Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Munising, MI

  • Published 2023/04/03

Munising is a beautiful city in Alger County, Michigan, surrounded by Munising Township.

Enjoying moderate weather, the city is quite a good place for adventurous people as it offers visitors many outdoor activities.

The place is worth exploring, with its beautiful falls, shores, and incredible eateries.

The city also has some famous beaches and rock formations, which are known throughout the entire world.

These are the best things to do in Munising, Michigan.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Scenic view of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a famous tourist attraction in Munising.

The place’s name comes from its apparent colorful beauty, which results from mineral stains on naturally sculpted rocks.

Red, orange, blue, green, brown, black, white, and others appear on the surface of the rocks when groundwater enters the cracks and reaches the rock face.

The National Park Service manages this place.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on Lake Superior and spans 42 miles.

Chapel rock at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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Almost 12 miles of this place cover beautiful beaches, five miles of dunes, waterfalls, and several lighthouses.

The attraction boasts many trails leading to undiscovered lakes and forests.

This place is open throughout the year and offers various seasonal activities during each season.

Some famous adventurous activities in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are hiking, boarding, camping, skiing, ice climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and more.

Ice curtains at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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Witness the Stunning Miners Castle Rock

Daytime view of the Miners Castle Rock

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Miners Castle Rock is another attraction on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

It is one of the area’s most famous and recognizable rock formations.

These rocks were formed due to gradual water erosion and other environmental conditions.

View from the top of Miners Castle Rock

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The place has been built naturally over the years, but sometimes changes are rapid and occur overnight.

Many exhibitions and shows are also arranged in the Miners Castle area.

These events revolve around interpreting the various shapes and formations of the rocks.

Miners Castle Rock is a unique natural wonder you must see in Munising.

Sea cave under Miners Castle Rock

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Make Your Way to the Breathtaking Miners Falls

The rushing waters of Miners Falls

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Miners Falls is also in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area.

It is the second most accessible waterfall in the city.

The waterfall is 40 feet high and looks divine.

It can be reached easily after driving 3.5 miles towards Miners Castle.

Nature trail leading to Miners Falls

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It has stairs at the end to reach the viewing point.

The viewpoint has a spacious platform where you can feel the droplets of water falling on your body as you enjoy the beautiful view of the waterfall.

Exploring Miners Falls brings pure bliss.

The base of Miners Falls

Yinan Chen, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Vibrant Munising Falls

The magical-looking Munising Falls

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Munising Falls is one of the city’s most beautiful and famous waterfalls.

The waterfall is 50 feet high and is very easy to access.

It gets its water from Munising Creek.

Located only a short walk from the main road, the waterfall area has amenities like parking spaces and restrooms.

Hiking trail leading to Munising Falls

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This fall is very lively and will cheer its visitors up instantly.

The best time to visit Munising Falls is in the summer, as the fall freezes during winter.

The water takes unique formations, and the ice formations look extremely beautiful.

You can also spot some ice-climbing enthusiasts around Munising Falls during winter.

The base of Munising Falls

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Enjoy Awesome Views from Grand Sable Banks

Daytime view of Grand sable banks

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Grand Sable Banks is another of Munising’s captivating natural wonders, located almost 300 feet above Lake Superior.

This particular place is believed to have existed during the last ice age.

The place drifted slightly lower from its highest point almost 500 years ago.

Although you cannot do any activities in this area, it is a beautiful sight.

Gorgeous sunset over Grand Sable Banks

Yinan Chen, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The entire area looks like a painting where massive sands cover the boundary of a beautiful blue lake.

It is also a great place to enjoy views of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area.

The combination of the breeze from Lake Superior and the scenes of Grand Sable Dunes makes for a calm and meaningful experience in the city.

Ride the Grand Island Ferry Service

The Grand Island Ferry Service provides transportation to some of Munising’s best-enjoyed hiking and biking places.

This service helps tourists explore attractions like the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The Grand Island Ferry Service also offers a great way to observe the city’s wild natural area and forests.

Availing of their services is the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature’s wildness and beauty.

You are also believed to spot a few black bears if you are lucky enough.

You can spot other wild animals, but strict rules prohibit feeding or irritating them.

The place has also made some stringent rules about littering and hygiene, which makes it a comfortable and safe space for all visitors.

Grab a Meal at Tracey’s at Roam Inn

Tracey’s at Roam Inn is one of Munising’s top recommended eating places.

The restaurant’s staff is dedicated to providing diners with a unique and rich dining experience.

It boasts an excellent menu and offers some of the area’s best vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

The place also offers catering services and takes contracts for special events.

Enjoy a hearty meal at Tracey’s at Roam Inn!

Spend Family Time at the Dogpatch Restaurant

The Dogpatch Restaurant is famous in Munising’s downtown area.

