Indian Head Rock

A Natural Landmark Along Pictured Rocks’ Rugged Coastline

Indian Head Rock is one of the most memorable landmarks along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Towering high above Lake Superior, this massive rock formation appears to resemble the side profile of a Native American elder, earning it the name “Indian Head.” The illusion is created by the angle of the cliff, the curves in the sandstone, and a sharp outcropping that mimics the nose and brow line of a face.

The surrounding cliffs rise nearly 200 feet straight up from the water, forming a sheer wall of sandstone streaked with iron, copper, and other minerals that give Pictured Rocks its signature colors. The cliff face here is especially dramatic, with jagged edges and natural crevices shaped by centuries of erosion from wind, rain, and ice. Waves from Lake Superior continuously crash into its base, slowly reshaping the structure over time.

Cultural & Historical Significance

While the formation itself is naturally occurring, the name “Indian Head” speaks to the long presence and influence of Native American cultures in the Upper Peninsula. Tribes like the Ojibwa (Anishinaabe) lived, hunted, and traveled throughout this region for thousands of years, and many places along the lakeshore hold spiritual meaning. While the rock is not an official sacred site, its naming is a nod to the region’s Indigenous history and heritage.

How to See It

You can see Indian Head Rock up close on our Paddle & Hike Tour