Location: Grand Marais
Top Things to do in Grand Marais
Top Restaurants in Grand Marais
Countries
9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Grand Marais That You Shouldn't Miss
Grand Marais is an unincorporated community in Burt Township, Alger County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located on Lake Superior, and is the eastern gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore via H-58.
Restaurants in Grand Marais
1. 12-Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By bandido63
We stayed for 3.5 days and 3 nights at the Twelvemile beach campground which is one of three campgrounds that are part of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We arrived on Monday 7/29 and left on Thursday 8/1. We had made previous reservations and that is the only way to get a campsite here now (after 7/11/19). There is a gravel road that runs east-west through the campground and the sites are on both sides north and south of the road. The backsides of the campground to the north of the road basically back into the dunes over the beach. Each campsite has a pad for a large tent or two smaller ones, a picnic table and a fire ring. There are trash containers near every campsite. Due to black bears in the area, they ask that you out foods and smellables in your vehicle when not eating/cooking. If you came in a motorcycle or a bicycle, there are a few metal boxes through camp where you can store your food. There are pit latrines at different spots through the camp and they are nice and clean, they provide TP and hand sanitizer. The beach is spectacular and the views of the sunset are particularly stunning. Due to the roads, even though you are a little over 30 miles from Munising, it will take one hour to drive there. There are plenty of trails nearby to visit (highly recommend hiking the trail to Chapel Falls/Chapel Rock) before heading into town for the Pictured Rocks boat/kayak tours. This is a no generator camp, so it will be nice and quiet and a perfect place to enjoy nature. There are staircases that take you down to the beach if you don't feel like venturing down the sides of the dunes. We really enjoyed our time at this campsite and were impressed with how well maintained it was. Would definitely want to go back in the future.
2. Log Slide Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By 308acec - Grand Rapids, United States
The views here are amazing and it is an easy hike from the parking lot out to the dune. There are several trails off either side that provide even more panoramic views and if you take the left path, you'll be treated to a wonderful view of the Au Sable Lighthouse! **Note there is nothing stopping anyone from running down the dune all the way to the lake, but if you do, BE PREPARED for a very physical hike back up which could take an hour or more depending on your physical condition.
3. Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By iluvfood8
What a wonderful and delightful surprise this was! Karen took the time to engage my newly rock-obsessed children (6&8) and teach us a ton in a short time. I was so impressed with how quickly she could identify the 3 rocks we had picked up from the beach. I also REALLY appreciated that she is taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions given the influx of visitors from areas with surging numbers; most indoor establishments in Grand Marais were without masks or social distancing.
4. Sable Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By corinad302 - Grand Rapids, United States
A shop owner gave us tip that we could walk along the shoreline to get to the falls. It was not too long but you have to be prepared to walk on sand and rocks. Once we were there we could climb some stairs to see the falls which were lovely. We then decided to walk some of the trails and are very glad we did because we made it to the sand dunes and saw some of the best views of our entire vacation.
5. Chapel Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By donnarA5248HG - Elliot Lake, Canada
Amazing trails, gorgeous scenery to a pretty waterfall. Plan on spending an entire afternoon the walk all the trails and enjoy some time at the beach, you won't be disappointed.
6. Au Sable Light Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By LittlePaint - Urbandale, United States
We hiked from Log Slide Overlook. The views of the lake were beautiful. The trail was easy and not heavily trafficked liked many of the trails further west in the park. Highly recommend this hike.
7. Woodland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By BryanPaul1 - Detroit, United States
Planned a last minute Labor Day Weekend adventure and was so happy to find this pace between Pictured Rocks and Tahquamenon Falls. Got their early and hoped for the best. And the best was yet to come! We landed a great spot on the water and had a great time. Love this place and will(hopefully) be back next year
8. Pickle Barrel House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Eatbugs_from_MI - Michigan, United States
It's a house shaped (mostly) like a barrel. They cheated by adding a kitchen as an extension, but that's what it is. It was built by a cartoonist and the house is full of artifacts of the old cartoons, including a scavenger hunt for kids. There is no need to spend a lot of time there, but for the price of admission and the time required to see it, it is worth it.
9. Lake Superior Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By wysfam - Ada, United States
This should be listed under restaurants too, they made the side yard into outdoor dining and it was very nice, excellent pizza and brews, did a good job with the social distancing.
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