Grand Island National Recreation Area

How to Get There

From Munising, MI (1 mi): Follow M-28 west for approximately 2.5 miles to Grand Island Landing Road, then continue to the ferry dock at N8016 Grand Island Landing Rd where passenger ferries provide access to Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Overview

The Grand Island National Recreation Area is a national recreation area in Hiawatha National Forest under jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. Located offshore from Munising, Michigan, the Grand Island National Recreation Area covers approximately 13,500 acres (55 km2) of Lake Superior woodland. Grand Island's glacier-cut lake shoreline measures approximately 35 miles (56 km) in length. The island's maximum dimension is 8 miles (13 km) from north to south.

Geology

Grand Island's geology is an extension of the sandstone strata of the adjacent Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Island sandstone cliffs as tall as 300 feet (91 m) in height plunge down into the lake. A 23-mile (37 km) perimeter trail skirts much of the island's shoreline.

Tourism

Grand Island National Recreation Area is served during summer months by a tourist ferry and island tour bus. The ferry ride, which is less than 1 mile (1.6 km) long, shuttles between a dock on M-28, northwest of Munising, and Grand Island's Williams Landing. During the summer months, the ferry makes several trips to the island each day.

A small portion of Grand Island, the Thumb, remained privately owned as of 2012. The Thumb contains the historic 1868 Grand Island East Channel Light or 'East Channel Light', on the eastern ship channel from Lake Superior into the port of Munising. The lighthouse remained in operation until 1913. The privately owned lighthouse can be viewed from Sand Point on the mainland, within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, or may be viewed from the water.

Things to Do

Explore a Remote Island Wilderness on Lake Superior

Grand Island National Recreation Area is a spectacular outdoor destination located just offshore from Munising, Michigan, in Lake Superior. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the island encompasses approximately 13,500 acres of forests, sandstone cliffs, beaches, wetlands, and scenic shoreline. Accessible primarily by ferry, Grand Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a largely undeveloped Great Lakes island rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

Discover Scenic Cliffs, Beaches, and Shorelines

The island features towering sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches, rocky shorelines, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Visitors can explore scenic overlooks and coastal areas that showcase some of the most beautiful landscapes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Enjoy Biking, Hiking, and Camping

Grand Island is known for its extensive trail network suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Primitive campgrounds located throughout the island provide opportunities for overnight adventures in a peaceful wilderness setting surrounded by forests and lake views.

Kayak Along the Lake Superior Coast

Sea kayaking is a popular activity around Grand Island, allowing visitors to explore dramatic cliffs, sea caves, beaches, and remote sections of shoreline. Guided paddling tours are available for those seeking a closer look at the island's coastal features and wildlife.

Observe Wildlife and Northern Forest Ecosystems

The island supports a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, osprey, beavers, and migratory birds. Dense forests of maple, birch, pine, and hemlock provide excellent opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

Top Trails

Grand Island Loop Road Trail

Length: Approximately 21 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This route follows much of the island's perimeter and is popular with hikers and cyclists. Visitors experience forests, shoreline scenery, historic sites, and numerous scenic overlooks while exploring the island's diverse landscapes.

Echo Lake Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This scenic trail leads to Echo Lake, a peaceful inland lake surrounded by northern forest habitat. The route is popular for wildlife observation and quiet nature walks.

North Rim Trail

Length: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

The trail follows portions of the island's northern shoreline and provides outstanding views of Lake Superior, sandstone cliffs, and nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore across the water.

Trout Bay and Lighthouse Area Trails

Length: Variable distances available
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

These trails provide access to historic areas, beaches, scenic overlooks, and former lighthouse locations while offering excellent opportunities to experience Grand Island's maritime history and natural beauty.

Sources: U.S. Forest Service Grand Island National Recreation Area information, including details on hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, wildlife viewing, scenic overlooks, and island recreation opportunities. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?recid=13270
Additional information verified through Hiawatha National Forest visitor resources covering Grand Island trails, ferry access, shoreline features, camping facilities, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the island.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Grand Island National Recreation Area", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0