Your guide to water activities in Munising
Big Water
Amazing Water Activities in Munising & Pictured Rocks
Lake Superior is the heart and soul of Munising. As the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, its powerful waves have shaped the spectacular sandstone cliffs and sea caves of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for centuries.
Today, those same pristine, turquoise waters offer some of the most unique recreation in the Midwest. From peaceful morning kayak trips and family-friendly beach days to thrilling charter fishing trips and shipwreck tours, there is a water adventure here for every speed. Explore our top water activities below and start planning your escape to Lake Superior.
Kayaking is the ultimate way to get an up-close, intimate look at the towering sandstone cliffs, sea caves, and colorful rock formations of Pictured Rocks and Grand Island. Lake Superior’s conditions can change rapidly, so kayaking with an experienced local guide is highly recommended for a safe and unforgettable trip. For a more relaxed, family-friendly paddle, you can also rent a canoe or kayak to float down the peaceful Au Train River through the Hiawatha National Forest.
Cast a line into the deep waters of Lake Superior and experience world-class sport fishing. Munising is a premier destination for catching trophy-sized lake trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and local-favorite whitefish. Whether you are aiming for legendary offshore spots like the Big Reef and Stannard Rock, or looking for a family-friendly afternoon on a chartered boat, our experienced local captains will help you reel in a memorable catch.
If you want to experience the surreal beauty of the Pictured Rocks shoreline without the physical workout, Munising’s iconic boat tours are the perfect choice! Relax aboard a classic narrated cruise with Pictured Rocks Cruises, feel the wind in your hair on the high-speed Riptide Ride jet boat, take a pontoon tour around Grand Island, or explore the history of Lake Superior with a glass-bottom boat tour.Â
Munising’s shoreline boasts some of the finest freshwater beaches in the Midwest. Soak up the sun at Sand Point Beach, voted one of the “Top Five Summer Beaches in America” by The Weather Channel, or walk the sandy miles of Miners Beach and Twelvemile Beach. For warmer water that’s perfect for kids, head to Au Train Beach, where the gentle Au Train River flows directly into Lake Superior.
Munising is a true paradise for waterfall lovers, with over 15 spectacular falls located within just a few miles of town. Many of our most beautiful falls, like Wagner Falls and Munising Falls, are just a short, easy walk from parking areas. Others, like the breathtaking Spray Falls, plunge directly over a 70-foot sandstone cliff into the turquoise waters of Lake Superior and are best viewed from a boat or kayak.
Step back in time and explore the historic lighthouses that have guided sailors through Lake Superior’s legendary storms since the 1800s. Hike the scenic trail to the towering Au Sable Light Station inside Pictured Rocks, take a boat tour to photograph the iconic, weathered wood of the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse, or stop by the easily accessible Munising Front and Rear Range Lights right in town.
The Alger Underwater Preserve, Michigan’s very first designated underwater preserve, is a bucket-list destination for scuba divers. Thanks to Lake Superior’s cold, pristine water, visibility is outstanding, often reaching up to 30 feet even at a depth of 100 feet. Divers of all skill levels can explore incredibly preserved, turn-of-the-century shipwrecks, including The Bermuda (a 150-foot wooden schooner sitting upright in just 30 feet of water) and the fully intact steel tug Steven M. Selvick.
PLAN AHEAD
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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.Â
Munising offers countless lodging options to choose from, including boutique hotels, small family-owned motels, and secluded cottages and cabins.Â
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.