Pictured Rocks: Beautiful, Magical, Shimmering

Beautiful, magical, shimmering —these three words describe not only Northern Nail Polish’s Pictured Rocks polish, but also the lakeshore which inspired it.

The area known as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a 42 mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline located near Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1966, Pictured Rocks received the distinction of becoming the first National Lakeshore designated by the U.S. Congress. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is also a part of the National Parks system, where it remains a bit of a hidden gem. With an average of 500,000 visitors per year, there is much more peace and solitude to be found here than in the more well-known parks.

The shimmery, sandy gold color of the Pictured Rocks nail polish mimics the hue of the 15 miles of sandstone cliffs which are the most fascinating and magical part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. In the most vibrant sections of the cliffs, groundwater seeps out of the rocks and carries with it color producing minerals such as copper, iron, manganese, and limonite.

At their highest, the cliffs rise 200 feet above Lake Superior’s shoreline. Their soft sandstone composition has lent itself to the formation of natural sea caves, arches, blow holes, and other features as the cliffs are continually eroded by the wind and waves.

Among the most well-known of these natural features are Miner’s Castle, Lover’s Leap, Chapel Rock, Grand Portal, and Indian Head.

Miner’s Castle

Miner’s Castle has been one of the most photographed and recognizable of the Pictured Rocks formations. It is also unique in that it is accessible by car in addition to being viewable from the water. The castle lost one of its two turrets in 2006 when ongoing erosion led to its collapse.

Chapel Rock

For visitors who enjoy hiking, Chapel Rock, with its 80 foot waterfall and picturesque arch formation overlooking the lake is well worth the 4 mile round trip hike.

Grand Portal

Grand Portal, Lover’s Leap, and Indian Head are all best seen from the water, either by boat or—for the very adventurous—kayak.

Lover’s Leap

Indian Head

For visitors interested in a guided tour, Pictured Rocks Cruises operates 2 ½ - 3 hour cruises along the shoreline from May through October, providing an excellent way to view the most notable formations while learning about the history of the lakeshore.

The cruise will take you by the Painted Coves where you will instantly recognize the inspiration for the Painted Rocks nail polish. As the sun hits the rock faces of the coves, they come alive with beautiful, magical, sparkly shades of orange, red, and bronze. The cliffs’ appearances are constantly evolving as more minerals find their way out of the earth and onto the surface of the sandstone. This is nature’s canvas in all its glory, unaltered by man.

Painted Coves

The rich tapestry of naturally occurring colors is also on display at the aptly named “Caves of All Colors.”

Caves of All Colors

Whether you spend only a day or camp overnight, whether you experience it by boat, kayak, hiking, or driving, you will realize that a visit to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has been a memorable and emotionally rewarding experience.

Take home a piece of the beauty and magic with a bottle of the sparkly Pictured Rocks nail polish by Northern Nail Polish.

About the Contributing Writer:

Susan F. is a former Yooper who has been transplanted to somewhere west of the Rockies. She enjoys writing and creating as she explores this world and experiences all the magic and beauty it has to offer.