Grand Island National Recreation Area
If you like strolling along sandy beaches, taking a dip in clear refreshing water, biking atop 300 foot sandstone cliffs with a spectacular view of
Pictured Rocks, or camping beneath a sky filled with stars, then the
Grand Island National Recreation Area is just the place for you.
If you need to catch a ride over to Grand Island, you can hop aboard the passenger ferry provided by the Grand Island Ferry Service. The ferry to Grand Island departs from the Grand Island Landing. The landing is located one mile west of the Munising City Limits.
Grand Island Ferry Passenger times are as follows:
From Memorial Day Weekend
to June 30th 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:30 p.m.
From June 30 to Labor day - 9, 10, 11, 12, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30
From Labor Day to Oct. 9, 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:30 p.m.
Ferry prices and schedules may vary. Visitors can also rent mountain bikes and reserve bus tours at the ferry office. Please contact the ferry service directly at 906-387-3503.
Grand Island Public Access Information
Once on the Island you can jump aboard the ALTRAN bus for a breathtaking tour of the Island.
The tour travels the southern part of the island and will last 3 to 3 ½ hours. Riders will be treated to breathtaking overlooks and pristine sandy beaches. There are about a dozen stopping points that passengers will get out of the bus and walk to while learning about Grand Island's rich cultural history.
Though some of the trails are easy to tread, most of the trails are sandy and have uneven terrain. The buses are wheelchair accessible and accessible toilets are available at Powell Point, Williams Landing, Murray Bay and Trout Bay.
Hiking and mountain biking are popular day time activities along the trail and road system, but you must be aware that some roads are shared with motor vehicles. If you plan on bringing a dog it must be on a leash at all times except when hunting.
Murray Bay Day Use is designated for picnicking and sightseeing no camping is allowed on this site.
Grand Island Designated Campsites
Currently there are 17 designated single campsites on Grand Island and two group sites. At this time, permits are not required for any camping and, except for the Group sites, camping is first-come, first-served. Group sites may be reserved in advance.
Fires are allowed only in the metal fire rings provided. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON ANY BEACH. There are size limitations for the campsites. Random camping is allowed on the island as long as you follow the Hiawatha National Forest primitive camping regulations. We recommend that you contact the Munising Ranger District at 906-387-2512 for more camping information and a map of camping locations.
