A visit to Grand Island means a visit to a place rich in scenic beauty, natural history and heritage.  Standing atop one of the island’s shoreline cliffs, or digging your toes into a sandy beach, there is no question why Grand Island was as attractive to early American Indians and European explorers as it is to us today.  Its rugged landscape provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation or quiet contemplation – Join us for a tour!

Grand Island Today

Today, Grand Island is a Congressionally –designated National Recreation Area (NRA).  By definition, NRAs are special places whose natural and heritage features make them attractive settings for recreation pursuits.  Grand Island clearly fits the description:  massive wave cut sandstone cliffs; 13,500 acres of lush forests; beaches of fine sand; winter ice caves; and historic buildings and artifacts dating back as far as 2,000 BC – to name just a few of its highlights!

The Tour

Come experience a tour of some of the island’s scenic vistas and historic sites.  Each stop on the 2 ½ to 3 hour tour is designed to familiarize you with another aspect of Grand Island’s long and interesting history.  Stops include historic Williams Landing, Farrell Cottage and Stone Quarry Cabin, Murray Bay & Cemetery, Duck Lake, scenic Trout Bay Beach and Trout Bay Overlook, as well as west shore sites at Mather Beach, Hemlock Landing, and the old Farm Field.

Preparing to Visit

As you prepare to embark on the tour, there are a couple things you should note.  At this time, the tour stop locations are not fully accessible.  Sites are not hardened and terrain may be uneven.  We continue to work toward improved accessibility.

Accessible public toilets are located at Grand Island Landing, Williams Landing, Trout Bay and Murray Bay.  The remaining designated campsites have wilderness latrines.  In other areas of the island, dig a small 6-inch deep hole, at least 100 feet from the nearest water source, and cover after use.  Please bury or pack out your toilet paper.

The mosquitoes and black flied can be very bad from mid-May to mid-July.  Be sure to bring plenty of insect repellent and even a head net during those months.

Avoid climbing on or standing along the sandstone cliffs.  The stone is very fragile and may not support your weight.  Grand Island is closed to rock climbing, rappelling and portable generators.

For More Information

For information about tours or for reservations, contact ALTRAN at PO Box 69, 530 East Munising Avenue, Munising, MI  49862, or call 906-387-4845.

For more information about day and overnight use on the Island, to request a group site reservation packet, or to purchase an island map, please contact us Munising Ranger District