MUNISING, MI – Residents of the Upper Peninsula will have the opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Saturday, June 15 on the Pictured Rocks Cruise boats again this year for free! Also, on the same day, the Alger County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first “Pictured Rocks Day” at Bayshore Park in Munising. That event will start with a breakfast at 8:00 a.m., and music beginning at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m. Performing will be singer Jan Arnold, Monica Giles Band, Flat Broke Blues Band and the Drive Band. From 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. there will be over 35 vendors in the park, a beer tent and a variety of food options. Along with this there will be interpretive and nature demonstrations.
This will be Pictured Rocks Cruises, Inc. second “Yoopers-Ride-Free Day.” Cruises manager John Madigan of Munising said last year was so successful with almost 1,000 participants that he wanted to offer the free rides again. “Even though we are surrounded by the beauty of the Upper Peninsula, we don’t always have time to really see our own environmental treasures up close. We wanted to provide this opportunity again for U.P. residents and allow them to experience the breathtaking, unforgettable views of the Pictured Rocks shoreline. We also wanted to team up with the Chamber and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in providing more activities for people to enjoy throughout the day.” Tim Good, Acting Superintendent of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stated, “This is a once-in-a-year opportunity for the residents of the Upper Peninsula to enjoy Pictured Rocks Cruises for free, and this opportunity also demonstrates the outstanding community spirit of Pictured Rocks Cruises.”
Weather-permitting, cruises will depart every hour on the hour from the Munising City Pier on Saturday, June 15 starting at 10:00 a.m. and running until 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday, June 15. In order to obtain your free ticket, you must present in person a photo ID with an Upper Peninsula address at the Pictured Rocks Cruise ticket office that day. A child must be accompanied by a parent in the ticket office to receive a ticket. For more information about the free ride visit their website at www.picturedrocks.com or call 800-650-2379. If you want more information concerning “Pictured Rocks Day” events or want to be a vendor, call the Alger County Chamber of Commerce at (906) 387-2138 or visit www.algercounty.org for a schedule of events.
