Pictured Rocks Cruises, LLC is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service Department of the Interior. For over 50 years, our summer cruises have been guiding visitors to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a top Michigan vacation spot. Our boat cruises are 2 1/2 to 3 hours and will travel into and alongside the most visually stunning 40 miles of shoreline on the Great Lakes!
We offer 3 distinct Michigan cruises: the Classic Cruise, the Spray Falls Cruise, and the Sunset Cruise. Each cruise departs from the Munising, Michigan City Dock. The crew will assist in ticketing, safety instructions, and other needs. Our day cruises are narrated by the captain, who will inform you of a brief history of the tour boat, local area facts, and Michigan points of interest on this national park tour.
We offer 3 distinct Michigan cruises: the Classic Cruise, the Spray Falls Cruise, and the Sunset Cruise. Each cruise departs from the Munising, Michigan City Dock. The crew will assist in ticketing, safety instructions, and other needs. Our day cruises are narrated by the captain, who will inform you of a brief history of the tour boat, local area facts, and Michigan points of interest on this national park tour.
Services
Formal Tours to Pictured Rocks began being offered by Cleveland Cliff Iron Company on Sunday afternoons. The "Ottawa" would leave port on Grand Island and take visitors along the shoreline. Captain Everett Morrison began running cruises right after World War II on the "Sea Queen" and later expanded the business when he purchased "Miss Palm Beach" and "Pictured Rocks I."
Travel 32 miles round trip and view brilliantly colored cliffs, sea caves, and pristine beaches. Experience the same cruise that has been delighting passengers for over 70 years! East Channel Lighthouse, Miners Castle, Lovers' Leap, Indian Head, Grand Portal and Chapel Rock are just a few of the natural landmarks seen on this cruise.
This historic lighthouse stands north of Munising Bay at the southern tip of Grand Island. It was first constructed in 1868, as a guide for boats traveling in from Lake Superior to the east channel of Grand Island and safely in to Munising Bay. The East Channel Lighthouse was restored during the early 2000s and stands as a reminder of what past sailors used to find safe harbor.
Bayfield Peninsula in northern Wisconsin. Shuttle service is also available to Oak Island and Stockton Island for those interested in overnight camping. Learn about the history and legends of Thunder Bay while you view the shipwrecks of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Depart from the port of Alpena on the glass-bottom, 65 ft Lady Michigan.
We are open daily, from 8 am until the last boat returns to our dock, from mid-May through mid-October. We are in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Visitors will find us at the Munising City Dock located in the heart of historic downtown Munising. The Spray Falls cruise follows the same route as the Classic Cruise but continues further along the lakeshore (weather permitting) to view an additional waterfall - Spray Falls.
Reviews (23)
Doug Collins
Oct 15, 2021
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Worth every penny. A great tour to take especially on a nice day. Lasts about 2 hours and you see some amazing sights. If you want to take pictures (you will) take a seat on the outside, even if not in the front, rather than being closer to the front but not on the outside seat. People on the right have the view on the way out, people on the left will have the better view on the way back.
Linda Wickett
Oct 10, 2021
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Syndi Chesser
Oct 07, 2021
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I had really looked forward to doing this cruise, and it exceeded my expectations. Staff in the store and on the boat were super nice all around. The tour was well-narrated... without being intrusive so. We were able to get up super close to some of the rock formations. Gorgeous natural beauty all around. Highest recommendation! If I make it back this way again, I will do this all over again without a moment's hesitation. Thank you so much!
Amanda L.
Oct 06, 2021
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This past weekend I embarked on Pictured Rocks Cruises for the second time & it was just as delightful as the first. Pictured Rocks Cruises is an independently owned, small business, doing great work here educating & providing tours to all those who come through this area, introducing many to this magnificent lakeshore & showing all of us a view we might never otherwise get to see.
I've now done both the Classic and Spray Falls cruises! For $8 more per person, I'd recommend the Spray Falls cruise for sure! You go a bit farther than the classic cruise to see the falls, and
I've now done both the Classic and Spray Falls cruises! For $8 more per person, I'd recommend the Spray Falls cruise for sure! You go a bit farther than the classic cruise to see the falls, and
Sara Chapman
Oct 04, 2021
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This cruise was so fun! Perfect mix of cheesy jokes and lake facts. The rocks are simply beautiful. Arrive early to get a good spot in line so your views are better. They discourage standing for photos so all of the ones I’m sharing were from standing at the back of the boat. That’s the only place you can be standing. Bring a jacket as it can be chilly with the winds but also very hot in the sunshine. If you’re in the area these are lovely sites to see.
