pictured rocks cruises llc

Get Up Close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Munising Michigan has many great area tours to experience. Boat tours,  underwater diving tours, and bus tours are waiting to take you on a course that brings you up close to some of the greatest Pictured Rocks sights.  These attractions are some of the most extraordinary in the State of Michigan.

There are many excellent reasons to choose a tour.  A Munising tour is relaxing, educational, historical, and filled with fascinating facts.  It is a great choice for all ages and for family orientated fun. This adventure is perfect for the photographer with fantastic views in every direction. Experienced guides take you along these magnificent trips within a safe and fun environment!

Guided Kayak Tours

Pictured rocks cruises, riptide ride, shipwreck tour, glass bottom boat tour & lake superior wreck dives.

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Scenic water cruises by day, concerts at night: Munising adds ‘missing element’

What people are saying about pictured rocks cruises, summer 2021 vacation: get outside and stay safe in munising.

start planning your trip

No matter what time of year you plan to travel to Munising, it’s best to plan to ensure your vacation goes as smoothly as possible. But don’t worry, we have all the resources you need.

Check out the Local Food Scene

Munising offers an array of options for dining out, from fast-casual establishments to upscale restaurants. 

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Munising offers countless lodging options to choose from, including boutique hotels, small family-owned motels, and secluded cottages and cabins. 

Seasons in Munising

Whether you want to snowmobile, view some of the most beautiful fall foliage in America, or relax on a magical beach, Munising’s four seasons have something for everyone.

Maps & Guides

While its rural location is part of the charm, cell service can be an issue for some arriving in the Upper Peninsula. Fortunately, we have a range of maps and guides to help you along the way.

Munising Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 421 Munising MI, 49862 906-387-1717

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Pictured rocks cruises.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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Last updated: November 25, 2022

Pictured Rocks Cruises take off for summer season

MUNISING, Mich. (WLUC) - A popular summer activity returned to Munising for the season on Saturday.

Pictured Rocks Cruises staff said there were over almost 200 people on the first boat cruise of the summer. They also said this year’s opening day had more people than last year. The company’s Ticket Sales gift shop manager Micaela Lindstrom said even though the weather is colder than they hoped, people will still have a great trip.

“We go out to Munising Bay and then we are going down to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. So that’s the full cliff portion of the rocks that everyone sees that are iconic and they stop at the east channel lighthouse on the Island,” Lindstrom said.

Staff said the large crowd of people they saw on Saturday is a sign the company is going to have another great summer. Cruises run all summer long and will end in October with the fall foliage cruises.

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Pictured Rocks Cruises

Pictured Rocks Cruises, LLC is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service Department of the Interior and has been guiding the public to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for over 50 years. Each boat cruise takes between two and a half to three hours and will bring guests in to and alongside the most visually stunning 40 miles of shoreline on the Great Lakes!

We offer three distinct cruise opportunities to all of our visitors. They are the regular cruise, the Spray Falls cruise and the sunset cruise.

The regular cruise runs from mid-morning throughout the afternoon. The Spray Falls voyage take place in the late afternoon and includes an extended route that offers views of the beautiful Spray Falls. The sunset cruise is the last tour of the day and gives guests a special view of the rock formations as the glow from the setting sun creates a picturesque scene on Lake Superior.

During each tour we depart from the Munising City Dock where our experienced captains and crew will let you know a breif history about the boat you are traveling on and some local area facts. The crew will assist in ticketing, safety instructions and any other needs that may arise. Each cruise will be fully narrated by our crew over the public address system and can be heard from any location on the boat.

100 City Park Drive, Munising, MI 49862

(906) 387-2379

Toll Free: (800) 650-2379

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10 tips for visiting pictured rocks, 1. plan your route.

Chasing waterfalls? Looking to explore historical sites? Backpacking through the park? However you choose to explore your park, start here! If you are driving through the park, download self-guided tours on the NPS App. Research Things to Do and Places to Go on the NPS website.

If you’re planning on backpacking through the park, learn about shuttle services .

2. Find the Right Tour for You

The best way to see the Pictured Rocks cliffs is from the water with an experienced guide! Check out authorized commercial tours in the park, including boat cruises and kayak tours .

There are also guided photography workshops and guided backpacking within the park. If you’re visiting in winter, check out opportunities for guided ice climbing .

3. Be Prepared for Bugs

Stable flies, deer flies, mosquitos, and other biting insects abound at Pictured Rocks in the summer! Many of these insects are not deterred by bug sprays. To not let biting insects ruin your trip, we suggest packing long pants, socks that cover your ankles, and even an over-the-head bug net. And as always, remember to do a tick check after being outdoors! Learn more about biting insects at Pictured Rocks.

4. Know Where Your Pet Can Go

Leashed pets are welcome in several areas of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including Sand Point Beach; Miners Castle, Miners Falls, and Miners Beach; the Au Sable Light Station grounds; and Munising Falls. Some areas – such as the Chapel/Mosquito loop - are closed to pets due to terrain and sensitive habitats. Learn more about pets at Pictured Rocks.

