Grand Marais is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Our beaches, forest, waterfalls, and lakes offer endless opportunities for the amateur or professional photographer. Here are a few suggestions for places you might enjoy. Or, get off the beaten path and discover your own favorite spot!
Sable Falls
The steps down to the bottom include a number of viewing platforms. All offer a beautiful shot of the falls. Take the trail out to the lake for more sights!
Grand Sable Lake
Early morning and dusk are the best times to view the light across the water. Park at the Overlook or at the Boat Launch.
Kingston Plains
Here you’ll see the stumps left by the lumbermen when they harvested the towering white pines. A fire burned through here after the lumbermen left, and regrowth has been slow. The plains offer vast opportunities for interesting compositions.
The Log Slide
The classic shot from the top of the dunes has become iconic. To the east is Grand Marais; to the west, Au Sable Point. This is the best place to get a sense of the huge size of Lake Superior.
Au Sable Light
The lighthouse is open in the summer. Beautiful shots from all angles. Also open are the lightkeepers quarters and the fog signal building.
Au Sable Point Shipwrecks
The remains of three shipwrecks lie at the edge of the water just west of Au Sable Lighthouse. Take the walking trail to Au Sable Light from the Hurricane River Campground; follow the signs to the shipwrecks on the beach.
Twelvemile Beach
Twelve miles of straight beach, with beautiful rocks. This is a great place for close-up shots of the rocks in the water.
Spray Falls, Chapel Falls, Little Beaver Lake, Miners Falls, Miners Castle
These attractions are at the western end of the park and make an ideal day trip. Most of the falls require a short hike of 1-3 miles to get to them. A Day Hikes guide is available here, with a map to help you plan.
North Country Trail
The trail goes right past Grand Marais. Follow it to the east for woodland photography opportunities. Tot he west, the trail heads into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A trailhead with several parking spaces is located on H-58 two miles west of town, on the south side of the road.
Blind Sucker Flooding
This inland lake is approximately 10 miles east of Grand Marais off H-58. The Blind Sucker Pathway is a six-mile hiking loop that takes you past high and low land.