Miners Castle of Pictured Rocks: Its History, Beauty, and Kayak Tours
A Miners Castle tour with Pictured Rocks Kayaking.Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is famous for its beautiful scenery and breathtaking geological formations. The multicolored sandstone cliffs tower 50 to 200 feet above Lake Superior for almost 15 miles.
Among its many natural wonders, Miners Castle stands out as an iconic symbol and a highlight of the lakeshore. The $99 Miners Castle Tour offered by Pictured Rocks Kayaking provides an affordable and rewarding way to explore the breathtaking landmark. Read on to discover why Miners Castle in Pictured Rocks is so special and what to expect from a kayaking tour to the site:
Kayaking Miners Castle with Pictured Rocks Kayaking
Kayaking Miners CastleThe height and majesty of Miners Castle is truly appreciated from the water. It provides a perspective that views from land simply cannot match. Kayakers paddling near the castle have the special opportunity to witness the geological details up close. There are layers of time, some 800 million years old, etched into the rock face, that paddlers can reach out and touch. The sea caves add an element of discovery, and the shallow waters near Miners Castle are a stunning turquoise.
The Geological History of an Iconic Formation
Paddling through sea caves with Pictured Rocks Kayaking.How was Miners Castle formed?
Miners Castle, with its distinct turret rising from the shoreline, was formed by powerful erosion. The rock seen today is the result of ice, waves, and wind sculpting it over millennia. The bottom of the outcrop has an intricate section of sea caves, which are typically formed by waves repeating crashing against along weaknesses in the rock.
Unveiling the Secrets of Michigan’s Sandstone Masterpiece
Why is Miners Castle different colors?
There are numerous layers in Pictured Rocks’ sandstone cliffs, with different minerals deposited in the sediment each time. The oldest layers at the bottom are a darker color, while the youngest at the top are brighter. For instance, the oldest sandstone in Pictured Rocks is rich in feldspar and quartz, resulting in a deep red in color with white streaks.
The Significance of Miners Castle
Miners Castle many years ago. PC: National Park Service.How did Miners Castle get its name?
In 1771, workers of Alexander Henry (an English fur trader and rumored pirate) were exploring the area for minerals. At the time, there were two turret-like structures at the top that were reminiscent of castle. Although no minerals were found, the name they came up with stuck.
A Symbol of Pictured Rocks
One of the iconic views of Miners Castle in Pictured Rocks.Is It Easy to Kayak Pictured Rocks?
Miners Castle’s Transformation: A Turret Falls
On 4/13/06, Miners Castle lost one of its two towers or “turrets”. Rockfalls typically occur in the spring and fall due to the freezing and thawing. The formation is composed of crumbly sandstone that’s especially prone to erosion. Further changes are expected, so be sure to witness this natural wonder while it stands tall.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking’s Miners Castle Tour
The Miners Castle Tour offered by Pictured Rocks Kayaking is an exceptional way to experience this natural wonder. A shorter tour priced at just $99, it’s both affordable and accessible. The tour focuses on Miners Castle, along with nearby sea caves and waterfalls. Guides also offer informative narration, sharing fascinating details about Miners Castle’s history.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking is the only outfitter with a kayak-launching boat, making it both a guided kayak tour and boat tour in one! Sit back and relax as you are taken to the best parts of the lakeshore. Enjoy a 3-hour guided adventure with just over an hour of paddle time along the start of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Because of this, paddlers will always be within a reasonable distance of restrooms and emergency help if needed.
The boat follows along for the whole tour, with restrooms and access to belongings. Pictured Rocks Kayaking tours include a basic safety and paddling course before the tour, tandem (2-person) kayaks for stability. All tour guides are American Canoe Association (ACA) certified.
After exploring the best parts of the park from the water, kayakers get to enjoy a relaxing boat ride back to the mainland while admiring the stunning lakeshore.
Adventure Awaits: Plan Your Kayaking Adventure
Miners Castle is an awe-inspiring testament to the power of nature. The Pictured Rocks Kayaking Miners Castle Tour offers an accessible and memorable way to witness the beauty of this iconic formation. Looking for a fun, unique time in one of the most beautiful places in the United States? Plan your trip to Munising, MI and book your Pictured Rocks Kayaking tour today!