With snow on the way, officials at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are happy to announce the completion of significant improvements at "Lake Superior Overlook" along the newly completed Alger County Road H-58.

The improvements include two new viewing platforms, steps to provide improved beach access, and a fully accessible restroom.

"As we were working with the Alger County Road Commission on designing the section of H-58 within the park, we all recognized that there would be a great deal of interest in the road section just east of Sullivans Creek, where there are beautiful views of Lake Superior," said Pictured Rocks Superintendent Jim Northup. "As part of the road construction project, the county took advantage of the old road bed to construct a 20-car parking area along this section of the road. To compliment that improvement, the park took responsibility for completing the other improvements at this location, and we believe these new facilities will provide improved access and pleasure to thousands of visitors for years to come."

"I'm really proud of the park crew that built these improvements," said park facility manager Chris Case said. "We had a crew of three highly skilled carpenters, complemented by several other members of our park staff, who worked on this project for much of the summer. We have a few final touches to take care of, but it really turned out nicely." 

Gregg Bruff, the park's chief of heritage education, added, "The main viewing platform, located just off the middle of the parking area, will provide outstanding views of Lake Superior and passing freighters. The lower viewing platform and the steps to the beach will allow visitors to enjoy a stroll on this section of Twelvemile Beach, one of the most beautiful sections of shoreline in the park."

The improvements were funded almost entirely by franchise fees paid to the National Park Service by Pictured Rocks Cruises, which operates as the park's official concessioner for narrated boat tours of the Pictured Rocks cliffs.

"We are grateful for the partnership between the park, the County Road Commission and Pictured Rocks Cruises, which made the completion of this project possible," said Superintendent Northup. "It represents one more step in fulfilling the improvements called for in the park's General Management Plan and our commitment to make the park safe and attractive for all of our visitors."