places TO EXPLORE in Munising
GRAND ISLAND
EXPLORE
unforgettable places
Just a half mile into the pristine waters of Lake Superior, Grand Island was designated a National Recreation Area in 1990.
The 13,500-acre island addition to the Hiawatha National Forest showcases a rich natural and cultural history and offers a unique educational and recreational opportunity for all.
How to Get to the Island
Visitors can get to Grand Island via passenger ferry through Grand Island Ferry Service (see below) or private watercraft. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28 about 21⁄2 miles west of the Munising’s roundabout. Look for the Grand Island National Recreation Area sign.
To help you to appreciate the lakeshore to its fullest, while in town stop by one of the Visitor Information Centers in Munising or Grand Marias, visit NPS.gov/piro or call the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitors Center at 906-387-3700.
Getting Around
the Island
Ride the Bus
The Grand Island Interpretive Bus is operated by the ferry service and offers a 2 1⁄2 – 3 hour narrated bus tour on the island and runs from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. The narrated excursion includes scenic overlooks, beautiful beaches, historical buildings, and nature walks in a peaceful setting. The bus trip features nine stops so you can truly experience Grand Island’s beauty. Along the route, tourists have been known to see black bear, white-tailed deer or sandhill cranes.
Hike/Bike It
The island provides a combination of rugged dirt/ sand trails and easier gravel roads that will accommodate any level of biker or hiker. More advanced, energetic cyclists can mountain bike the 20-mile main island perimeter route in four to six hours, with time for brief stops and some exploration.
Grand Island Ferry Service:
Reservations recommended.
N8016 Grand Island Landing Road, Munising,
(906) 387-2600 / grandislandup.com
Private Pontoon
Boat Rentals
Be the captain of your own island journey and rent a pontoon. Full and half-day rentals available.
Seaberg Pontoon Rentals
1330 Commercial Street, Munising,
Phone: (906) 387-2685
Website: seabergpontoonrentals.com
Superior Pontoon Rentals
1208 Commercial Street, Munising
Phone: (906) 387-3100
Website: superiorpontoonrentals.com
Miners Castle
Miners Beach
he Miners Castle formation is located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore approximately 6.5 miles east of Munising, MI on Alger County Road H58. Then continue traveling 5 miles north on Miners Castle Road to the parking area. The visitors platform is just a short walk and provides ample opportunity for photography and viewing. Miners Castle is probably the most recognizable of all formations within the Pictured Rocks National Park and Lakeshore.
There are plenty of interpretive exhibits at the Miners Castle area. In 2006, Miners Castle lost one of turrets caused by erosion. Miners Beach Miners Beach is located approximately 6 1/2 miles east of Munising, MI. It is situated within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is found on Alger County Road H58, then head 6 miles north on Miners Castle Road. This beautiful beach is perfect for swimmers, picnics and beach enthusiasts. Kid Rock also filmed his Music Video, “Born Free” here on the shores of Miners Beach. With over 73,000 acres of Lake Superior shoreline, this spot along the shore is a great place to relax and enjoy a very beautiful beach.
things to do at
Grand Island national RecreatioN Area
The 13,500-acre island addition to the Hiawatha National Forest showcases a rich natural and cultural history and offers a unique educational and recreational opportunity for all.
CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
Grand Island Boat Tours
At Grand Island Boat Tours we give private, custom pontoon tours of majestic Grand Island.
Bay De Noc Grand Island National Recreational Trail
The Bay de Noc/Grand Island Trail parallels the Whitefish River, starting from 1/2 to 2
Guided Kayak Tours
Sea Kayaking has gained popularity in the Munising Area over the past several years. Whether
Sable Falls
Grand Island North Lighthouse
PLAN AHEAD
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.
Munising offers an array of options for dining out, from fast-casual establishments to upscale restaurants.
Munising offers countless lodging options to choose from, including boutique hotels, small family-owned motels, and secluded cottages and cabins.
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.
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.
