PO Box 40, Munising, MI 49862
Phone: 906-387-3700 or 906-387-2607
Fax: 906-387-4025
Open All Year
Overview. Multicolored sandstone bluffs sculpted by wind and the waters of Lake Superior rise 50 to 200 feet above this lakeshore park. Weathered into spires and towers with castle-like crenellations above and shallow underwater caves below, the cliffs extend for 15 miles along the northern coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, leaving over 25 miles of beaches and sand dunes for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Dense hardwood forests, historic lighthouses, and a host of waterfalls add to the attraction of this remote and beautiful park. Offshore, divers can explore the underwater caves and remarkably well-preserved shipwrecks protected by the Alger Underwater Preserve. Every season brings with it a fresh perspective along the Upper Peninsula lakefront. Spring blankets the park with wildflowers, while the lush verdure of summer rarely gives way to uncomfortable heat. Autumn paints the trees in colors to match the rocks, and an average snowfall of 200 inches covers the park with a quiet mantle of white, perfect for winter sports. What to see and do. Stop by one of the visitor centers and acquaint yourself with the lakeshore's many recreational activities. If your plans include a backcountry hike, this is the place to get your permit. The visitor center in Munising is operated jointly with the Hiawatha National Forest and is open year-round, Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Sunday hours are added between May and October, and the center stays open later in the day. Grand Sable Visitor Center, near Grand Marais, is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM to 5 PM, and park headquarters in Munising is open on weekdays from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, year-round. The Grand Marais Maritime Museum is open as staffing permits. Swim or boat along the shore of Lake Superior, or at one of the many lakes and streams farther inland. Fishing and hunting are permitted with the proper state license. Hikers can choose from short self-guided nature trails to the 42-mile-long stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail that passes along the shore. Primitive campsites are located at two to five mile intervals along this trail; you'll need a backcountry permit to camp there. Shorter trails lead to beautiful waterfalls and secluded forest glades. The Pictured Rocks that give the lakeshore its name may be reached on foot or over a paved road to a lakefront overlook. One of the best ways to see them, though, is from the lake itself. Private companies offer sightseeing boat tours from Munising daily between June and October. Private companies also offer boat rides out to the Alger Underwater Preserve for scuba divers who want to explore the fascinating world beneath the surface of Lake Superior. The caves along the Pictured Rocks are shallow and easy dives, and several shipwrecks, such as the schooner Bermuda (1870) and the steamer Smith Moore (1889), provide divers with a glimpse of the lake's unpredictable power. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on over more than 20 miles of groomed trails, snowshoe hiking, ice fishing, and winter camping. There are three campgrounds in the park, operated on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups, but water and vault toilets are provided. There are no food or lodging concessions in the park; the local communities of Munising and Grand Marais provide these amenities.
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Beach |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Geological Sites |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Motor Boating |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Snowmobiling |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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