It is known for its soups, salads, sandwiches, seafood, and steaks.

The country breakfast served daily is trendy among diners.

This restaurant is also an excellent place for spending some quality family time.

Its decoration is fun and colorful and themed around cartoons.

The Dogpatch Restaurant is vibrant and is sure to make you feel alive.

The menu of the restaurant is also extensive.

However, the most famous attraction of this restaurant is that it serves many fish dishes, which you should try.

Get Your Coffee Fix at Gallery Coffee Company

Gallery Coffee Company is a famous roastery in a vast building that has existed since the 18th century.

The place has a very vintage and historic vibe to it.

Gallery Coffee Company is known for its unique blends and different combinations.

The place serves both hot and cold brews.

You can also choose the beans to be used to make your coffee.

Some famous drinks are drip coffee, cold brew coffee, and Japanese-style iced coffee.

You can also buy coffee beans from the Gallery Coffee Company.

The coffee shop also organizes various events and live music performances regularly.

Don’t forget to grab your favorite cup of coffee and enjoy great music.

Grab a Beer at East Channel Brewery

Munising is home to a total of two breweries.

The older one, East Channel Brewery, is considered the most famous brewery in the city.

Established in 2016, the brewery is known for its famous craft beers.

The brewery only offers six to ten homemade brews.

Along with that, East Channel Brewery also sells some fantastic merchandise and conducts various events.

The bar’s menu continues to change and expand as they explore new options.

The brewery has installed taps from where you can collect your beer.

Head to the Munising Range Lighthouse

Exterior of the Munising Range Lighthouse

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In 1905, the Munising Range Lighthouse replaced the Grand Island East Channel Light and has done its job admirably all these years.

The purpose of a lighthouse is to guide boats through the waters during low visibility conditions and ensure that they make a safe journey back to the port.

The lamp of Munising Range Lighthouse

Lonnie Paulson / Shutterstock.com

While it may not look striking, this lighthouse has a long and exciting history.

Listen to the numerous stories of sailors this building has guided on a safe journey to the harbor.

Night view of the Munising Range Lighthouse

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Shop for Souvenirs and Sweets at Muldoons Pasties & Gifts

Gift shops are a great stopover destination on any trip, and Muldoons Pasties & Gifts is just about one of the best in Munising.

The shop offers various items that can commemorate your vacation, such as t-shirts, rock picture frames, local handmade jewelry, coffee mugs, and so much more.

There’s also an adjacent pastry shop that every visitor must try.

Their pastries are famous in the area, so look through their menu and see what catches your eye at Muldoons Pasties & Gifts.

Book a Stay at the Buckhorn Resort

The Buckhorn Resort is another excellent place to stay in Munising.

The establishment was built by Louie Cannon in 1933 and first operated as a trading post and general store.

After a long history and several changes in ownership, it eventually turned into a modern resort.

Its remote location makes it perfect for people who want to escape from a chaotic and fast-paced life and stay somewhere peaceful.

The Buckhorn Resort also serves lunch and dinner; guests will love their mouth-watering cuisine.

Experience Local Culture at the Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore

Visiting the Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore is like experiencing magic right in the middle of Munising.

The cafe is in the city’s downtown area and prides itself on being a great place to sit down, relax, and experience some culture.

Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore isn’t just your regular old cafe.

Check out local artist exhibits, live music, and other events that give the space a unique and exciting feel.

They also sell a custom roasted coffee unique to this establishment, allowing customers to connect with their cafe and drink great coffee.

Take a Self-Guided Tour at the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center

Exterior of Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center

rossograph, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center is in a historic building.

Visiting the center will allow you to take a self-guided tour to learn more about local history and culture.

You’ll see the area’s geology and learn how the settlements formed.

Some exhibits will tell you about the business and industry side of the culture.

Once you’re done, you can stop by the gift shop to get a souvenir to commemorate your trip.

Learn more about the city at the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center.

Visit the Bay Furnace Ruins

The grounds of Bay Furnace Ruins

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Explore the Bay Furnace Ruins in Munising and enjoy its desolate and weathered aesthetic.

The ruins date back to the late 1800s; they belonged to an iron-making settlement in 1877.

Bay Furnace Ruins is the only thing left from the settlement, creating a vintage but creepy aesthetic perfect for adventurous visitors.

Learn more about 19th-century iron-making from the reading materials found onsite.

The ruins stand along Lake Superior, on Bay Furnace Road in Hiawatha National Forest.

Stay at the Munising Tourist Park Campground

Are you still undecided about where to stay in Munising?

Why not experience Lake Superior at the Munising Tourist Park Campground?

While it might not offer the classic rustic campground experience, families who want to relax will appreciate its beautiful scenery.

