MIners' Castle

October 19, 2025 -- Miners' Castle is one of the most famous landmarks along Michigan's Pictured Rocks shoreline. It is also the only cliff area in the park accessible by vehicle. Though I had already seen Miners' Castle from the water (on my boat cruise the previous day), I wanted to see this spectacular landmark from another perspective. 

We got an early start. It was about a 5 mile drive to Miners' Castle from Munising. The drive was quite picturesque due to the vibrant colors of the leaves. There were three observation decks. Ty and I went to all three. It involved about a half mile of walking. There were steep steps to the lowest overlook.

Pictured Rocks most famous landmark

Only one turret now

Miners' Castle is a famous rock formation in Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that was carved by erosion and is known for its distinctive turret. The castle used to have two turrets, but in 2006, one of the turrets unexpectedly plunged into Lake Superior. The castle was named after miners looking for minerals in the area (none were found). It holds great spiritual significance to indigenous peoples, but lacks a Native American name.

Colorful leaves

Video of Miners' Castle

Another view

Coins for good luck  |  Keep off the castle!

Along the drive to Miners Cave overlooks

Miners' Beach sits along the shores of Lake Superior. It is visible from the Miners' Castle lower overlook trail. The beach is about a mile long. I remember seeing it from the boat, too. It is a mile hike to get there.

Picturesque Miners' Beach

Where I go, Ty goes (most of the time)

Doggy window