7 Best Munising MI Things to NOT Miss NOW (2023)
So you’re trying to figure out what to do in Michigan’s Munising eh? Let’s get started
Munising is one of Michigan’s most visited places in the Upper Peninsula.
Munising MI is one of the main gateways for visitors to explore the globally recognized, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Besides the beauty of the Lakeshore, Munising is home to some other well deserved visits.
Let’s see what you should visit while exploring the Munising area!
Best Things to do in Munising, MI Overview
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Munising is one of the main funnels into the globally recognized, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
How far is Munising from Pictured Rocks?
Munising is only 1.5 miles away from Pictured Rocks.
The Lakeshore is an unbelievable set of trails, waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints.
There are many ways to experience the majestic beauty but the best way to experience it, is from the water.
Base yourself in Munising to see all of the park and then some.
Can't Miss Waterfalls Near Munising
Munising is one of the best places in Michigan to base yourself for a waterfall expedition.
There are more than 17 waterfalls scattered throughout the Alger area, all fewer than 35 minutes away.
This doesn’t include the many you will also find apart of Pictured Rocks!
MUST Visit Waterfalls near Munising include:
- Laughing Whitefish Falls (35 minutes)
- Wagner Falls (5 minutes),
- Tannery/Memorial Falls (3 minutes)
- Au Train Falls (20 minutes)
Munising Coffee Shops
Although Munising is a small passthrough city, there are a number of excellent coffee shops that will satisfy even the snobbiest of coffee lovers.
Here are some of our favorite coffee shops in Munising:
Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore
It wouldn’t be a trip without some type of store unique to the city.
Check out Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore, right in the heart of Munising MI.
Grab a coffee, food, or sit down for a read in the expansive and homey store.
Make sure to check out the local activities in town and ask for some local advice if needed.
Gallery Coffee Shop
A second coffee shop that’s just around the corner from Falling Rock is Gallery Coffee Shop.
This is one of my favorite coffee shops I’ve ever visited because of the giant display of photos of Michigan throughout the building.
This cafe is more of an event space with giant landscape shots of the Upper Peninsula.
Rustic Grounds Rustic Coffee Trailer
Rustic Grounds is one of Munising’s newest coffee shops and does an excellent cup of joe within it’s creative camper space.
Come excite your taste buds and senses today!
Michigan's Grand Island
You might have no idea what you are looking at from the shores of Munising, but it’s probably Grand Island.
Situated about .5 mile from shore to shore, Grand Island provides visitors with ample opportunities to explore.
Fish, bike, hike, Grand Island is a nice day trip for any and everyone.
Take the ferry ($20 including Island fees) or rent a kayak/pontoon to access the island.
When winter comes through, guests make the trek across to witness the spectacular ice formations that form on the exterior.
Munising Breweries
Exploring the Munising area is going to exhaust you at some point.
What better way to unwind than some high quality Michigan Beer?
Check out these craft breweries when in town:
By George Brewing
Pair this with a trip to Pictured Rocks and your day is a winner
East Channel Brewing
209 Maple St, Munising, MI 49862
East Channel Brewing is another great place for a finely crafted beer when in the Munising area.
Two stories of seating and a nice outdoor area make this another great spot for beer lovers.
Exploring Au Train
Au Train is a place most people will pull over for a rest stop or a photo of the amazing long stretch of beach along Superior.
Or they might join in on the bridge jumping fun you will see on any hot day.
Some of our favorite things to do when exploring Au Train include:
- Visiting Au Train Beach
- Kayaking Au Train River
Munising Bike Trails
Don’t let Marquette’s Bike Trails overshadow the solid Munising Mountain bike trail network.
The Munising bike trails are quality and well worth a visit.
Here is a rundown of the bike trails in Munising:
Munising Mountain Bike Park
The Munising Mountain Bike Park is behind the Hillside Party Store on the west side of Munising.
This network consists of jump trails, skills park, and cross country trails.
For the unprepared or unlucky, the trailhead offers a repair station alongside bathrooms & trail maps.
Valley Spur Recreation Area
Valley Spur consists of 12 miles of singletrack perfect for beginners or families.
Although suitable for easier riding, more advanced riders will enjoy quality berms and fun rollers.
Bruno's Run
Bruno’s Run offers riders more than 10 miles of singletrack biking.
The trail system is roughly 15 minutes out of town but makes up for it with it’s exceptional scenery.
Rent a Pontoon in Munising
One of my favorite things to do in Munising is rent a pontoon and explore the Lake Superior shoreline.
This is an amazing family adventure to consider and easily one of the best things to in the Upper Peninsula
Here is where you can rent a pontoon in Munising:
Superior Pontoon Rentals
Superior Pontoon Rentals offers visitors a chance to explore the Munising area in their excellent pontoons.
Pontoon Rental rates vary upon size & group size but close to these numbers:
Full day – $475-500 + Fuel
1/2 day, afternoon rental or sunset cruise – $300-$325 + Fuel
Seaberg Pontoon Rentals
Seaberg Pontoon Rentals is one of 2 Munising Pontoon renal options for your adventure.
This small business offers exceptional customer service & quality pontoons.
Pontoon Rental rates vary upon size & group size but close to these numbers:
Full day – $450-500 + Fuel
1/2 day – $300-$325 + Fuel
Experience Munisings Ice Fest
Ice Fest is an amazing winter event in Munising, MI that should be on all outdoor adventurers bucket list.
Don’t worry if you miss the event, climbing is very active throughout the winter!
Here’s my piece that covers The Best Ice Climbing in Michigan
Best Hotels in Munising MI to Consider
Because Munising receives so many tourists, there are plenty of places to stay when planning a trip.
For the visitors who aren’t camping in Pictured Rocks or staying in Marquette, these are some of the places to consider booking:
Roam Inn – Restored 1896 home with incredible terrace views provide visitors Lakeside luxury for less than a luxurious price.
Holiday Inn Express Lakeview – On the West end of town, the Inn has phenomenal views on the hill perched over Lake Superior.
AmericInn by Wyndham Wetmore Munising
Upper Peninsula Trip Planning
Munising, Michigan is an amazing place to be in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
These are only some of the best that are at your fingertips and I hope you take advantage by experiencing all of them.
Contact Me today if you want to have the best trip while in the YOOP!