Its unobstructed view of the lake also presents beautiful sunsets.

Meanwhile, the kids can play on the sandy shore with shade from the trees.

The Munising Tourist Park Campground is along Highway 28.

Explore the Shipwreck Bermuda with Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours

Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours will let you explore the Shipwreck Bermuda, one of the most exhilarating activities in Munising.

Go on their boat to the shipwreck site and see it yourself.

The wrecked “Bermuda” sank in Lake Superior in 1870, where it remains intact.

Moreover, you can explore the shipwreck in various ways.

Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours offers scuba diving, riding a boat, or snorkeling in the clear waters of Lake Superior.

Try Ice Climbing at the Curtains

The Curtains is a hidden treasure on the outskirts of Munising.

It’s a series of ice cages called “Ice Climbing Walls.”

You don’t want to miss the Curtains, whether you like spelunking or the frozen aesthetic.

This spot is also a haven for winter activities, filled with thick icy walls and snowy slopes.

Ice climbing is one of the most exciting things you can do there.

Bring proper boots and gear when visiting the Curtains because it might get challenging.

The Curtains is along Sand Point Road, near the shores of Lake Superior.

Catch Fish at Anna River Fishing Pier

One of the most scenic spots in Munising is the Anna River Fishing Pier.

Its well-maintained boardwalk extends to Lake Superior.

Many pro and hobby photographers visit the pier to get the best landscape shots of the lake and its surroundings.

You can also explore the shallow areas of Lake Superior, excellent spots to catch fish.

Many avid anglers visit the Anna River Fishing Pier to fish and experience its beautiful scenery.

The Anna River Fishing Pier is along East Munising Avenue.

Watch the Sunset at Sand Point Beach

Scenic view of Sand point Beach

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Sand Point Beach is a famous tourist spot in Munising.

The place is also a great attraction among the locals.

It is just a suitable place where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Wild grass at Sand Point Beach

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The beautiful beach is at the end of Sand Point Road.

The well-maintained beach has been named one of the top summer beaches in America.

What makes this beach more beautiful is its natural setup and uniquely grown tree roots, also known as mangroves.

The sand at the beach is a bit pinkish and is perfect for taking pictures.

Gorgeous sunset over Sand Point Beach

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Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Amazing Chapel Rock

Scenic view of the Chapel rock

Zackry Stetler / Shutterstock.com

Chapel Rock is believed to be a remnant of Cambrian-age sandstone.

It is also said that this particular rock was uniquely shaped by erosion from Lake Nipissing almost 3,800 years ago.

The arc of the rock was once connected to a mainland that collapsed in the 1940s.

While visiting Chapel Rock, you will also spot a single white pine, believed to be over 200 years old.

Close view of the Chapel Rock

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The best way to get a closer view of Chapel Rock is to avail of a boat tour on Lake Nipissing.

You can also hike to the place but note that the journey spans six to ten miles.

Remember that the authorities strictly prohibit climbing Chapel Rock and the pine tree.

Make Your Way to Au Train Falls

Cascades of Au Train Falls

Craig Sterken / Shutterstock.com

Au Train Falls is one of the best small waterfalls near Munising.

It is located in Au Train Township, just 15 miles southwest of the city.

The waterfall gets its water from the Au Train River.

Close view of the Au Train Falls

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The falls are a bit different from regular falls as the water flows from varying levels of rocks in the form of stairs.

Take several photos of this unique site.

The surrounding vegetation and wood make it even prettier.

While Au Train Falls is used for hydroelectricity generation, you can still take terrific pictures of it and enjoy its trails.

Admire the Flora and Fauna at the Hiawatha National Forest

Autumn trees reflecting on Hiawatha National Forest waters

John McCormick / Shutterstock.com

The Hiawatha National Forest is a unique forest on the shoreline of three great lakes.

It is famous for offering a lot of recreational activities to visitors.

The Hiawatha National Forest is also known as the Great Lakes National Forest and is famous for its diversity and uniqueness.

This place is famous as the home of wildlife, plants, and vegetation.

A small waterfall at Hiawatha National Forest

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It is also ideal for observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Rangers appropriately manage the place.

It also employs strict rules about animals because the authorities believe the animals might become dangerous if they are embarrassed or poked.

Along with the natural trails, the forest also has well-managed artificial trails, which are the best way to enjoy some time in the lap of nature.

The Hiawatha National Forest is in Manistique, Michigan, 15 minutes from Munising.

The east channel lighthouse at Hiawatha National Forest

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Final Thoughts

Munising is an excellent destination for people who want to escape busy urban life and take a breather.

You’ll be treated to an endless expanse of beautiful views and sink into a gentle and peaceful environment.

Discover the best things to do in Munising, Michigan!

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