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The Eastern Approach
to the Pictured
Rocks National
Lakeshore. 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 two local newspapers.
Enjoy visiting the local attractions, such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Sable Lake and Dunes, Sable Falls, Grand Marais Historical Museum, Bayshore Park, or enjoy the majestic beauty of the Log Slide known as Devil's Slide. The log slide and Pictured Rocks are must-sees. 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,
Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium
Grand Marais Lodging and Businesses Page Grand Marais Camping in the area Recreation in the Grand Marais Area Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Information Map of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Eastern Gateway at Grand Marais, MI
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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".