When visiting the park with your pet, be sure to keep them on a leash (6 feet maximum), dispose of their waste properly, and keep them a safe distance from wildlife.

5. Know Your Limits on the Water

Paddling on Lake Superior is extremely different from paddling on small, inland lakes and rivers. Lake Superior behaves far more like a sea than an inland lake or pond, and only experienced sea kayakers should attempt to paddle on the open lake . Waves and wind can be very powerful on the lake - you cannot get out of Lake Superior along the cliffs if bad weather strikes.

Recreational kayaks (less than 14’) and canoes are not equipped to go out on Lake Superior. Sea kayaks (typically 14.5’-18’ long, with a small cockpit) are the only kayaks equipped for paddling on Lake Superior and should only be operated by experienced sea kayakers.

While paddling, you must have a personal floatation device (PFD) and a sound-producing device , such as a whistle or air horn. It is also recommended to wear a wet or dry suit; have a spray skirt, paddle float, bilge pump, paddle leash, and marine radio. You should also be able to perform a self-rescue on a sea kayak, as emergency response can be delayed due to bad weather and remote locations. Always check the marine forecast before heading onto the lake. Being ill-equipped and unprepared can truly make the difference between life and death on the lake.

If you’re looking to paddle in the park with your recreational kayak, consider paddling one of the park’s smaller inland lakes, such as Little Beaver, Beaver, and Grand Sable Lake. Though these lakes are smaller, it is still important to have a PFD, a sound-producing device, and check the weather before heading out.

Go with a Guide - A guided sea kayak tour may be a great option for you if you are looking for a kayaking experience along the Pictured Rocks cliffs!

Learn more about paddling at Pictured Rocks.

6. Make Your Reservations

All camping in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is reservation-only. Reserve your spot in any of the 3 drive-in campgrounds or in the backcountry on recreation.gov ! If you are planning on camping in an RV in a drive-in campground, check size restrictions before booking. The Little Beaver Campground does not allow pets due to its proximity to the Beaver Basin Wilderness .

7. Pack Your Patience

The park’s most popular trails, such as the Chapel-Mosquito loop, can get very crowded during the summer months. Plan to arrive early, consider carpooling with friends, or try a different trail! There are no bad trails in the park – try hiking a different section of the North Country Trail or one of the park’s interior trails .

8. Stop by a Visitor Center

Grab your pass, a map, and information at the park’s two visitor centers – located on either side of the park. Rangers are available to help you 9am-5pm daily at the Munising Falls Visitor Center and Grand Sable Visitor Center beginning June 1.

9. Don’t Rely on your Cell Phone!

Cell service in many parts of the park can be spotty, don’t rely on it! Download maps and check weather conditions ahead of time – better yet, pick up a paper map from the visitor center! Tell others where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Don’t rely on your phone’s flashlight if you get caught in a sticky situation! This will quickly drain your phone’s battery. Bring a flashlight with you in your emergency kit!

10. Leave No Trace

We all want to keep Pictured Rocks beautiful and safe for generations to come! Refresh yourself on Leave No Trace principles before coming to the park.

To help keep Pictured Rocks’ wildlife wild, store all food (and anything else with a scent!) properly, in park-provided bear boxes or in a hard-sided vehicle. Never feed wildlife, as this will train them to come to humans for food.

Dispose of your waste properly. There are many park-provided trash receptacles throughout the park, please dispose of all your trash in these receptacles! Yes, this includes apple cores, banana peels, and orange peels – though these items will eventually decompose, they are not natural parts of the environment, and they are unsightly for other visitors! Nobody wants to see your food scraps.

In terms of human waste, please deposit this in park-provided toilet facilities. Portable, tent-style personal toilets are NOT permitted in the park, as they are a safety concern for our custodial staff. If park toilets are unavailable, do your “business” at least 70 steps away from trails, campsites, and water sources. If you are depositing solid waste, do so in a hole that is at least 6 inches deep. Bury when done. If you have brought toilet paper, pack it out with you.

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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Last updated: May 10, 2024

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Planning a Pictured Rocks trip? Here are 10 tips for summer visitors

• Updated: May. 16, 2024, 9:25 p.m. |
• Published: May. 15, 2024, 1:59 p.m.

The shoreline at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Photo by D. Sharp, National Park Service

• Emily Bingham | [email protected]

MUNISING, MICH. -- It’s no secret that Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the crown jewels of Michigan’s great outdoors. But what might not be quite as well known is exactly how to plan for a Pictured Rocks vacation.

The national park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula sprawls out over 70,000 acres of pristine woods and waters, with 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, 100 miles of trails, waterfalls, a wilderness area, a historic lighthouse, and so much more. With so much to see and do — and all in such a remote area, often with little to no cell service — it can be tough to know where to begin.

To help you start planning your summer trip, the National Park Service recently shared 10 tips for visiting Pictured Rocks . From kayak safety to dealing with biting bugs, knowing these points ahead of time can help you have an easier, more enjoyable vacation.

