Although bigger and more well-known cities like Ann Arbor and Marquette often get all the glory, Munising is definitely a picturesque Michigan town that should be on anyone's bucket list. The charming town can be found situated in the state's Upper Peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Superior. And while it may be small — spanning a little over nine square miles — it's certainly not lacking in adventure.
The city offers visitors breathtaking views of the sparkling Munising Bay and the surrounding landscapes. Not to mention, it's the gateway to a plethora of scenic gems like Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, providing tourists with an abundance of outdoor activities year-round.
Top Things To Do In Munising, Michigan
From waterfalls to myriad lake excursions, here are some of the top things to do in this Alger County gem.
1 See The Munising Falls
Go chasing waterfalls in Munising because more than 15 stunning waterfalls can be found in or around the area, including Munising Falls. The 50-foot waterfall, which cascades over a striking sandstone cliff, can be found in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is easy to access year-round.
- Address: Munising Falls, Munising, MI 49862
Other fantastic waterfalls to explore in the area include Wagner Falls, Miners Falls, Alger Falls, and Sable Falls.
2 Take A Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour
Embark on a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour across the waters of Munising Bay. During the two-hour trip, guests will also see phenomenal views of rugged cliffs, caves, a historic lighthouse, and Grand Island.
- Address: 1204 Commercial St #1354, Munising, MI 49862
- Hours: Boat tours are offered daily from May 27 to September 30; visit the website to make a reservation
- Cost: $38 for adults, $24 for seniors, $14 for children 12 and under, $1 for children 5 and under
3 Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
With shores spanning more than 42 miles along Lake Superior, this is definitely one of the top-rated tourist destinations in Michigan. From wandering the beaches and seeing historic lighthouses to scuba diving and enjoying the sunset on stunning overlooks, there are many fun things to do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
- Cost: $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, and $10 per bicyclist or pedestrian
Entrance passes to Pictured Lakes National Lakeshore can be purchased online via the National Park Service website or in person at the Grand Sable Visitor Center or Munising Falls Visitor Contact Station.
4 Tour The Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center
Take a self-guided tour through this historic building to learn about the area's fascinating history. The small museum also featured a short, 13-minute narrated video about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, making it a great first stop before visiting the area.
- Address: 100 W Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862
5 Tackle The Curtains (Ice Climbing Wall)
Experienced and beginner climbers alike can tackle the Michigan ice at Munising's 30-foot Curtains. The popular ice climbing spot can be found just off Sand Point Road and makes for quite the winter wonderland adventure.
- Address: 1654, 1664 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862
6 Take A Thrilling Boat Tour With Riptide Ride
Riptide Ride is another exciting boat tour option that's well worth the trip. Embark on a 90-minute tour along 25 miles of wondrous Grand Island coastline, seeing the Pictured Rocks Cliffs, waterfalls, lighthouses, and much more.
- Address: 1309 Commercial St, Munising, MI 49862
- Hours: The season runs from May 27 to September 30; visit the website to purchase tickets
- Cost: $45 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 to 9
7 Tour The Lake Superior Ice Cave
From about late January to early March, visitors can embark on an incredible tour of the ice caves on Lake Superior. Take a 90-minute to two-hour tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to see the stunning ice scenery of Miners Castle and Miners Falls, courtesy of Lake Superior Ice Cave Tours. See frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trees, and much more.
- Address: Miner's Castle Rd, Munising, MI 49862
- Availability: Contact Lake Superior Ice Cave Tours for pricing and availability
8 Hike In The Hiawatha National Forest
See the wild side of the Upper Peninsula by visiting the Hiawatha National Forest. Spanning more than 800,000 acres of land, the National Forest has shorelines along three of the five Great Lakes — Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan — making it a great destination for leisurely beach activities too.
Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for a list of good hiking trails in the area.
9 Take A Guided Kayaking Tour Of Pictured Rocks
Another fantastic option for marveling at the beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is to paddle across the shimmering waters.
Companies like Paddling Michigan offer a variety of guided kayaking tours, from an eight-hour scenic trip along the Pictured Rocks Shoreline to a shorter, three-hour tour, which is a good option for beginners.
