Grand Island National Recreation Area, United States

Grand Island National Recreation Area Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Alger County of Michigan, the Grand Island National Recreation Area stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty and natural wonders that the United States has to offer. This enchanting destination caters to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, providing a myriad of outdoor activities and awe-inspiring landscapes to explore.

One of the main attractions of the Grand Island National Recreation Area is its namesake, Grand Island. Accessible only by ferry, this secluded island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who yearn for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Hiking trails crisscross the island, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the island's lush forests and discover hidden waterfalls along the way. Biking trails are also available, allowing visitors to traverse the island at their own pace and take in the stunning vistas that unfold before them.

For those seeking a more aquatic adventure, the Grand Island National Recreation Area offers ample opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, marveling at the towering cliffs that line the shoreline and the vibrant marine life that thrives beneath the surface. Fishing enthusiasts will also find their paradise here, as the waters surrounding Grand Island are teeming with various species of fish, providing the perfect setting for a tranquil day of angling.

Camping is another popular activity in the Grand Island National Recreation Area, with several campgrounds offering picturesque settings for a night under the stars. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature and wake up to the invigorating scent of fresh pine trees, ready to embark on another day of exploration.

In addition to its natural wonders, the Grand Island National Recreation Area is also rich in history. The island is dotted with remnants of Native American settlements and fur trading posts, serving as a reminder of the area's vibrant past. Visitors can delve into the island's history by visiting the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse, which has guided countless ships through Lake Superior's treacherous waters since the 19th century.

Established: 1990 (34 years ago)Elevation: 653 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°30'25"N, 86°39'47"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Grand Island National Recreation Area Top Attractions

Grand Island National Recreation Area Attractions - What to See and Explore

Grand Island National Recreation Area offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light, Toms Lake, Verdant Lake, Lake Nineteen. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse
Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light
The Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light is a lighthouse located off M-28 in Munising Township, Michigan. It is also known as the Bay Furnace Rear Range Light, Christmas Rear Range Light, or End of the Road Light.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Toms Lake
Toms Lake is a 23-acre lake that is located at the tri-county corner of Delta County, Michigan, Alger and Schoolcraft countries in the Hiawatha National Forest. The forest service offers a rustic cabin for rent.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Verdant Lake
Verdant Lake is a 25-acre lake that is located in south-western Schoolcraft County, Michigan in the Hiawatha National Forest. It is just east of the county line with Alger and just north of the county line with Delta County.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Nineteen
Lake Nineteen also known as Nineteen Lake, is a 26-acre lake that is located in south-western Schoolcraft County, Michigan in the Hiawatha National Forest. It is east of the county line with Alger and north of the county line with Delta County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Ironjaw Lake
Ironjaw Lake is a 51-acre lake that is located in south-western Schoolcraft County, Michigan in the Hiawatha National Forest. It is just east of the county line with Alger and just north of the county line with Delta County.
Bridge
Old M-94–Au Train River Bridge
The Old M-94–Au Train River Bridge is a bridge located on Wolkoff Road over the Au Train River in Au Train Township, Michigan.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Hugaboom Lake
Hugaboom Lake is a 31-acre lake that is located in northern Delta County, Michigan in the Hiawatha National Forest. It is just south of the county line with Alger and Schoolcraft countries and about a mile and half east of the intersection of Federal Forest Highway 13 and County Road 440.
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Dukes Research Natural Area
The Dukes Research Natural Area is a 233-acre tract of northern hardwood forest located within the 5,000-acre Upper Peninsula Experimental Forest, a unit of the Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Moss Lake
Moss Lake is a small lake in Delta County, Michigan.
Archaeological site
Widewaters Site
The Widewaters Site, also designated 20AR245, is an archaeological site located in Alger County, Michigan. The site dates from the Woodland period, and is situated on a terrace above the Indian River about 30 ft from the water, about 0.62 mi from the Bar Lake Site.
Archaeological site
Gooseneck Lake IV Site
The Gooseneck Lake IV Site, also designated 20DE44, is an archaeological site located in Delta County, Michigan. The site dates from the Woodland period. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Archaeological site
Hartney Terrace Site
The Hartney Terrace Site, also designated 20AR310, is an archaeological site located in Alger County, Michigan. The site dates from the Woodland period, approximately 950 years before the present. It is located near a stand of wild rice.
Archaeological site
Bar Lake Site
The Bar Lake Site, also designated 20AR437, is an archaeological site located in Alger County, Michigan. The site dates from the Woodland period, and is located along the Indian River about 40 feet from the water and 1 km from the Widewaters Site.
Archaeological site
Jackpine Lake Site
The Jackpine Lake Site, also designated 20DE326, is an archaeological site located in Delta County, Michigan. The site dates from the Woodland period and is about 90 feet from the water. It is located near a stand of wild rice. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Archaeological site
Gooseneck Lake III Site
The Gooseneck Lake III Site, also designated 20DE43, is an archaeological site located in Delta County, Michigan. The site dates from the Woodland period and is located about 60 feet from the water.

Day trips

Grand Island National Recreation Area – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Grand Island National Recreation Area, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Munising Falls (Munising), Miners Falls (Munising), Sable Falls (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore).

6.1 miS
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Munising Falls, Munising
Munising Falls is a waterfall located in Munising in the westernmost portion of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County, Michigan. The falls drops about 50 feet over a sandstone cliff. With the exception of the spring thaw, the amount of water falling is relatively small.
6.6 miE
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Miners Falls, Munising
Miners Falls is a waterfall located on Miners River in the western portion of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County, Michigan. The falls drops about 40 feet over a sandstone outcrop with a 10-foot crest. The falls can be accessed by a 0.6 mile gravel path, with stairs leading to a lookout.
33 milesE
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Sable Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Sable Falls is a waterfall located on Sable Creek in the easternmost portion of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County, Michigan. The main access road to the falls is H-58 west of Grand Marais, Michigan. The falls tumbles 75 feet over Munising and Jacobsville sandstone formations.
48 milesW
Specialty museum, Museum
Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, Ishpeming
The Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum is a former iron mine, now a heritage museum, located on Euclid Street between Lakeshore Drive and Spruce Street in Ishpeming, Michigan.
6.4 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Memorial Falls, Munising
Memorial Falls are two similar waterfalls in adjacent gorges on small streams near the city of Munising Michigan. The larger falls drop approximately 40 feet. There is a cave behind both falls. There is a small natural arch in the sandstone between the two gorges near the top of the falls.

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Best Time To Visit Grand Island National Recreation Area

Learn when is the best time to travel to Grand Island National Recreation Area weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Grand Island National Recreation Area?

The top attractions to visit in Grand Island National Recreation Area are: