Grand Portal Point, Cape in Alger County, Michigan, United States
Grand Portal Point is a cape in Michigan's Upper Peninsula featuring sheer sandstone cliffs that rise directly from Lake Superior's waters. The rock walls create a bold vertical formation along the shoreline and make this location a striking feature of the region's coastal landscape.
The rock cliffs formed millions of years ago when ancient seas deposited layers of sandstone that were later shaped by glacial processes. These geological forces created the distinctive coastal formation visible at this location today.
Native American tribes of the Upper Peninsula incorporated the cliffs of Grand Portal Point into their traditional stories and used the waters for fishing.
The site is reached via a hiking trail approximately 5 kilometers from the Chapel parking area, requiring sturdy footwear for uneven terrain. Visitors should bring water and food, as facilities are limited along the route.
Lake Superior's waters have carved natural archways and caverns beneath the cliffs, with surfaces that shift color throughout the day due to mineral content. These hidden features remain largely unseen from shore and are often missed by visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
