Pictured Rocks Cruises
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| Wallpaperweb |
| Late afternoon is a good time to see these memorable cliffs, which can look washed-out in midday. |
Most area visitors see the Pictured Rocks by taking a boat cruise (2 hours 40 minutes, 37 miles) from Munising. Late-afternoon light is best for seeing the colors. Depending on the season, the 5 p.m. cruise is recommended, or the Sunset Cruise, between 6 and 7.
The cruise departs rain or shine, but might be canceled by wind conditions. It begins by passing Grand Island, its sandstone cliffs, and the East Channel Lighthouse made of poetically weathered wood. Privately owned, it's now been restored. (See separate Point of Interest for Grand Island National Recreation Area.)
The tour guide competently points out key facts about Pictured Rocks and shows passengers the scenic highlights, from Miners Castle to Pulpit Rock to the Grand Portal. The tour boat gets close to the sandstone cliffs when possible. It slows down, and even moves into a narrow inlet on "Battleship Row" if conditions permit.
Narrations vary from one captain to another. Our recent cruise guide was intelligent and informative as he told about the rock colors, local history and legends, and rockfalls (generally one a year, in spring or fall, due to water freezing, expanding, and breaking the soft sandstone). In 2010 tourgoers captured a rockfall on video. It was widely shown on the evening news. Our tour was greatly enjoyed by diverse tour-goers, including international graduate students from downstate universities. One young woman in stylish hiking attire said she never tires of the Pictured Rocks cruise and tries to take it every year.
The cruise company has a good web site with an overview of the area, waterfalls, and more. Cruises now include Spray Falls. For cruise schedules, call (800) 650-2379 or (906) 387-2379, or visit picturedrocks.com. New: daily sunset cruises from mid- June through end of season.
Pictured Rock Boat Cruises leave from City Pier in downtown Munising from mid May thru mid October, weather permitting. There's more wind and more cruise cancellations in fall.
From M-28, turn north toward the lake on Elm at the four-corners, by the bank time and temperature sign. (906) Adults $34, children 6-12 $10, ages 5 and under free. Ask about group rates. (Rates may go up with fuel prices.) Wheelchair-accessible. Dog kennels available free of charge. Reservations strongly recommended. Tickets can be purchased online.
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POINTS OF INTEREST
Munising Front Range Light. Imposing 1908 58-foot white light tower is part of a system of range lights that guide ships into Munising's harbor of refuge. Behind & up the hill is the shorter but higher white round rear range tower. Boat captains lined up the two lights to steer safely into this harbor of refuge. ... more
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A major Midwest destination with wonderful waterfalls, vistas, and hikes, the sandstone bluffs here rise up to 300 feet high, shaped by wind, waves, and ice into dramatic columns and caves, and stained red, blue and green by seeping minerals to form colored "pictures" ... more
Sand Point Beach. With lovely sand & striking views, some thing it's the best beach in Michigan ... more
Scenic drive Munising to Marquette. Miles of public beaches, vistas, and elegant river mouths delight travelers who take M-28 along this stretch. ... more
Spray Falls. Enjoyable 3-mile hike takes you to one of the U.P.'s premier falls ... more
Tannery Falls. One of the U.P.'s most delightful waterfalls is reached by a splendid path along Tannery Creek ... more
Pictured Rocks Visitor Center. Recommended first stop for every new visitor—for maps, handouts, scheduled talks and walks on nature and history, and customized, impartial advice from a knowledgeable staff of adults who live here and know the area well. Also a nature bookstore ... more
Pictured Rocks Cruises. Great way to see the Pictured Rocks, preferably in the late-afternoon light, unless you have your own boat or take a kayak tour, ... more
Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tour. Peer down through a large boat's viewing wells at three shipwrecks south of Grand Island ... more
Ice Climbing in Pictured Rocks. A top Midwest spot for ice climbing just east of Munising, where tall sandstone bluffs create dramatic blue columns of ice ... more
Lake Superior. Of all the U.P.'s features, none rival the largest freshwater lake in the world. ... more
Central Munising. A wonderful picnic spot, with grills, bandshell, and farmers' market on Munising Bay; a popular coffeehouse-bookstore, some specialty stores; and a kids' castle playground ... more
Alger County Heritage Center. Munising's rich history revealed in many displays, including 1830s fur trader's cabin from Grand Island, vintage Munising Woodenware products, historic kitchen, old post office ... more
Northern Waters Sea Kayaking. An adventurous way to see the cliffs, caves, and shipwrecks by Grand Island and the fabled Pictured Rocks ... more
Grand Island Scenic Overlook. A breathtaking vista out beyond Munising Bay of Grand Island ... more
Munising-area Waterfalls. Avoid crowds and visit four delightful, secluded falls in and near Munising: Horseshoe Falls, a quaint private attraction; the Twin Waterfall Plant Preserve; and Wagner Falls off M-94 ... more
Munising Wi-fi Hotspots. • Chamber of Commerce has wi-fi 24/7 (can use in parking lot). 129 Munising Ave. (M-28) across from Subway. • Falling Rock Café & Bookstore has wi-fi. 104 East Munising/M-28 downtown, just east of Elm. ... more
Valley Spur Cross-Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trails. Artfully laid out, meticulously groomed, this 38-mile trail system is a favorite destination of dedicated cross-country skiers from far and wide ... more
McQuisten Recreation Area. Views from boardwalks on this beautiful pond are hidden gems for birders & naturalists. There's an elaborate playground, too ... more
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here
