Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound.
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Driving times from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00This pass admits the driver and all passengers in a private-use vehicle for seven consecutive days to all areas of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers to all areas of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Entrance - Snowmobile
$15.00This pass admits a snowmobile to all parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for 7 consecutive days. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00This pass admits one walk-in, bicycle-in, or boat-in person to all parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00This admits a commercial sedan to all areas of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The flat rate for this pass is $25, plus an additional $5 per person age 16+. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00This pass admits a commercial van with a capacity of 7-16 persons, regardless of capacity, to all parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00This fee admits a commercial mini-bus to all parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A mini-bus is defined as a vehicle with a 16-25 person capacity. The fee is charged regardless of occupancy of the vehicle. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00This fee applies to commercial vehicles with a 26+ person vehicle capacity, regardless of occupancy. This fee does not cover additional fees associated with activities such as camping or commercial tours.
Hours
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
Summers are pleasant with the average highs in June, July, and August in the 70s°F, and lows in the low 50s°F. The coldest months are December through March with average highs of 25°F to 32°F, and average lows in the teens. Annual precipitation averages 31 inches; average annual snowfall is about 140 inches, although winters with more than 200 inches are not uncommon. Snow generally covers the ground from late November through late April.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
- Entrance to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Keweenaw National Historical Park (3 h 47 min), North Country National Scenic Trail (5 h 31 min), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (5 h 34 min), Ice Age National Scenic Trail (6 h 1 min), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (6 h 11 min), Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (7 h 15 min).