In mid-October, my two brothers and I went on a trip up to Grand Marais, Michigan to do some exploring and to see the Grand Sable Sand Dunes. None of us had ever been to this area of the UP before so we were excited to see some new terrain. 

One of the best and most popular places to see the Grand Sable Dunes is at the Log Slide Overlook. This overlook is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, just 15 minutes west of Grand Marais. It’s easy to access and offers 180° views of the surrounding landscape. There’s a large parking area with plenty of space and there’s no fee to visit!

You’ll walk a short distance along a flat, dirt path through the woods to the overlook. You’ll know when you’ve arrived because the path will suddenly turn to sand!

There are narrow paths along the edge of the overlook that you can walk along. If you look west, you’ll see the forested coastline with the Au Sable Lighthouse in the distance. To the east, you’ll see the sprawling, Grand Sable Sand Dunes. Just be very careful when you’re walking around! There are very steep dropoffs.

The Log Slide Overlook is not to be missed if you’re in the area. It offers some spectacular views of the dunes and Lake Superior, and it was a great first stop on our trip!