1. Plan your route ahead of time. Gather the details for an amazing trip with the following resources: Drivers can download self-guided tours on the NPS App ; research Things to Do and Places to Go on the park’s website; and learn about shuttle services for backpackers.

2.Take a tour. According to the park, the best way to experience Pictured Rocks’ namesake cliffs is from the water with an experienced guide. Authorized tours at Pictured Rocks include boat cruises and kayak tours . You can find other tours, including photography, backpacking and ice climbing, online here.

3. Be prepared for bugs. At Pictured Rocks, biting insects can be plentiful, aggressive and even resistant to bug spray. Park officials recommend packing long pants, socks that cover your ankles, and an over-the-head bug net, and to always do a tick check after being outdoors. Learn more about insects at Pictured Rocks here.

RELATED: Pictured Rocks: How to avoid bites during stable fly season

4. Know where your pet can go. Pets on leashes no longer than six feet are welcome in several areas of the park, but are not allowed in other places, including at Little Beaver Creek Campground and along the popular Chapel/Mosquito loop hiking trail. Learn more pet rules and find out which areas are open or closed to pets at Pictured Rocks website here.

5. Know your limits on Lake Superior. Officials warn that paddling on Lake Superior can be dangerous and even deadly, and should only be attempted by experienced sea kayakers familiar with safety procedures and self-rescue . Canoes and recreational kayaks (less than 14’) are not built for Lake Superior; instead, they are suited for exploring one of the park’s smaller, safer inland lakes. If you really want to get out on the big water, a guided sea kayak tour is your best option. More about paddling and water safety at Pictured Rocks is online here

6. Make reservations. All camping within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including backcountry and drive-in campgrounds, is now reservation-only. Make reservations at recreation.gov ; check RV size restrictions and pet policies here.

7. “Pack your patience.” As the park’s visitation numbers have soared in recent years, the most popular trails, such as the Chapel-Mosquito loop, can get very crowded, with parking lots filling up fast. Plan to arrive early, or try new trails — you can find some suggestions here.

8. Stop by a visitor center. Head to the visitor centers that bookend the park for park passes and useful resources for your trip. Operating 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, the newly renovated Munising Falls Visitor Center in Munising is already open and the Grand Sable Visitor Center in Grand Marais opens June 1.

9.Plan ahead so you don’t have to rely on your cell phone. Cell service can be unreliable in many parts of the park, so pack paper maps, check weather forecasts ahead of time, and bring a flashlight in your emergency kit so your phone flashlight doesn’t drain its battery.

10. Leave no trace. Brush up on Leave No Trace principles before your visit — these include not feeding wildlife, properly disposing of waste in trash receptacles (including food scraps like apple cores and banana peels), and not altering the park environment, such as stacking beach rocks. For the safety of staff and visitors, there are rules concerning human waste, too; read more here.

Learn more at nps.gov/piro/index.htm.

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Fantastic views and old Russian... - Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery

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• Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery located on the Storozhi Mountain at the confluence of the Storozhka... read more

First time me and my wife visited this place was some thirty years ago. What a sad view... It... read more

Fantastic views and old Russian architecture, and the church with St.Savva.

This is a very old monastery established by St.Savva in 15th centure, and it was also a fortress and a seasonal residence of Russian tzar and his wife. You will see fantastic views of meadows, hills and forests of the central Russia.

It's one of the places that are part of the "Golden Ring" , it's the closest to Moscow . If you are interested in Russian culture/ history , it's the must! There are many small nice restaurants around, as well as hotels. Magnificent place , very powerful and truly Russian . Unspoiled beauty!

Thrilled to see that the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery already has a such a wealth of positive reviews; I totally concur and will consequently attempt to keep my own comments relatively brief. A peaceful place offering some lovely views out across the surrounding countryside. Especially recommended for long-term Moscow dwellers needing a break from the teeming metropolis. Though other reviewers have already mentioned this, I would be remiss if I omitted to say that as this is a working Russian Orthodox place of worship, some sort of head-scarf is recommended for women. As a man, I feel a somewhat awkward saying that, but it's definitely worth knowing. My only regret about my own visit is that we didn't buy more pastries from the on-site bakery, the ones we did have were truly delicious. I would say take large bags with you and stock up, but I am not sure how the full-time residents of the monastery would feel about me advocating baked-goods-based gluttony!

It's an ancient Church opened not so long ago after closing by Soviets. Must visit to feel Russian people and Russian soul. Do not forget that it's a male monastery so consider to wear long dresses with sleeves.

Quiet, with a wonderful architecture. But, ladies, do not forget that it is not for tourists, so cover heads and legs !

Well restored with well-maintained grounds (lots of flowers in July) with a separate spring easily reachable by drive or walk from the main compound. The buildings are colorful and the churches beautiful. A simple cafe near the spring offers a chance to rest and eat excellent baked goods. Worth the visit.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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