Places to visit in Munising, MI.
If you are planning on visiting Munising, Michigan, you have several options to choose from. The city is located in the northern part of the state, just a few miles from the shores of Lake Superior. Although the town is relatively small, there are still some exciting things to do while there.
Located on the south shores of Lake Superior, Munising is a great destination for a weekend getaway. This northern Michigan town is home to many waterfalls, beaches, and hiking trails. It’s also an excellent base for visiting the Hiawatha National Forest.
Munising is located just off the shore of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and has tons of charm and a great selection of local businesses. It was named one of the top small towns in the country for fall travel in 2017.
Why is Munising, Michigan, a great place to visit?
Munising is a city located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Lake Superior and the Hiawatha National Forest. With its beautiful natural landscapes and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, Munising is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top things to do in Munising, Michigan:
- Explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This breathtaking natural area is located along the south shore of Lake Superior and features towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, kayaking, or hiking the many trails in the area.
- Visit the Munising Falls: This 50-foot waterfall is located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is easily accessible from the Munising city center. Visitors can take a leisurely hike along the trails surrounding the falls to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty.
- Go snowmobiling: Munising is a popular destination for snowmobiling, with miles of trails that wind through the Hiawatha National Forest. Visitors can rent snowmobiles or bring their own to explore the many scenic trails in the area.
- Visit the Grand Island National Recreation Area: This scenic island is located off the coast of Munising and can only be accessed by boat. Visitors can explore the island’s many hiking trails, beaches, and scenic overlooks or go fishing and kayaking in the surrounding waters.
- Visit the Alger County Historical Museum: This museum is located in the heart of Munising and features exhibits that explore the area’s local history, culture, and natural beauty.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Munising, Michigan. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Munising is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a scenic and beautiful area of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. There are many activities available for tourists. The site has many waterfalls, clear inland lakes, dunes, and wildlife. It is one of four National Lakeshores in the United States.
One of the best ways to enjoy the wonders of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is to rent a boat or a kayak. If you’re a beginner, there are several guided tours. Many of the tours are very scenic and include stops at popular attractions.
If you prefer to explore by land, there are many trails. Some popular hikes include the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail and the Mosquito Falls Trail. You can also stay in one of the many cabins or campgrounds in the area.
Shipwreck Munising
If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to explore the underwater world of Lake Superior, consider Munising, Michigan, where shipwreck tours can be enjoyed on a glass-bottom boat. In addition to viewing the underwater wonders of the Great Lakes, you can learn about history while hearing the stories behind the ships.
The waters off Munising have been a final destination for many ships seeking a safe harbor. Since the late 1800s, various vessels have sunk in the area’s waters. There are over thirty shipwrecks in the Grand Island area, and some are even accessible from the surface.
One of the most popular dive sites in the region is the 150-foot wooden schooner that sank in Murray’s Bay on Grand Island in 1870. Although the ship carried iron ore from Marquette, it foundered in a storm.
Wagner Falls Scenic Site
If you are looking for a short, easy hike to a spectacular waterfall, look no further than Wagner Falls. This is an accessible waterfall near Munising in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The best part about this waterfall is that it is located in a state park, so you don’t have to pay to visit. You can even bring your dog along on the walk.
Wagner Falls Scenic Site is a 23-acre Michigan State Park in the heart of Alger County. The site includes a short 0.2-mile trail that is easy to navigate, and the waterfall is a pleasant sight.
Miners Beach
Miners Beach is a popular destination within Pictured Rocks National Park. It offers a one-mile stretch of beach, a small platform for viewing the beach, and several waterfalls. A beach is also a perfect place for picnicking.
This popular spot has a trail that leads to the falls. Two trails lead to rock formations. There are several interesting caves and waterfalls to explore at this spot. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to spot Peregrine Falcons.
The Miners Castle rock formation gives the area its name. It was named after Alexander Henry’s employees who were exploring for minerals in the early 1700s.
You can find Eliot’s Falls on the east side of Miners Beach. These falls are not the tallest, but they are easy to access. They have two drops of between 3 and 4 feet. The North Country Scenic Trail runs through the area if you want a longer hike. You can follow this trail for a half-mile loop.
Miners Beach is a great place to relax. With over 73,000 acres of Lake Superior shoreline, it’s perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Lighthouse
The Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Lighthouse is located on M-28 in Munising Township, Michigan. It was once visible from 12 miles out on Lake Superior. Although the light is not operational, it is being developed into an interpretive site.
The structure is made of a riveted steel plate and is taller than other rear range lights. This was built in the early 1900s.
The original rear range light was on a wooden tower atop the keeper’s dwelling. A sixth-order Fresnel lens was installed. However, the light did not weather as well. Eventually, a new automated light was installed 750 feet to the rear of the old light.
By 1914, the old light had rotted and was deemed unusable. As a result, the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act transferred the old tower to the Hiawatha National Forest.