Merchant Cabin located on Grand Island
Exterior of Merchant Cabin
Walkway leading to the Grand Island Cabins

Grand Island Cabins

Closed — Currently closed for the winter season. Ferry service to the island is closed beginning in fall and throughout winter. During this period, access to the island is only by personal watercraft or, if the lake is frozen, via foot or snowmobile. Crossing Lake Superior to reach Grand Island is at your own risk. Reservations are available for the in-season period, typically late May through mid-October.

Site restrictions for toilet installation

Some camp sites on the Hiawatha's West zone will be closed while staff install new vault toilets. For your safety, stay clear of work areas and watch for heavy materials and machinery.

Temporary Trail Closure for Hardwood & Iron Jaw Loops

Forest staff will be using mechanical equipment near the Hardwood and Iron Jaw Loops during treatments of BeechBark Disease. For public safety, sections of those trails will be closed during designated dates. See list of closure dates and map for details on safe, available trail options.Oct. 1-2-…

Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area

The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation. Other locations for accessing the beach for…

Prescribed Fire Notice

Weather and vegetation conditions are looking favorable to conduct prescribed fire operations tomorrow July 11, 2025, on Unit 1 of the Betchler Rx Unit, which is 323 acres.  This unit is located southwest of Raco, MI and southeast of Eckerman Corner, MI.  Smoke will be visible south of M-28…

Round Lake Road Closure for Bridge Replacement

The bridge at Pointe Aux Chenes Creek on Round Lake Road (FR3105) will be replaced over the summer of 2025. To accommodate this construction, Round Lake Road will be closed to through traffic from May 12th to July 31st, 2025. During the project, the road will be impassable. For the safety of the…

Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project

The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.Two public meetings will be held, one each on May 12 and 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Alger Parks and Recreation building at 413 Maple Street in Munising, MI. All…

Forest Supervisor's Orders

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest. Please take time to read and…

Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry

Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…

Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed

The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented. (4/2018),(4/2021).The…

Flood Watch issued April 11 at 1:39PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI

April 11th, 1:39 PM — 5:45 AM

Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan, including the following areas, in central Upper Michigan, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Northern Schoolcraft and Southern Schoolcraft. In western Upper Michigan, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon and Southern Houghton. * WHEN...From 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ this evening through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - www.weather.gov/safety/flood

About

Grand Island Cabins are remotely located on forested Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area surrounded by Lake Superior, half a mile off the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The two cabins, Sunset Cabin and Merchant Cabin, are placed in individual settings amidst old-growth forest, providing an excellent base for outdoor activities. Each cabin is 14' x 16' with an attached 8' x 14' screened-in porch and offers four full-size beds in bunk bed style, with a maximum sleeping capacity of eight people. A picnic table and campfire ring with cooking grate are located just outside each cabin. Firewood is provided, but campers must bring all other equipment including drinking water, food, dishes, utensils, toilet paper, bedding, pillows, garbage bags, and lanterns. Generators are prohibited. The island's scenic natural beauty features 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs, 13,500 acres of lush forest, fine sand beaches, and miles of trails providing ample opportunity to view wildlife, picturesque sunsets, and pristine beaches. Recreation opportunities include kayaking, biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Lake Superior's clear water enables viewing of several shipwrecks from a boat. Sunset Cabin is located on the West Rim Trail approximately 3.6 miles from the island ferry landing.

Directions

Beginning in fall and throughout winter, ferry service to the island is closed. Access to the island is only by personal watercraft, or, if the lake is frozen, access via foot or snowmobile. Crossing Lake Superior to get to Grand Island is at your own risk. Once on Grand Island, cabins can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, or use of snowmobile depending on the season. Sunset Cabin is located on the West Rim Trail approximately 3.6 miles from the island ferry landing. Contact Grand Island Ferry Service for transportation schedule during operating season at +1 (906) 387-2600.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $120

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (906) 202-1778

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Merchant Cabin located on Grand Island
Exterior of Merchant Cabin
Walkway leading to the Grand Island Cabins
Grand Island Recreation Area Sign located at the ferry landing near Munising, MI

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