Munising, Christmas
and AuTrain, Michigan

Attractions and
Recreation

Located in the Magnificent Upper Peninsula
At the Western Entrance to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County

 

Air Tours of the Pictured Rocks Video. Now available, a video tour of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island. Sorry, our regular summer tour schedule has been discontinued at this time. There will be air tours available by special appearance sometimes during the summer and for Fall Color Season. Stop by the field or call if you are in the area and would like a tour. Commercial Pilot Mark Geitka, Box 544, Munising, MI 49862. Leaves from Hanley Field.

Alger Underwater Preserve. Divers will find shipwrecks in excellent condition in the Alger Underwater Preserve.

  • Dive the shipwrecks with Shipwreck Dive Tours, Captain Peter Lindquist, 1204 Commercial St., Munising, MI 49862. (906)387-4477 Lake Superior Shipwreck Diving for Beginning, Intermediate and Expert divers. Dive shop, air service and rental scuba equipment.

ATV trails are located in the Hiawatha National Forest. The Coalwood Trail and the Haywire Trail are designated ORV Trails on abandoned railroad beds and offer good rides through the forest. There are also other trails on a portion of the signed road system. Horizontal numbers mean the road is closed to ORVing while vertical signs mean the trail can be used unless it is gated or marked closed. No off-trail or cross-country riding is permitted in the Hiawatha National Forest. ORV's may be ridden on the shoulder of some Alger County Roads. Check with the Visitor Center at the blinking light in Munising for information. Please follow the guidelines so everyone can enjoy the forest.

AuSable Lighthouse in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Lighthouse is being restored and is open to the public. 1.5 mile trail along the lakeshore to the lighthouse begins at the Hurricane River Campground. Follow the signs.

AuTrain River Canoe Trips. Canoe and kayak rentals with livery service at Northwoods Resort, N7070 Forest Lake Road, 2 miles south of M-28 on H-03. Phone: 906-892-8114 or just stop by and we will get a trip all set up for you. Trips take from 3-5 hours on the gentle AuTrain River that meanders through the Hiawatha National Forest. Boat & motor rentals and pontoon boat rentals for Au Train Lake. Go fishing or just enjoy a wonderful day on the water.

Boat Rentals for the Central Upper Peninsula. Uncle Ducky offers 20' pontoon boats, 14' fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks to use on inland lakes, area rivers & streams, and Lake Superior. You pick up the boat and trailer or we deliver to area lakes including AuTrain Lake. Canoe & Kayak trips include the the AuTrain River. Boats are set up for fishing, but perfect for boating and enjoying the lakes. 1/2 day up to 1 week rentals. Outdoor gear and fishing tackle available. We also offer Charter Fishing on Lake Superior and Sea Kayaking adventures by Grand Island and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Phone toll free: 877-228-5447.

Biking on the trails and back roads of the Hiawatha National Forest. Bruno's Run for hiking and biking, 11 miles south of Munising. Grand Island Trails on Grand Island. Bike rentals at the Ferry Dock. Valley Spur Mountain Bike Trail, 6 miles southwest of Munising on M-94.

Birding: Enjoy the many birds who reside in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, on Grand Island, and in the Hiawatha National Forest. Hike the Songbird Trail located at the AuTrain Campground where you can learn the birds by their song. Headphones and cassette available from the Campground host or at the Hiawatha National Forest Visitors Center.

Buck Sporting Lodge and Triple Creek Kennels, E5372 Highway M-94, Munising, MI 49862. Phone: 906-493-5242. Dogsledding trips in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. Experience guided deer and bear hunts. Centrally located just south of AuTrain, MI and near Munising Michigan

Camping:

  • Rustic Camping in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or in the Hiawatha National Forest.

Canoeing: Have some fun paddling on AuTrain Lake or down the AuTrain River. The AuTrain River offers a 4-6 hour canoe trip from the boat launch at the AuTrain Lake Campground, across AuTrain Lake, and north about 10 miles to Lake Superior. A quiet relaxing paddle and a variety of wildlife.

