Little Dune I Campsite On Grand Island

Summary

Grand Island, located near Munising, Michigan, offers pristine sandy beaches, deep hardwood forests, inland lakes, and fascinating cultural sites, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting. Its Congressionally designated National Recreation Area also contains 13,500 acres of lush forest and 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs. Numerous nearby attractions, such as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Hiawatha National Forest, make for an enjoyable visit.

Overview

Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique. Grand Island is the perfect place to spend a day or even just a few hours biking and exploring. The island's breathtaking overlooks, pristine sandy beaches, fascinating cultural sites, deep hard woods, and inland lakes make it an exciting and secluded destination.

Recreation

Swimming - The lake bottom is sandy, with small rocks, or solid rock depending on what site you choose. Lake Superior can be cold with average high temperatures reaching only the high 60s (degrees Fahrenheit). Be cautious when swimming because this area has not been checked for possible hazards. Please remember, you swim at your own risk.

Hiking/biking - Over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails provide wonderful opportunities for day-trips and give access via unsurfaced trails to some of the Island's most spectacular scenery.

Fishing and Hunting - Lake Superior has Coho salmon, lake trout, perch, pike, walleye, and rock bass. Game species on the island include deer, bear, rabbit, grouse, and ducks. A Michigan fishing, hunting and/or trapping license is required. (See the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fishing Guide for license information and special regulations for Echo and Duck Lakes.)

Boat Access - There are a number of sand beaches where a boat could pull up to shore. Murray Bay, Trout Bay and North Light Creek areas have the largest sand beaches with little to no rock obstructions. There are several areas around the perimeter of the island where kayakers can gain access. Be aware that there are very few locations on the northwest and northeast sides that are not cliff. There is no boat launch or public dock facility on Grand Island. Personal watercraft (SeaDoo/Jet Ski) are not allowed on the shores of Grand Island. The dock at Williams Landing can be used for loading and unloading only. Boats may not park at the dock.

Facilities

Drinking water is available at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, Farrell Cottage, and Murray Bay Day Use Area. If traveling elsewhere on the island, bring water with you or filter/boil/treat surface water. Keep soaps and detergents out of lakes and streams. Wash dishes and clothes in a pot and dispose of the waste water in a hole at least 100 feet from the nearest water supply. Bathe in a similar manner.

Little Dunes I & Little Dunes II: Located on the eastern edge of Trout Bay beach, these two sites are approximately 4 miles northeast of William's Landing. Both sites can accommodate no more than 4 people and 2 tents. An outhouse, food storage poles and lockers, fire rings and benches are provided in/near these campsites. Both sites can be accessed via the island's trail system or by water. Kayakers can pull their kayaks to shore and easily locate these two sites along the beach edge. Due to the potential exposure to strong north winds, it is recommended that kayaks not be left unattended near the water's edge.

Natural Features

Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area (NRA), boasts massive 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs; 13,500 acres of lush forest; 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 island's scenic natural beauty and interesting history make it an attractive place for camping and other outdoor activities.

Nearby Attractions

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest, and the City of Munising are all in the area. The Munising area provides a variety of restaurants, hotels, camping opportunities, and outfitters. Local outfitters provide guided and self-guided kayak, canoe, pontoon, and mountain bike rentals.