Your Best Summer Experience in Michigan Isn’t By Car, It’s on a Boat

The Great Lakes State has no shortage of incredible natural wonders, from Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mackinac Island to the Porkies. You're also sure to find Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore close to the top of any list of Michigan's wonders, and with good reason. This national park unit protects more than 73,000 acres of gorgeous Upper Peninsula wilderness, streams, waterfalls, and rock formations.

More importantly, it also comprises 42 miles of dramatic Lake Superior shoreline. Although you could certainly drive along some of this stretch, you just can't get a feel for the real splendor of this strand of lakeshore—the reason the park was created—from the seat of car. Rather, it's best experienced from the water. That's why I think your best summer experience in Michigan is cruising on a boat along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

To catch your vessel, you'll need to get to charming Munising on the Upper Peninsula. It's the western gateway town for the park and the epicenter for water-based tours. All Pictured Rocks cruises leave from the Munising city dock and typically take 2 to 2.5 hours for the round trip.

Tours run from mid-May to mid-October, but summer is the best time to be out on the lake. The frigid water (year-round average temperatures are in the low 40s) tends to be calmer in the summer, and the warmer summer air helps to make up for some of the ambient chill on the water. That said, fall cruises do offer some stellar views of the park in its autumn splendor.

From the water, you'll be able to see and experience some of Pictured Rocks' most dramatic scenery in a way that just can't be appreciated from above. Sea arches, sea caves, and sights like Spray Falls hit much different when viewed from your seat on a boat.

Another option for exploring Pictured Rocks by boat is to take a kayak tour along the dramatic shoreline. Of course, you won't cover as much ground as you would on a cruise, and you'll be providing the power for your vessel. On the other hand, you'll be much more up-close-and-personal with Lake Superior and its incredible handiwork. You'll also have a little more freedom in terms of exploration. The Park Service maintains a list of outfitters with permits to guide tours in Pictured Rocks on the park's web page. Check them out for more information about the tours offered, cost, requirements, and to book a spot.

As beautiful as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is when you visit it from land, I think it's a place that must also be seen from the water before you can fully appreciate how stunning this Michigan jewel really is. This is why your best summer experience in Michigan is a boat tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. For more information about the tours or to purchase tickets, visit the Pictured Rocks web page to contact the authorized cruise operator.

If you're making the trip to Pictured Rocks, you'll probably need a place to stay, as this park is relatively remote and a bit more than a day trip for anyone who doesn't live on the Upper Peninsula. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of lodging options in Munising.

What are some other great ways to get out of the car and experience summer in Michigan? Be sure to nominate your suggestions.