  • Canoe Rental and Livery, at Riverside Canoe Rentals, N7503 Arbutus St, Au Train, MI, 49806, Phone (906) 892-8247. Only 10 miles west of Munising, the only outfitter on the Autrain River. Rent canoes for river trips on the AuTrain River, you can be picked up at the north bridge. Call for canoe reservations.
  • Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Northwoods Resort in AuTrain. Phone: 906-892-8114. Canoe and kayak the AuTrain River and AuTrain Lake. 2 miles off M-28 on H03. N7979 AuTrain Forest Lake Road, AuTrain, MI. Scenic trips from 1 hour to 5 hours. See Wildlife. Enjoy the birds. Boat and motor rentals. Pontoon Boat Rentals. 3 to 4 and 5 hour trips.
  • Canoe the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Canoe Rentals at Big Cedar Campground in Germfask

Charter Fishing Trips on Lake Superior:

  • Kimar's Charter Fishing on Lake Superior. E3216 Highway M-28 at Shelter Bay, AuTrain, MI 49806. Phone: 906-892-8277 or toll free: 1-800-419-2242. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Kimar's Charters offers trolling, casting, and jigging trips on Lake Superior to the Shelter Bay Flats, the Big Reef, and Stannard Rock. Kimar's Resort features 2, 3, and 4 bedroom housekeeping cottages and a 3-bedroom mobile home. 300' sandy beach, picnic tables, grills, and fire pit for your campfires. Lots of room for your trailers. Boat ramp.
  • Charter fishing trips and Sightseeing Tours on Lake Superior at Shelter Bay Charters E3394 Old M-28 Highway, AuTrain. MI 49806. Located only 25 miles east of Marquette or 19 miles west of Munising, Shelter Bay Charters offers fishing at Stannard Rock, Big Reef Fishing, Shelter Bay Flats, and local fishing trips. Day, half-day, or hourly trips. Sunset cruise. Phone: 906-892-8230
  • World Record IGFA 20 lb 10 oz Lake Trout, Junior Angler, Girls "Small Fry" Category caught by Haylee while fishing with her father, Captain Perry of Northbound Adventures. Click here for Haylee's Fishing Story.

Christmas Motor-Sports Park, Christmas, MI. Located 3/4 mile south of M-28. Turn on Candy Cane Lane by the Kewadin Casino.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing.

  • Trails in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, just east of Munising on H-58.
  • Valley Spur, 5 miles southwest of Munising on M-94, offers 38 miles of trails. Day lodge, parking area, trail head map, and display. Toilet, and drinking water.
  • Bay Furnace Lighted Trail at Christmas. Stop at the Visitor Center at the blinking light for information.

Cruises:

  • Cruise the Pictured Rocks, P.O. Box 355, Munising, Michigan 49862, Phone 906/387-2379. Take a 2 1/2-3 hour cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Special Sunset Cruise. Discover the wonders of the Pictured Rocks from your cruise boat on Lake Superior. Cruises from Memorial Day to Oct. 10. Cruises leave from Munising City Pier.
  • Shipwreck Tour on Munising Bay where you can see Lake Superior Shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve from a Glass-Bottomed Boat. Scuba dive the shipwrecks. Captain Peter Lindquist, 1204 Commercial St., Munising, MI 49862. (906)387-4477Cruise

Diving:

  • Alger Underwater Preserve.
  • Scuba Dive the shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve with Shipwreck Dive Tours, Captain Peter Lindquist, 1204 Commercial St., Munising, MI 49862. (906)387-4477 Lake Superior Shipwreck Diving for Beginning, intermediate and expert divers. Dive shop, air service and rental scuba equipment.

Dogsledding:

  • Dog Sledding at Triple Creek Kennels, E5372 Highway M-94, Munising, MI 49862. Phone: 906-493-5242. Two hour, 1 day, 2 day, and 2 to 5 day guided sled dog trips. Lodging available. Ride in the Hiawatha National Forest.
  • Dog Sledding at Wilderness Trail Outfitters, 15480 Forest Highway 13, Wetmore, MI 49895 Phone 906-280-6612. Drive your own dogsled through the wilderness of the Hiawatha National Forest. Guided trips from 2 hours to 7 days. Tours start December 1st and run to April 30. Learn how to handle the sled and the dogs. Lodging and meals included.

The Face in the Rock is a carving in the sandstone rock along the shores of Lake Superior near AuTrain, Munising, and Grand Island and can be viewed from the Roadside Park on M-28 in AuTrain. The carving was created by a French Voyager in 1820 and is a tribute to "Powers of the Air", a Chippewa Indian who was the only survivor of the tragic battle with the Sioux Tribe in Minnesota.

