Day Trips
Day Trip #1 – Marquette
(Approximately 45 miles from Munising)
Marquette is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula and offers a treasure trove of unique clothing and gift shops, boutiques, galleries and museums. The rich culinary history of the region can be experienced at many fine restaurants. Stop into the many great shops, galleries, breweries and restaurants and see for yourself what makes Downtown Marquette so unique. A trip to the ore docks to watch huge freighters being loaded is not to be missed.
Presque Isle Park is a 323-acre forested oval shaped headland/peninsula which juts into Lake Superior in the northern tip of Marquette. Presque Isle is known throughout the United States for its natural beauty. The “Island”, as it is referred by locals, is Marquette’s most beloved attraction, offering residents year-round outdoor recreation, serene settings for nature observation and education, and cultural experiences. Situated at the end of Lakeshore Boulevard, the showcase park is easily accessible by either bike path of automobile.
Lakenland is a privately-owned sculpture park. Here you will enjoy 80+ large iron sculptures on a free self-guided tour through the woods described by visitor’s as unbelievable, magical, fantastic and absolutely amazing. Open 24/7/365. The park is located 15 miles east of Marquette on M-28. It is also accessible by snowmobile on trail #417.
Day Trip #2 – Kitch-iti-kipi (“The Big Springs”)
(Approximately 50 miles from Munising)
Kitch-iti-kipi (“Kitch-i-tee-KI-pee” with shore ‘i’s) is Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring. The name means big cold water, which is why Kitch-iti-kipi is sometimes referred to as “The Big Spring”. Its original name was the “Mirror of Heaven” given to it by the early Indians.
To see the springs, there is a raft available for self-guided tours. The raft is available year-round. Kitch-iti-kipi is northwest of Manistique about six miles (9.7km) west on US Highway 2 and 12 miles (19km) north on M-149. It is also accessible by snowmobile via trail 7 to trail 413
Day Trip #3 – Tahquamenon Falls, Oswald’s Bear Ranch & Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
(Approximately 100 miles from Munising)
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, the Upper Falls has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. Four miles downstream is the Lower Falls, a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. Winter offers opportunity for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and showshoeing with miles of marked trails. The two falls encompass close to 40,000 acres stretching over 13 miles.
A must see while visiting the Munising area is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located on Whitefish Point. It is home to information and artifacts from too many shipwrecks to name, including the famous Edmund Fitzgerald, which wrecked 17 miles off of Whitefish Point.
When finished there swing over to Oswald’s Bear Ranch and check out the bears! This complex is the largest (bear only) Bear Ranch in the entire United States of America. Since opening to the public in 1997, Oswald’s Bear Ranch has grown tremendously over the years with 29 bears in four habitats. The yearling hears have a wonderful waterfall within their habitat. Oswald’s Bear Ranch is one of the top ten family friendly attractions offering affordable family fun.
For more information on Tahquamenon Falls, visit www.michigandnr.com and search “Tahquamenon Falls State Park”.
For more information on the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, visit their website.
18335 N. Whitefish Point Rd., Paradise, MI 49768. 800-635-1742
For more information on Oswald’s Bear Ranch, visit their website.
13814 County Rd 407 (H-37), Newberry, MI. 906-293-3147
Day Trip #4 – H-58 and Grand Marais
(Approximately 50 miles from Munising)
The Eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an approximate 50 mile drive along the lakeshore on H-58. Meandering through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, H-58 is hugely popular with tourists looking to see a variety of sites along the lakeshore, with various options for hiking, waterfalls, and inland lakes and beaches this is a must see while visiting Munising.
Grand Marais is a quaint little harbor town situated right on the shore of Lake Superior. With sand dunes and waterfalls abundant throughout the area it’s no wonder why this area is so popular with the local and tourists alike.
For more information on Grand Marias, visit their website.
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.
