Pictured Rocks now requires a Park Pass

Back in March, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore implemented a new policy and will now require an entrance fee/Park Pass to visit the sites. If you're not familiar with the area, the lakeshore area encompasses about 42 miles of shoreline between Munising and Grand Marais. If you happen to have a lifetime National Park Pass, then you're already covered. They currently have yearly passes for $20, motorcycle passes for $10 (for 7 days), and vehicle passes for $10 (for 7 days). Prices will go up next year and the year after that from what I can tell. I contacted the Munising Chamber of Commerce, and this pass has to be in your vehicle if you want to do any sightseeing up the Lake Superior shoreline, or you will be subject to a ticket. So, if you want to go visit Munising Falls and then Sand Point beach while you're right there, you'll need a pass. If you want to go out and swim at Miner's Beach and see Miner's Falls, you'll need a pass. This isn't your typical National Park that has an entrance booth, so bear that in mind.

Pictured Rocks and that area has seen over a million visitors in the past 2-3 years, EACH year, and I'm sure this summer won't be any different. With the amount of trash that people leave, and with the amount of damage that is done by that many people who don't respect the area, it doesn't surprise me at all that they decided to charge a fee. They need it to make improvements!

It was suggested by the Munising Chamber of Commerce when I called that you purchase your Park Pass online. You can take a chance and hope the Chamber is open and get one when you arrive in Munising, but their hours may not coordinate with your visit. Here is the link to make your purchase. https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/fees.htm There is a green box halfway down this page that says 'Purchase Passes'. Just click on that and follow the directions from there.

Here is a great link for those of you who don't know what Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has to offer. It's full of sightseeing opportunities; waterfalls, beaches, sand dunes, Lake Superior (obviously), and the list goes on. https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/index.htm If you've never taken a day to visit this area, I would strongly recommend it. The 'driving view' is a lot different than the 'boat tour view' (below), and I promise, you won't be disappointed!