Grand Portal Arch

Grand Portal Arch Image

Among the many natural wonders of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, few features inspire as much awe and reverence as the Grand Portal Arch. Though partially collapsed over the last century, this massive rock formation remains a breathtaking sight — one best viewed from the water during our Paddle & Hike Tour. Before its collapse, Grand Portal Arch was considered the most magnificent feature along the Pictured Rocks shoreline. Its name came from its colossal scale — a towering natural gateway carved by centuries of wind, water, and ice. It was so wide and tall that sailing ships could pass beneath it, a rare phenomenon for a natural rock arch in the Midwest.

The arch connected two massive sandstone cliffs, forming what looked like a grand entrance to another world — hence the name “Grand Portal. The arch suffered significant rock collapses in 1900 and again in 1999, caused by erosion from Lake Superior’s waves and harsh seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. These collapses permanently blocked the open passageway that once made Grand Portal navigable — yet what remains is still striking.

Today, visitors can see towering remnants of the arch and the massive stone rubble left behind. It’s both beautiful and humbling — a reminder that the Pictured Rocks shoreline is alive, dynamic, and constantly evolving.

The only way to truly appreciate the size and drama of Grand Portal Arch is from the water, and it’s featured on our Paddle and Hike Tour.. You’ll paddle along the same cliffs where the arch once stood in full form, guided by experts who can point out what remains of the formation and share its rich backstory.