Munising, Michigan
Named for their striking resemblance to works of art, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a great place to visit on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Pictured Rocks stretch for 43 miles along Lake Superior from Munising to Grand Marais, Michigan, and form a formidable cliff on the south side of the lake.
The best way to see the rocks is from the water. Pictured Rocks Cruises offers multiple trips per day to see the rocks and excursions through the peak season of May to October. When traveling, you want to be on the starboard side outbound and the port side on your return to get maximum viewing. The boat also has outdoor areas, but even in the summer on Lake Superior, it can be a little chilly. Long sleeves or dressing in layers is strongly advised for a trip on the open water.
The rocks are quite the spectacle and never look the same way twice. They were originally formed over the course of multiple geological ages The weathering of the rock has occurred from thousands of years of rain and waves from the lake. These rock faces provide an everchanging backdrop as you explore the natural art gallery.
Today, besides the changing rock faces, you can find tunnels, arches, and waterfalls along the shoreline. Pictured Rocks was the very first National Lakeshore in the United States and is well worth the visit when in the Upper Peninsula.
When you take the trip, be sure that you book ahead of time, arrive early as the cruise will depart on time, and brings some snacks as you will be on the water for a while. The cruise can provide for a memorable backdrop for a snack or a light lunch. Overall, the cruise is a memorable half-day excursion in the Upper Peninsula and pairs nicely with other near-by destinations and is recommended for all ages.