Jenny Shelley
Sep 28, 2021
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Reserved our tickets several weeks in advance over the phone and spoke with a very friendly woman. Smooth and easy process picking up tickets day of for the Classic Cruise. We got in line 40 minutes before boarding to ensure a top deck seat.
Crew was funny, knowledgeable and friendly. The Captain pulled us right into a cut of the shoreline which was extremely cool! We had perfect weather and pristine conditions on Superior. The Fall foliage wasn't quite at peak, but still very beautiful. It really was the perfect day and experience. Will highly recommend Pictured Rocks Cruises. We will be bringing
Crew was funny, knowledgeable and friendly. The Captain pulled us right into a cut of the shoreline which was extremely cool! We had perfect weather and pristine conditions on Superior. The Fall foliage wasn't quite at peak, but still very beautiful. It really was the perfect day and experience. Will highly recommend Pictured Rocks Cruises. We will be bringing
M. Bauman
Sep 25, 2021
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Up close and personal with beautiful views of the picture rocks. The captain of our ship offered lots of information along the trip while allowing adequate time for pictures. You also have the option of standing on the deck to get some amazing pictures. Great great tour. Well thought out, family friendly, and great perspectives of history and the rocks.
Lisa J.
Sep 18, 2021
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My husband & I had 2p cruise tickets on Sept 15. Just before boarding they announced that the waters were a bit rough & they may not get through the whole tour. Also, if you aren't a rollercoaster person, you may not want to go out. They offered a full refund to us as we chose not to go. After talking to a very helpful ticket lady, we received our refund & rebooked for the next day. The next day turned out beautiful & we had a great cruise! Appreciate the flexibility in circumstances beyond their control. Fun crew & captain. Worth the money & time!!!
Rob S.
Aug 27, 2021
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This is a fantastic experience!! We just loved it. Follow some of the guidelines talked about in other posts and you'll have a great time. The shoreline is breathtaking.
Ya know, when we are constantly on the lookout for tourist traps, scams, false advertising, etc., it was refreshing to get the real deal. We travel a LOT.
This is one of the best traveling experiences to date!
Ya know, when we are constantly on the lookout for tourist traps, scams, false advertising, etc., it was refreshing to get the real deal. We travel a LOT.
This is one of the best traveling experiences to date!
Danielle S.
Aug 15, 2021
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Jessica G.
Aug 15, 2021
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Great cruise with an informative, entertaining captain, clean boat, safe sail, and beautiful scenery. I appreciated the advice to line up early. We got in line 50 minutes before departure, and were probably 20 people back from the front.
The first cruises had been affected by dense fog, and the last by thunderstorms. There's no shade in line, so an umbrella was nice to shade the sun during our near hour wait.
Top deck, right side was great for viewing on the way out. On the way back, the rear lower deck was also nice to photos because they slowed down at the major sites again.
The first cruises had been affected by dense fog, and the last by thunderstorms. There's no shade in line, so an umbrella was nice to shade the sun during our near hour wait.
Top deck, right side was great for viewing on the way out. On the way back, the rear lower deck was also nice to photos because they slowed down at the major sites again.
Nancy A.
Aug 08, 2021
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Kyla W.
Aug 05, 2021
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The cruise was amazing! We went on a Thursday evening (5pm cruise). Zach was our captain. He was funny (with some good cheesy jokes) and informative. You can line up for the cruise an hour before. We got there a bit late, 4:30, and there was quite a line. Because if this we weren't able to get seats on the top, but we had a nice window seat on the inside that still offered great views. If you are dead set on a side top seat I recommend getting there right when you can line up.
Klmullet
Aug 03, 2021
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Great family experience, the only way to truly see the beauty of the rocks is from a boat. Incredible scenery, amazing rock formations, around each bend, they always looked different, we never got tired of viewing them. Captain Phil Miller did a great job narrating, mixing a wealth of information mixed with humor and local history! Snacks available for cheap on board. Boarding and unloading was simple and easy. Boat ride itself was super smooth. Great value for the trip.