- Address: 1331 West M28, Munising, MI 49862
- Cost: Prices vary per guided tour option; visit the website to learn more
10 Stroll Along Sand Point Beach
Seeking a good Michigan lake sandy beach? Then look no further than Sand Point Beach, which is a beautiful spot for watching the sun set over Munising Bay or basking in the sun. Located across from the Sand Point Marsh Trail, it's also a great option for those keen on taking a scenic afternoon stroll.
- Address: Sand Point Beach, Munising, MI 49862
11 Best Time To Visit
From marveling at the ice caves in the winter to basking on the lakeshore in the summer, Munising is a great place to visit any time of year. However, for those not keen on warmer days or temperature drops, the month of April is especially promising in terms of favorable weather conditions.
12 Best Ways To Get Around
For those looking to get around Munising with ease, a car is always a great option, especially for those interested in exploring attractions outside the city limits. However, the Altran Alger County Transit does provide a variety of local transportation options, such as the Munising Town Shuttle, as well as a shuttle service for backpackers and hikers looking to get around Pictured Rocks National Park.
Don't drink and drive: There's also a "Drunk Bus Transportation" option, which operates after 6 pm. Visit the website for more information.
13 Where To Eat
Munising has plenty of local eateries for travelers to try out.
Breakfast
Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore
- Address: 104 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862
Earl E. Byrds
- Address: 202 E Superior St, Munising, MI 49862
Lunch
Pictured Rocks Pizza
- Address: 106 Birch St, Munising, MI 49862
Eh! Burger
- Address: 101 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862
Dinner
The Fish Basket
- Address: 206 E Superior St, Munising, MI 49862
Tracey's at Roam Inn
- Address: 815 W Munising Ave #1, Munising, MI 49862
Drinks
Barge Inn
- Address: 206 W Superior St, Munising, MI 49862
East Channel Brewing Company
- Address: 209 Maple St, Munising, MI 49862
14 Where To Stay
Munising offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Address: E9427 East State Highway M 28, Munising, MI 49862
- Amenities: Free parking
AmericInn by Wyndham Wetmore Munising
- Address: E9926 State Highway M-28 East, Wetmore, MI 49895
- Amenities: Indoor pool, spa and wellness center, and free parking
Mid-Tier Hotels
North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks
- Address: E9681 East M-28, Munising, MI 49895
- Amenities: Spa and wellness center, room service, free parking, and fitness center
Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites, Munising
- Address: 420 M28 East, Munising, MI 49862
- Amenities: Indoor pool, room service, and free parking
Upscale Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview
- Address: E8890 M-28, Munising, MI 49862
- Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, and parking
Comfort Inn and Suites Munising-Lakefront
- Address: E 9388 East Munising Avenue, Munising, MI 49862
- Amenities: Fitness center and parking
15 Tips To Know When Visiting
May may overlook Munising in favor of popular destinations like Marquette, which is located only about 40 miles away. However, the Michigan town is an absolute must-see adventure.
For those visiting the city during the summer or fall, make it a point to stop by the Munising Visitor Center, which is located at 501 M-28, Munising, MI 49862, for helpful information about the local area.
If you can't make it to the center, worry not. The Munising Visitor's Bureau offers an interactive map app, which is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. Their 2021 Munising Visitors Guide can also be accessed online, or tourists can request to have one mailed out to them via their website.
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Munising, Michigan
Begin the day with a filling breakfast at Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore before visiting the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center to learn about the area. Then, spend the better part of the day exploring all the amazing sights that Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has to offer.
Take a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour, a guided kayaking tour, or opt to traverse the waters of Munising Bay via a Riptide Ride, seeing the historic lighthouses and the magnificent views of Grand Island along the way.
For lunch the choice is simple: a juicy patty at Eh! Burger or a slice of pie from Pictured Rocks Pizza. Later, tackle the Hiawatha National Forest for an adventurous afternoon of hiking through the lush terrain before finishing the day relaxing on Sand Point Beach.
Head to The Fish Basket for a savory dinner before grabbing a nightcap at the Barge Inn, which is located only about a minute away.