Food, Entertainment, & Shopping
Falling Rock Café & Bookstore in downtown Munising. Café serves breakfast sandwiches, bagels, homemade soups, sandwiches, quiche, pasties, and delicious fresh roasted coffee. Hand dipped ice cream cones, sundaes, and ice cream sodas. Bookstore features new books, several about the Upper Peninsula, thousands of used books, and items created by local artists. Wireless internet service. Stop by Saturday nights for music and enjoy other events that take place during the week. A wonderful spot to have a bite as you browse this interesting shop in one of the oldest buildings in Munising. Phone: 906-387-3008. Located on M-28 at 104 East Munising Ave., Munising, MI 49862

Fishing: Kimar's Charter Fishing on Lake Superior. E3216 Highway M-28 at Shelter Bay, AuTrain, MI 49806. Phone: 906-892-8277 or toll free: 1-800-419-2242. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Kimar's Charters offers trolling, casting, and jigging trips on Lake Superior to the Shelter Bay Flats, the Big Reef, and Stannard Rock. Kimar's Resort features 2, 3, and 4 bedroom housekeeping cottages and a 3-bedroom mobile home. 300' sandy beach, picnic tables, grills, and fire pit for your campfires. Lots of room for your trailers. Boat ramp.

  • IGFA World Record 20 lb 10 oz Lake Trout, Junior Angler, Girls "Small Fry" Category caught by Haylee while fishing with her father, Captain Perry of Northbound Adventures. Click here for Haylee's Fishing Story.

Grand Island Recreation Area is located one half mile off of Munising MI in Lake Superior. Ferry service. Bus tour. A perfect spot for wilderness camping, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling. National Recreation Area. Bicycle rental at the ferry dock, just west of Munising.

Grand Island Snowmobile Rentals, Inc., 1204 Commercial Street, P.O. Box 751, Munising MI 49862. (906) 387-2772 or 1-877-LUV-SNOW. Our Ski Doo snowmobiles include 440 MXZs, Formula Z 500s and SLE Touring 500 2-Ups. We specialize in Guide & Tour Service, especially tours of the Grand Island Ice Caves, the Kingston Plains, and off trail riding.

Guided Sea Kayak Trips and Canoe & Kayak Trips on Inland Lakes & Streams in the Central Upper Peninsula at Uncle Ducky Paddling Adventures. Phone Toll Free: 1-877-228-5447. Guided Lake Superior Sea Kayaking trips include the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Hiawatha Water Trail from Big Bay to Munising, the Huron Islands, Presque Isle & Partridge Island, and the shoreline around Marquette, Munising and Grand Island. We also offer guided kayak and canoe trips on inland rivers and lakes for fishing or just paddling and enjoying the beauty of the Northwoods. Try a wilderness adventure at Craig Lake State Park, the Sylvania Wilderness, or the Big Island Wilderness. We offer half day, day trips, or multiple day trips.

Historical Society Museum Heritage Center, Washington Street, Munising. Phone: 906-387-4308. Located in the old Washington School near the Munising Memorial Hospital and Munising Falls. Air conditioned and handicapped accessile on a scenic lakefront setting with picnic area available to visitors. Free Admission. Open Monday through Friday year round.

Hiawatha National Forest surrounding Munising offers hundreds of acres of public land for fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, picnicking, ORV'ing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Stop at the Visitor Center at the blinking light in Munising for maps and information.

Hiking: Day Hikes and Back Country Hikes. One of the best ways to enjoy the Pictured Rocks Natiional Lakeshore. If you only have a few minutes or a few hours, there is an enjoyable hike for you. Pick up your map at the Visitor Center at the blinking light in Munising.

Hunting: Buck Sporting Lodge and Triple Creek Kennels, E5372 Highway M-94, Munising, MI 49862. Phone: 906-493-5242. Experience guided deer and bear hunts and dog sledding in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. Centrally located just south of AuTrain, MI and near Munising Michigan

Kayak the Pictured Rocks. Uncle Ducky Paddling Adventures offers guided sea kayaking tours of the Pictured Rocks, Grand Island, and Munising Bay.

Lighthouses: These area lighthouses are not open to the public but can be photographed.

