MUNISING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A 4,000-square-foot expansion is currently in progress for the betterment of Pictured Rocks Cruises.
“It’s a major remodel and addition,” said John Madigan, Pictured Rocks Cruises manager.
For over 50 years, the company has offered touring experiences to view and learn about the sandstone cliffs, serving tens of thousands of guests. This expansion will provide for many more years of business.
“We’ve been kind of kicking the idea around for a while,” said Zach Boucher, operations manager for Pictured Rocks Cruises. “The building has aged to a point where we needed to keep up with expansion to meet demand as well as more modern facilities.”
Some new amenities will include all new bathrooms, a renovated gift shop and ticket booth, as well as new air conditioning systems. The facility aims to be more accessible and welcoming for its guests.
“We’re going to upgrade the loading area to a concrete base instead of gravel, put in benches and a cover for the sun, and a nice walkway down to the ramp, it’ll all be handicap accessible,” said Madigan.
The project started last fall and has made it through the past few months of the harsh winter, still projecting to begin the season on time and planning to finish the expansion by this summer.
“We just have to kind of suck it up and get it done, and I have nothing but great respect and gratitude for the contractors making it happen,” said Boucher.
“We might have to continue work on it while we’re open, but we will be open for our first trip May 10,” said Madigan.
This years touring season for the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will go from May 10 through October 19.
For this seasons schedule and more, visit picturedrocks.com.
