Boat Tours of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks Cruises
The Best Way to See Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks Cruises are the best way to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For over 50 years, our summer cruises have been guiding visitors along the spectacular shoreline. Our boat cruises are 2 to 3 hours long and will travel into and alongside the most visually stunning 40 miles of shoreline on the Great Lakes. As an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service Department of the Interior, we provide unparalleled views of Pictured Rocks.
Each scenic, sightseeing tour departs from the Munising, MI City Dock and is narrated by one of our captains, showcasing the lakeshore’s most extraordinary points of interest. We offer 4 distinct Michigan cruises: the Classic Cruise, the Sunset Classic Cruise, the Spray Falls Cruise, and the Sunset Spray Falls Cruise.
Today's Status
Saturday, Jul 12
Mostly sunny, nice day for a cruise. Chance of rain will likely not affect cruises unless severe lightning pops up in the area.
Tomorrow's Cruising Outlook
Sunny, beautiful day for a cruise! Bring a jacket out on the lake!
The Top Highlights of a Pictured Rocks Cruise
Why You Should Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a gem on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The picturesque area is full of beauty, from its mineral-stained cliffs and countless watefalls to its idyllics forest and inland lakes. Hike scenic trails, kayak along the colorful coastline, or camp at its rustic campsites — even try swimming on its many beaches. The stunning rock formations along its shoreline make Pictured Rocks a bucket list experience worth coming back again and again for.
Whether you’re an intrepid lover of the outdoors or a family looking for an easy and memorable getaway, Pictured Rocks is worth checking off your bucket list. Plan your adventure today to immerse yourself in the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! For the best views, take a boat tour with Pictured Rocks Cruises out of Munising, Michigan.
Ready for more adventure?
Pictured Rocks’ only off-shore kayak launch
Paddle less, explore more. The only kayak tour in Munising that shows you the best of the park with only 2 hours of total paddling. Skip the rigorous work of paddling from shore by cruising aboard our 56-foot passenger vessel and launching your kayak right where the most notable scenery begins. Because our launch boat follows you along as you paddle, you’ll always be within a reasonable distance of restrooms and emergency help. Perfect for everyone including families, seniors, or people with disabilities.
Welcome to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a national treasure full of history, mystery, and geological beauty. The oldest rocks in the national lakeshore were depostited between 1 billion and 500 million years ago — and are visible above water to this day. Some rocks are so old that no fossils exist, since land animals didn’t exist when they were formed out of terrestrial earth.
The name “Pictured Rocks” comes from the the amazing palette of colors that seem to be painted on the colossol bluffs. The colors are actually due to the many minerals in the rock. Groundwater, seeping through cracks, carries iron (red and orange), copper (blue and green), manganese (brown and black), and limonite (white), creating the breathtaking streaks that decorate the area’s august cliffs.
The best way to appreciate the lakeshore is from the water, with a boat tour out of Munising, Michigan. Join us on a Pictured Rocks Cruise and reveal in the magic of this natural treasure.
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About Pictured Rocks Cruises
For decades, Pictured Rocks Cruises has been the premier provider of scenic boat tours along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Since our establishment in 1974, we’ve dedicated ourselves to sharing the beauty of this stretch of Lake Superior with visitors from around the globe. A locally-owned business, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences to our guests, and receiving TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for over five consecutive years speaks to our commitment. Visit our Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center, a museum honoring the history of the Munising area, stop by our gift shop, and then begin your own Pictured Rocks journey with us.
Construction Notice: If you're visiting in the next 2 weeks, please read directions on what to expect.
- Ticketing Office & Gift Shop: Our main shop at 100 City Park Drive, Munising, MI 49862 is now OPEN! The Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center located one block above our main shop location is also still open, 100 W. Munising Ave.
- Parking: Normal parking is still available and free.
- Boarding: Cruise boarding will be from our boarding facility, enter through the ramp in the gift shop. Please use caution and respect all posted construction barriers
- Tickets: If you have already purchased tickets, you can check in and enter the boarding queue for your cruise up to 1 hour prior to the cruise departure time.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are currently not available in the gift shop. There are still port-a-johns available right outside the building and public restrooms open in the Binsfield City Park across the street.
- Kennels: Our dog kennel service is available. There is still some construction occurring near the entrance of the kennel, please see staff inside the gift shop if you need assistance navigating to the kennels.