Explore Grand Marais, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula

The Eastern Approach to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Lodging and other Businesses
Camping, Hiking Trails, & Recreation
Year Round Recreation

Named by the French voyageurs in the 1600's, Grand Marais means the Great Pond, used as a Harbor of Refuge. Even today, Grand Marais is the only Harbor of Refuge between Marquette and Sault St. Marie.

Situated on the shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais serves as the eastern entrance to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Come, enjoy all the many recreational activities offered by the Pictured Rocks. There are miles of pristine shoreline waiting to be explored as well as some of the largest and most rugged sand dunes in the country.

Grand Marais has a rich history as well. Established in the 1860's by the fishing and lumber industries, Grand Marais became a boom town. In 1910, the lumber industry declined and Grand Marais almost became a ghost town. It was saved by commercial fishing. This Harbor of Refuge has been served by the Coast Guard since 1899. Many shipping disasters have occurred at or near here. The anchor of the wrecked Annie M. Peterson rests near the town Veteran's Memorial.

Grand Marais provides numerous options for lodging, including several resorts, motels, cabins, campgrounds and a century-old hotel. The history lovers will enjoy the museums and interpretive centers while browsers will have fun searching the boutiques, galleries, and gift shops for a special mementos hand-crafted by local artists. There are also many dining alternatives, a local brewery, and local newspapers.

The Grand Marais Commercial Fishermen's Memorial is dedicated to all Commercial Fishermen who worked on the Great Lakes and especially to those lost out of the Harbor of Grand Marais. The memorial has a beautiful bronze mural showing 10 scenes from the life of commercial fishermen, bronze plates listing the fishermen who were lost, and the inscription: "They have seen the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep".

Enjoy visiting the local attractions, such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Sable Lake and Dunes, and Sable Falls. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Log Slide known as Devil's Slide. The log slide and Pictured Rocks are must-sees.

Visit Bayshore Park, the Grand Marais Historical Museum, the Agate Museum, the Pickle Barrel Museum, and the Grand Marais Maritime and Historical Museum in the old Lighthouse Keepers Dwelling on Coast Guard Point. Museums open from June through September or by appointment. Contact the Grand Marais Historical Society at 906-494-2404

The unique Pickle Barrel Museum was built in 1926 as a summer cottage on the shores of Sable Lake for author &illustrator William Donalhey and his wife, Mary. They created the cartoon story, the Teenie Weenies that ran in the Chicago Tribune. The Pickle Barrel was moved to Grand Marais in 1937 and used as a visitor center. The cottage was purchased recently by the Historical Society and has been restored as a cottage of the 1920's.

Grand Marais Lighthouse Keepers Dwelling was built in 1908 by the Life Saving Service. The dwelling is now a museum containing the history of the lighthouse and turn of the century items.

If you are a nature lover who desires to hike, bird watch, backpack, take photos, view fall colors, or camp in a nearly untouched and uncrowded wilderness remember to check out the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

If you are searching for a unique vacation spot where you can enjoy old fashioned hospitality in a quaint, picturesque village,

If you are a sports enthusiast who enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing snowshoeing, camping, hiking, mountain biking or boating,

Grand Marais Lodging and Businesses Page

Grand Marais Camping & Recreation in the area

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