Grand Island North Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse on Grand Island, Michigan, offering stunning Lake Superior views and a gateway to Pictured Rocks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Grand Island North Lighthouse
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on Grand Island, Michigan, offering stunning Lake Superior views and a gateway to Pictured Rocks.
"Breathtaking and speechless, the Grand Island North Lighthouse is a must-see on Lake Superior."
Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour from Munising for the best lighthouse views! :boat:
Pack for All Weather
Lake Superior weather changes fast. Bring layers! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Island North Lighthouse
North shore of Grand Island
Iconic lighthouse perched on a cliff, offering stunning views of Lake Superior.
Lake Superior Views
Surrounding Grand Island
Experience the vastness and beauty of the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Near Munising
Explore the dramatic sandstone cliffs and colorful rock formations by kayak or boat tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Grand Island Lighthouse Visit
Getting to Grand Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour from Munising for the best lighthouse views! :boat:
Pack for All Weather
Lake Superior weather changes fast. Bring layers! :cloud:
Explore the Island
Consider a 21-mile loop hike or backpacking trip for a full island experience. :hiking_boot:
Capture the Scenery
Don't miss sunset views through the trees! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour from Munising for the best lighthouse views! :boat:
Pack for All Weather
Lake Superior weather changes fast. Bring layers! :cloud:
Explore the Island
Consider a 21-mile loop hike or backpacking trip for a full island experience. :hiking_boot:
Capture the Scenery
Don't miss sunset views through the trees! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Island North Lighthouse and the surrounding Lake Superior scenery. Many highlight the value of boat tours for close-up views and informative narration. Some wish for more direct access to the lighthouse itself, but the overall experience is described as stunning and memorable.
"So beautiful…really would have loved to have seen it much more closer, but I’m just happy I got as close as I did! Very pretty perched above the lake on a tall cliff. You can see this lighthouse on the Riptide Ride tour boat which is in Munising!"
Heather H
"Breathtaking and speechless"
K. S.
"We loved it. It was very cool "cold" that night.
The captain of the boat stepped up and offered blankets to the children on the cruise. 👍
The captain didn't just tell us about the island, He knew that island personally. I love that, I'm a man that knows history also.
Captain Dave if I remember correctly?"
John Broeren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is best viewed from the water. Boat tours departing from Munising, Michigan, offer excellent vantage points. Direct access to the lighthouse itself can be challenging, so a tour is highly recommended.
No, you cannot drive directly to the lighthouse. It's located on Grand Island, and access typically requires a ferry or boat. Boat tours from Munising are the most common way to see it.
Many visitors opt for boat tours from Munising, which often include views of the lighthouse and Pictured Rocks. For the adventurous, backpacking the 21-mile loop around the island is an option. +1
There is no public transportation directly to Grand Island. You'll need to arrange your own transport, typically via a ferry service or by joining a guided boat tour from Munising.
The closest town to Grand Island is Munising, Michigan. This is where most boat tours and ferry services depart from.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need specific tickets for the lighthouse itself, but you will need to purchase tickets for a boat tour from Munising to get good views. Prices vary by tour operator.
Boat tour operating hours vary seasonally and by company. It's best to check the schedules of Munising-based tour operators directly, especially during peak summer months.
Costs for boat tours can range from $40-$70 per person, depending on the duration and type of tour. Some tours offer special features like blankets for children.
Yes, you can visit Grand Island via ferry or by bringing your own boat. However, seeing the lighthouse up close is often best achieved through a dedicated boat tour.
Grand Island is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the island itself, you may need to pay for parking or ferry services.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the lighthouse and surrounding cliffs. Sunset boat tours also provide stunning, colorful backdrops.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive Lake Superior views and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for details if you're on a boat tour.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the Hiawatha National Forest and local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
Besides the lighthouse, look for dramatic cliff formations, the unique 'Face in the Rock,' and the vast, often moody, waters of Lake Superior.
Absolutely! Boat tours offer fantastic opportunities for photography, with unobstructed views of the lighthouse and coastline. Just be mindful of other passengers.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Grand Island offers hiking, backpacking, camping, and exploring its natural beauty. The 21-mile loop trail is popular for a full island experience. +1
Yes, Grand Island is very popular for hiking, with a well-known 21-mile loop trail. The terrain is generally considered moderate with minimal elevation change.
You might spot various bird species, deer, and other forest wildlife. The surrounding waters are also home to fish and potentially other aquatic life.
Yes, there are designated camping areas on Grand Island for those who wish to stay overnight. Reservations may be required, especially during peak season.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. If taking a boat tour, a light jacket is advisable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While direct hiking on Grand Island might be extensive for very young children, the boat tours offer a safe and accessible way to see the sights. The visual spectacle of the lighthouse and the dramatic cliffs of Pictured Rocks are sure to captivate young imaginations. Consider looking for tours that specifically mention family-friendly aspects or have shorter durations.
🎒 Backpackers & Hikers
Be prepared for varying conditions. While the trail is generally well-marked, camping on Grand Island requires self-sufficiency. Ensure you have proper gear for potential weather changes, bear-safe food storage, and a reliable water source or purification method. The experience offers a true immersion in the rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
📸 Photographers
Consider booking a sunset boat tour for the most vibrant skies. Beyond the lighthouse, Grand Island and the adjacent Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provide endless photographic opportunities. Look for unique rock formations, the vast expanse of Lake Superior, and the interplay of light and shadow on the water. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the scale of the landscape, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the lighthouse or distant shoreline features.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Island North Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
While direct access to the lighthouse grounds can be restricted, its commanding presence above Lake Superior makes it a captivating sight. Many visitors experience its grandeur through boat tours departing from the nearby town of Munising. These tours not only offer close-up views of the lighthouse but also provide historical context and insights into the maritime heritage of the region, often narrated by knowledgeable captains.
Seeing the lighthouse from the water offers a unique perspective, allowing you to appreciate its architecture against the backdrop of the vast, often dramatic, Lake Superior. The surrounding cliffs and the island's natural beauty further enhance the visual appeal, making it a memorable stop for anyone exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Exploring Grand Island: Beyond the Lighthouse
For those seeking a more immersive experience, backpacking on Grand Island is a rewarding adventure. Campgrounds are available, allowing visitors to spend a night or two surrounded by nature. The island's remoteness and natural beauty contribute to a sense of escape, with opportunities to witness local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the Upper Peninsula.
Beyond hiking and camping, the waters surrounding Grand Island are integral to its appeal. While the lighthouse guides ships, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore nearby offers opportunities for kayaking and boat tours, showcasing the region's famous colorful sandstone cliffs. Even from a distance, the raw beauty of Lake Superior and its islands is a significant draw.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit