320 cm (126 inches). Snow generally covers the ground from late November through late April.
The area is within the second-most cloudy region of the United States, characterized by an annual mean cloud cover of 70 percent. Much of the cloudiness occurs in autumn and winter and can be attributed to cool air flowing over Lake Superior being warmed along the shore and forming clouds. This condition also often results in rain, fog, and snow. Spring is relatively clear due to the cold water surface of the lake.
The prevailing wind is from the west, with average velocities ranging from 12 to 15 kilometers per hour (7 to 9 mph). High winds and storm conditions on Lake Superior are not uncommon. The highest recorded one-minute wind speed is 98 kilometers per hour (59 mph).
Pictured Rocks In Depth
News from the Parks
State Pushing its Plan to Thin Federal Elk Herd
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Northwestern Hawaiian Isles Might Met U.N. Designation
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Full Slate of Activities this Month at Saguaro National Park
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
Park Service Rolls Out Bike Sharing
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
A Plan for Stimulus Money: National Parks
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