  • The Munising Range Lights can be viewed on M-28 a few blocks west of the blinking light. The Front Range Light and Keepers Dwelling is on the north side of the road and the rear range is located straight south of the lighthouse nestled in the woods.
  • The Grand Island West Channel Light (sometimes called "The End of the Road") is located on M-28, 3 miles west of Munising in Christmas.
  • The Old East Lighthouse can be viewed from the boat cruises.
  • The AuSable Lighthouse in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a museum and is open to the public. Take the trail from the Hurricane River Campground for 1.5 mile to the Lighthouse

Munising Coast Guard Station near the end of Sand Point Road in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has the 36' motor lifeboat, "Grand Marais" on display in the old boathouse.

Outdoor Tours for Women at Dream America Tours for Women Enjoy outdoor recreational trips with your guide, Kelli, as she takes you on interesting adventures in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or facilitates excursions in other parts of the United States. Phone: 906-474-9920 or 906-280-0869 to arrange hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, fishing trips, skiing, snowshoeing, and much more. Go yourself and enjoy the north woods or bring a friend or a group up to 4. Trips customized to fit your interests and physical ability. Plan for a backpacking adventure in the Pictured Rocks, National Lakeshore, bike on Grand Island, photograph wildflowers, birds, and natures wonders, take a waterfall tour, canoe the Seney Wildlife Refuge, or take a gentle paddle down the Whitefish or Indian Rivers. Relax and forget your cares while you enjoy the beauty of the woods and waters on one of our guided tours for women.

Pictured Rocks Cruises, P.O. Box 355, Munising, Michigan 49862. Phone 906/387-2379. Take a 2 1/2-3 hour cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Sunset Cruise. Discover the wonders of the Pictured Rocks from your cruise boat on Lake Superior. Cruises run from Memorial Day to Oct. 10. Cruises leave from Munising City Pier.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Mineral-stained sandstone cliffs rise from Lake Superior. The 70,000 acre park follows the south shore of Lake Superior for 42 miles. Enjoy hiking, walking, rustic and back country camping, fishing, hunting, cross-sountry skiing, and snowshoeing. Stop at the Visitor Center at the junction of H-58 and M-28 (at the blinking light) for maps, brochures, waterfall maps, hiking trail conditions, current weather forcasts, back country permits, mountain bike routes, and camping information. Bookstore

Scuba Dive the Shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve. 1204 Commercial Street, Munising, MI 49862. Phone (906) 387-4477, Fax: (906) 387-5455. Dive the Bermuda, a 150 foot wooden schooner sunk in 1870, The Smith Moore, a wooden steam barge sunk in 1889, the Steven Selvick, a 70' tug intentionally sunk in 1996 and others. Captain Peter Lindquist.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge, 34 miles west of Munising and 5 miles south of Seney. Phone: (906/586-951). Over 95,000 Acres of Marsh, Field and Forest. A wonderful place to observe wildlife. Miles of hiking and biking trails and a 7 mile Marshland Wildlife Drive. The Visitor Center offers a Children's Touch Table, interactive exhibits, multi-projector orientation slide show, and bookstore. Nature programs and events offered during the summer. Canoe, kayak and bike rentals in Germfask for a tour of the refuge. Cross-country ski trails.

Shipwreck Tours: See Lake Superior Shipwrecks from a Glass Bottom Boat and view the Old Grand Island East Lighthouse as you cruise on Munising Bay. Scuba dive the many shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve. Captain Peter Lindquist, 1204 Commercial St., Munising, MI 49862. (906)387-4477

Skylane Pictured Rocks Air Tours, Air tour video of Pictured Rocks, Grand Island, Shipwrecks and Lighthouses. Pilot Mark Geitka, Box 544, Munising, MI 49862.

