Recreation and Attractions in Grand Marais, Michigan

 

SPRING in the Upper Peninsula brings the beginning of a beautiful season with the rebirth of vegetation and all of its green splendor. A variety of spring wild flowers dot the landscape in soft hues of pink, purple, blue and white. Explore the sandy beaches, look for agates, hike the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, fish for trout, hike, bike and enjoy yourself. This is a season unappreciated by many tourists, so you will be able to see the magnificence of an Upper Peninsula spring without interference. Cook out a memorable meal on a charcoal grill and watch the northern lights put on a show.

In SUMMER, day hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing, and beach combing for rocks and agates occupy many visitors. Rockhunting is a very popular sport. Rock shops in town will help you find agates. There are many day hikes from Grand Marais into the 42 miles of Pictured Rocks shoreline. Fishing, sea kayaking, boating and swimming are other popular activities. Sightseeing in the Pictured Rocks is always an important activity. (Map) Visit AuSable Lighthouse and view Sable Falls, just 1.5 miles west of Grand Marais. The Grand Marais Maritime and Historical Museum is in the old Lighthouse Keepers Dwelling on Coast Guard Point.

FALL and spring offer stream fishing for salmon and trout. Displays of beautiful multicolored foliage, coupled with the opportunity to hunt large and small game, mark the fall season. Autumn is also one of the best times to hike the forest trails, explore the beaches, hunt agates, or mountain bike through the woods.

 

During the WINTER, snowmobiling in Grand Marais is a wonderful thing. The entire town is geared up for you. There are many seasonal roads that are open to snowmobilers. Follow the trail on H-58 along the edge of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area, through beautiful country to Munising and Grand Island (if ice conditions permit), or go west on the H-58 trail to Pine Stump, Newberry and then to Tahquamenon Falls. Snowmobilers can traverse 50 miles of designated routes within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From Grand Marais, there is unlimited off trail riding, lake riding, attractions galore, and an outstanding trail system for those who really like to travel.

Winter offers cross-country skiing on groomed and tracked trails as well as "outback" bushwhacking.

Besides the local ski trails, there is a great ski adventure waiting for you. Selected by Skiing Magazine, Jan. 1998, as one of their 25 top adventures:

North Country Trail (MICHIGAN) Cross-country ski along Lake Superior's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore atop multihued cliffs and 350-foot sand dunes. Ideal conditions and a quick pace could get you across the trail's 43 miles in three days, but a dearth of other skiers may have you breaking trail much of the way.

It's best to plan on four or five days' camping and meals. Best Time To Go: Feb. and March. You'll Need: advanced cross-country skiing skills; winter camping experience. Inside Tip: Bring snowshoes for deep snow and a pulk (cargo sled) to haul gear. INFO: on permits and skiing the Pictured Rocks at 906-387-3700 (Ranger Station).

Snowshoeing and ice fishing are also popular activities.

Each season offers opportunities to explore the rich maritime and logging history of the area.

The town of Grand Marais, MI offers quaint gift shops, restaurants, museums, and the wonderful sandy beach for relaxing and enjoying the awesome view of the harbor and Lake Superior.

Grand Marais Lodging and Businesses
Grand Marais Recreational Resources
Exploring Grand Marais Michigan
Upper Peninsula Food and Lodging
Upper Peninsula Towns and Cities
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