Things to Do in Munising, Michigan

Munising Things to Do

If you’re looking for the outdoor experience on your vacation, Munising offers a beautiful natural environment with many things to do.

See Waterfalls

There are numerous waterfalls to see in the region. Munising Falls is very popular and well-worth the stop. Located in a pretty setting, they plunge 50 feet at the end of a narrow canyon. The short, 800-foot trail to the falls is wheelchair accessible.

Getting to Wagner Falls is a very easy and pleasant walk through the woods (about a half-mile). Set among towering virgin pines and hemlock, Wagner Falls is a very picturesque 20-foot cascade. This small 23-acre site is undeveloped except for a small parking area and a trail/boardwalk to the falls. Also, it doesn’t seem to get too crowded.

Horseshoe Falls is a nice side trip; it’s located in a residential area off Highway 2 heading towards downtown Munising. There is also along a wishing well, totem pole, sundial and giant trees. Just another small enjoyable thing to see while touring the upper peninsula of Michigan.

To see the 60-foot tall Chapel Falls, there is a 1.4-mile hike (each way). If you want to continue another 1.8 miles you’ll get to Chapel Rock and beach. This trailhead is located about 15 miles east of Munising and then another five miles north.

If you visit any of the falls during the winter, bring snowshoes. Chances are you’ll need them, especially if you go off the trails.

More of Nature’s Handiwork

There are a number of natural formations in the Munising area. If you’re interested in nature’s handiwork look for the natural bridge, the Pictured Rocks and Miners Castle (there is another waterfall near here too). There are several different hikes located in the vicinity; the trails are scenic but the rocks are fantastic. You’ll see rich multi-colored formations of different shapes and sizes. If you go hiking for any length of time you will experience many types of weather, so be prepared. The best views are in the late afternoon (midday tends to wash the colors out).

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise. It is a 2.5 hour trip into Lake Superior, around Grand Island and then off towards the Pictured Rocks. The tour is seasonal, starting in May through the fall foliage season.

Grand Island

Grand Island is a national recreation area on an island that is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. You take a passenger ferry to and from Grand Island. The boats leave from the Grand Island Landing dock west of Munising and arrive at Williams Landing on Grand Island. Here you will find camping, hiking and other outdoor recreation. There’s also the possibility of spotting black bears in the wild.

In the region there is also the picturesque Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse to see. It is on private property and inaccessible by land, however, is easily viewed from the tour boats.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Munising.