Pictured Rocks Cruise
The way to see the cliffs. Choose an afternoon for the color.
Pictured Rocks and the Upper Peninsula
Painted sandstone cliffs above Lake Superior's clear water, best from a boat or kayak, in Michigan's wild north.
Minerals have stained the cliffs red, green and gold, with arches and caves along about 15 miles. Tours leave from Munising. Miners Castle is the easy view, and Tahquamenon Falls and Sault Ste. Marie's Soo Locks are close enough for a trip.
- Best Time
- June–October
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About seven hours by car from Detroit.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeMiners Castle
An easy overlook of a rock turret.
Tahquamenon Falls
Its big amber waterfall is one of the largest east of the Mississippi.
Know Before You Go
- Lake Superior is cold and dangerous for small craft. Book a guide.
Where to Stay
Stay in Munising.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Midwest list.