Five Mile Rock Wayside
A unique Lake Superior wayside featuring a massive rock formation named for its original, unfulfilled placement. Offers scenic views and agate hunting...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Ideal for agate hunting
Five Mile Rock Wayside
Best Time
Ideal for agate hunting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Lake Superior wayside featuring a massive rock formation named for its original, unfulfilled placement. Offers scenic views and agate hunting.
"It's aptly named. Would recommend seeing from shore and not up close because, although huge, it's just a rock that's about 5 miles from town."
🎯 It's a Rock, Not an Island
Five Mile Rock is a large rock visible from shore, not an island you can visit up close.
🎣 Agate Hunter's Paradise
The gravel beaches north of Grand Marais are great for finding Lake Superior agates.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 16 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Five Mile Rock Viewpoint
Shoreline north of Grand Marais, MN
A massive rock formation jutting out of Lake Superior, offering dramatic coastal scenery.
Agate Hunting
Gravel beach north of Grand Marais
Search for beautiful Lake Superior agates along the shoreline near the rock.
Local Fish & Chips
Near Five Mile Rock
Enjoy delicious fish and chips from a local vendor with a 'hot' sauce option.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding Five Mile Rock
Best Views & Local Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best things to do in/around Grand Marais and along the Superior shore?
1. Eat doughnuts at World's Best. 2. Go to Five Mile or another beach to look for agates. 3. Horseback riding at Gunflint Lodge. 4. Hiking. So much great hiking. If you're new up there, in GM go out to Artist Point on foot. Oberg is also fun. 5. If you're in the proper bit…
🎯 It's a Rock, Not an Island
Five Mile Rock is a large rock visible from shore, not an island you can visit up close.
🎣 Agate Hunter's Paradise
The gravel beaches north of Grand Marais are great for finding Lake Superior agates.
Agate hunting on Lake Superior's North Shore
I'l be vacationing there for a few days in July. I've hunted for agates on the Oregon coast; can't wait to look for some Lakers. If you are willing, what are your favorite agate spots? (I understand if you want to keep it to yourself!)
Lake superior ideas
Hello! My husband and I are wanting to take our 3 year old daughter on our first ever family vacation. We are wanting to go somewhere on lake superior. Preferably something family friendly but also a great place to find agates. Our daughter is very fond of her "rocks" like…
🍟 Tasty Local Treat
Don't miss the fish and chips from the vendor near the rock; ask for the 'hot' sauce!
☕ Coffee Caution
Reviews suggest skipping the coffee offered at the wayside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 It's a Rock, Not an Island
Five Mile Rock is a large rock visible from shore, not an island you can visit up close.
🎣 Agate Hunter's Paradise
The gravel beaches north of Grand Marais are great for finding Lake Superior agates.
🍟 Tasty Local Treat
Don't miss the fish and chips from the vendor near the rock; ask for the 'hot' sauce!
☕ Coffee Caution
Reviews suggest skipping the coffee offered at the wayside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Five Mile Rock Wayside to be a scenic and interesting stop, particularly for its unique name and the chance to hunt for agates. While some are initially confused by its nature as a rock visible from shore rather than an island, most appreciate the dramatic views of Lake Superior. The local fish and chips vendor is a highlight, though the coffee receives a negative mention.
"If you are in the area, stop by. There is a guy on the rock that sells a fantastic fish and chips. Ask for the “hot” sauce addition. And don’t drink the coffee. It’s pretty bad"
Fair Field
"I thought it was an island and just had the name "5 mile rock"
Turns out it IS a rock but it's not 5 miles out so my GPS was confused.
I asked Gemini and it said I needed to get out of this place before the railroad tracks get built in the ocean."
Max Karno
"Not commonly known, but the rock was originally intended to be placed five miles out in the lake, but it was too heavy so they dropped it where it is. Kept the originally planned name though."
Erik Granse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Five Mile Rock Wayside is located north of Grand Marais, Minnesota, along the Lake Superior shoreline. It's easily accessible by car from Highway 61. Look for signs indicating the wayside.
No, Five Mile Rock is a large rock formation that appears to be offshore but is visible from the mainland. It was named for its originally intended placement five miles out in the lake.
The best way to experience Five Mile Rock is from the shore. The wayside offers excellent vantage points for viewing the rock and the surrounding Lake Superior landscape.
Yes, there is typically parking available at the wayside, allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Five Mile Rock Wayside is a public access point and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free roadside attraction.
As a wayside, it is generally accessible at all times. However, any associated vendors may have specific operating hours, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic views of Lake Superior and the rock formation, take photos, and search for agates on the nearby gravel beaches. There are also often local food vendors.
Yes, the gravel beaches north of Grand Marais, near Five Mile Rock, are known to be good spots for finding Lake Superior agates.
Typically, waysides offer basic facilities like parking and scenic overlooks. Restrooms may or may not be available, so it's best to check local information.
No, you cannot get close to the rock itself as it is situated in the lake. Viewing from the shore is the intended experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A popular review mentions a vendor selling fantastic fish and chips with an optional 'hot' sauce. However, the same review advises against the coffee.
Yes, Grand Marais is a nearby town with various dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, if you're looking for more choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic silhouette of Five Mile Rock against the vastness of Lake Superior, especially during sunrise or sunset for stunning light. The rugged shoreline also offers great shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer colors.
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