Grand Island Natural Recreation Area

Grand Island’s Journey to Recreation Area Status

Tucked just off the shores of Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Grand Island is a place of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and serene lake views. On May 17, 1990, this stunning Lake Superior island officially earned its place as a National Recreation Area. Its status as a haven for outdoor lovers and history buffs alike firmly established.

The island, covering about 13,500 acres within the Hiawatha National Forest, was purchased by the U.S. Forest Service from Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. This move turned a once-private industrial holding into a publicly accessible natural retreat. With its glacier-carved cliffs, deep woodlands, and 35 miles of shoreline, Grand Island quickly became a favorite for campers, hikers, bikers, and those simply looking to unplug.

Getting there is half the fun!

Just getting to the island is part of the fun. During the summer, visitors hop aboard a ferry from M-28 for a quick ride to Williams Landing. From there, it’s all about choosing your adventure—hiking scenic trails, pedaling down forest paths, or setting up camp in one of the island’s 17 rustic campsites (just don’t forget your bear-proof food container—black bears are the island’s largest permanent residents!).

And while recreation is the focus today, Grand Island has deep historical roots. One of its most photographed landmarks is the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse, built in 1868. Though privately owned and no longer active, it still stands as a weathered but striking reminder of the island’s past, visible from Sand Point or via water tour.

Grand Island Marathon

Adding a competitive twist to all the natural beauty is the Grand Island Trail Marathon, held each July (with a brief COVID-19 hiatus in 2020). Runners from around the country gather to test their endurance along trails that wind through the island’s breathtaking landscape.

Preserving a Natural Gem

The designation in 1990 wasn’t just about conservation—it was a celebration of what makes Michigan’s Upper Peninsula special. The pristine wilderness, accessibility, and a deep respect for natural history. So the next time you’re in Munising, take a ride across the water and explore Grand Island for yourself. You’ll be walking through history.

Learn more about the rich history of the Central Upper Peninsula.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.