Urmil Kansara
Aug 01, 2021
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Great family experience and worth every penny!!! It is the only way to see the incredible scenery and amazing rock formations. It does get cold and if you plan on sitting on the upper deck of boat, I highly recommend wearing something to keep yourself warm. We had amazing boat captain Katrina who made sure the information she was providing was delivered in an interesting way. We loved her style. Overall a great value trip and I highly recommend it.
John H.
Jul 28, 2021
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Anna Breiler
Jul 26, 2021
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A stunningly beautiful cruise. A wonderful experience for a wide age of people. Seeing nature's beauty from this vantage point was amazing. We were out on a rough day for Lake Superior but you didn't even notice it being on the catamaran style boat. The captain did a great job narrating the trip and telling stories with a few dad jokes along the way. We had a group from ages 4- 70 with us and everyone found the cruise interesting and fun.
Tammy
Jul 26, 2021
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Better to get in line about an hour before your departure time if you want to sit on top, fills up fast. We had to sit inside, it got pretty stuffy. On the return trip, we were able to squeeze into a spot standing on the back deck, very refreshing. Would like to see businesses not charge adult prices for our children that are not yet adults. The rocks are quite beautiful and the crew is knowledgeable of the area.
Dave C.
Jul 25, 2021
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We bought tickets in advance (I highly recommend during the busy season) and enjoyed this cruise touring the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island on Lake Superior. We had a nice sunny day and a smooth ride. On the way out, the tour guide provided lots of interesting tidbits along the way about the sights we saw on the mainland - including some humor guaranteed to bring a "groan" to break up the reading.
Our captain took us quite close to shore, and at one point we cruised into one of the inlets so we could get an "up close and personal" view of the beautiful
Our captain took us quite close to shore, and at one point we cruised into one of the inlets so we could get an "up close and personal" view of the beautiful
Powder W.
Sep 21, 2020
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Think you need to blow the bank and travel to Australia, England, Iceland or the Med to see stunning arches, rocks named after apostles, multicolored geological strata and brightly colored manganese, copper, calcium, mineral streaks? Think no more! It's all here in Michigan in the great US of A! Pictured Rocks are a must and not just from the road or trail side. To get the full view and experience the full splendor of this shoreline, you must go by boat. Canoe, Kayak or cruise. We chose cruise.
Captain Jayden, John and Taylor were our crew on board the lovely new Chapel Rock. She set
Captain Jayden, John and Taylor were our crew on board the lovely new Chapel Rock. She set
Rick C.
Aug 14, 2020
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Stephanie C.
Aug 08, 2020
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Great group!
Completely hospitable and chill at the same time. We came during the COVID pandemic. As we waited on the doc, we were able to clearly see the staff on the boat patiently sanitizing the entire boat down. They were thorough from the looks of it. They made the mask rules very clear (and they enforced it!). They also limited their size the required 50%. Which of course hurts the tourist industry, but their level of professionalism and customer service remained the same. I was really impressed and happy to tip after. I recommend everyone going through them! Also they told funny jokes.
Completely hospitable and chill at the same time. We came during the COVID pandemic. As we waited on the doc, we were able to clearly see the staff on the boat patiently sanitizing the entire boat down. They were thorough from the looks of it. They made the mask rules very clear (and they enforced it!). They also limited their size the required 50%. Which of course hurts the tourist industry, but their level of professionalism and customer service remained the same. I was really impressed and happy to tip after. I recommend everyone going through them! Also they told funny jokes.
Dana L.
Nov 06, 2019
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We thoroughly enjoyed this cruise touring the Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior. We didn't have the best weather, as it was cool and overcast the only day we had available. However, we were just glad that it didn't rain on us, especially since I wanted to ride up top where it's not covered.
The captain and crew were great. All the information provided during the boat ride was very interesting, especially the geological facts. Tip: Sit by one of the audio speakers and you will be able to hear a lot better. The tour itself was a great ride and they were able to get close enough to
The captain and crew were great. All the information provided during the boat ride was very interesting, especially the geological facts. Tip: Sit by one of the audio speakers and you will be able to hear a lot better. The tour itself was a great ride and they were able to get close enough to