Songbird Trail: AuTrain Song Bird Trail, a new way to identify the birds. Lodated in the AuTrain Lake Campground, this trail winds through the forest and includes an observation platform on Buck Bay in AuTrain Lake. Morning is a good time to hear the birds singing, but you can walk the trail all day. Kits available to rent that include a field guide, tape and tape player, and binoculars. The campground host has kits or they are available at the AuTain Grocery.Take Forest Lake Road south for 4.5 miles and follow the signs to the AuTrain Lake Campground. Trailhead near campsite #11

Snowmobile Rentals:

  • Christmas Family Sports, E7805 West M-28, Christmas, Michigan 49862. Phone: 906-387-3409. Rentals of 2008 Ski-Doo MXZ 500 SS. Clothing and helmet rentals at reasonable prices. Under new management.
  • Grand Island Snowmobile Rentals, Inc., 1204 Commercial Street, P.O. Box 751, Munising MI 49862. (906) 387-2772 or 1-877-LUV-SNOW. Ski Doo snowmobile rentals.

Snowmobile & ATV Sales, Service, and Rentals
Christmas Family Sports, E7805 West M-28, Christmas, Michigan 49862. Phone: 906-387-3409. Sales, Service, Parts, Accessories, Clothing, and Ski-Doo Snowmobile Rentals. Yamaha, Ski-Doo, & Can-Am Snowmobiles and ATV's. New and used machines. Service for all makes and models of ATV's, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and outboards. Large parts department. New line of clothing, accessories, and helmets. Trailers. Stop by and visit with the new owners.

Snowmobiling in Alger County

Swimming:

Sand Point Beach on Lake Superior. Named one of the "Five Top Summer Beaches in America" by the Weather Channel. Enjoy this undeveloped sand beach and the cool clean waters of Lake Superior. Launch your kayak, stroll along the uncrowded beach, sit in the sand, or wade in the shallow water. Ideal for the kids to play in the sand or splash in the water. Restrooms.
Sand Point Beach
A wonderful spot for watching the sunsets over Grand Island. Take H-58 east to Sand Point Road (also called Washington Street) Turn north and go almost to the end of the road.
 
 
Pete's Lake Day Use Area and Campground, 12 miles south of Munising on Forest Highway-13 in the Hiawatha National Forest. Watch for signs. Swimming beach and picnic area with tables and grills. Convenience store nearby.
 
Au Train Sandy beach on Lake Superior, 10 miles west of Munising in AuTrain. Restrooms.

Au Train Lake Park & Campground
 
Swimming beach on AuTrain Lake at the AuTrain Lake Campground, 4.5 miles south of M-28 on Forest Lake Road. Watch for signs to the Campground. Picnic area with grills and tables. Swimming beach. Boat Launch. Songbird Hiking Trail by campsite #11. Restrooms

Visitor Center for the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest. 400 East Munising Avenue, Munising, MI 49862. Phone: 906-387-3700

Waterfalls: You will find several beautiful waterfalls in the Munising area. Some can be seen from the car, some a short walk, and others involve a 30 minute or more hike. Maps can be picked up at the Visitor Center at the blinking light in Munising.

Wilderness Trail Outfitters, 15480 Forest Highway 13, Wetmore, MI 49895. Phone 906-280-6612. Dogsledding. Drive your own dogsled through the wilderness of the Hiawatha National Forest. Guided trips from 2 hours to 7 days. Tours start December 1st and run to April 30th. Learn how to handle the sled and the dogs. Lodging and meals included. Overnight stay at a wilderness lodge.

WINERY TOUR: Threefold Vine Winery on the Garden Peninsula and the Green Family Farm, 5856 Nn Road, Garden, MI 49835 Phone: 906-644-7089. Wine made from grapes grown in the Upper Peninsula? Yes, right at the Threefold Vine Winery just south of the town of Garden and near Fayette State Park on the Garden Peninsula. Our Tasting Room at the Winery opened in the spring of 2007 and offers grape (from our vineyard) apple, honey, and various fruit wines. The Green family invites you to visit our winery, see how the wine is produced, and sample our exciting new wines. The Green Family Farm offers pumpkins, squash, and apples for sale in the fall. 10 miles south of Garden Corners.

Exploring Au Train, Michigan
AuTrain MI is only 10 miles west of Munising on Highway M-28. Information on lodging, canoe rentals, antique shops, and other businesses. Cabins, cottages, and campgrounds on or by AuTrain Lake and cabins on the AuTrain River. Vacation homes on Lake Superior. Canoe rentals and livery for a paddle down the AuTrain River.

Exploring Christmas, Michigan
Christmas is only 3 miles west of Munising on Highway M-28. Information on lodging, shopping, and other businesses.

 

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Photo of the Munising Front Range Light by Vivian Wood

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