May 20 - 31 Munising, Michigan
Munising Tourist Park
“On Golden Pond”………silence…….Then you hear the Loons……
As we made our way a mere 90-mile drive to another more northern part of Lake Superior, the road was pretty lonely – not a bad thing! Listening to our favorites songs and bopping down the highway is how we like to roll. Sometimes not a care in the world and no other vehicles to be seen – LOL!!
The forecast for rain came true as we neared our home for the next 10 days. Setting up camp is never fun when you’re trying to stay dry – LOL!! We got The Sandman backed in and took a deep breath as we swallowed up the view we had – steps from the beach and Lake Superior…..glorious!!!! Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just a few miles away and Grand Island National Recreation Area (only access via a ferry) right outside our window –
Wow!!!!
So much to see and do – waterfalls, hiking, towns to explore and who thought Christmas came only once a year??? Here, you can go to Christmas any time you want!!! In 1938 a local man started a factory making holiday gifts. The factory, gone long ago, the town of only 400 people has a casino, a beautiful view of the lake, waterfalls, and a Lighthouse. In the winter, the town comes alive with winter activities.
We explored the charming fishing town of Munising, that has lots of amenities, breweries, shops, and amazing views of the Lake. Being this is very much a tourist town; the locals are very welcoming. The Munising Front Range Light shines a continuous red light, welcoming those sailing vessels of all types, back to shore. The Munising Rear Range Light, on the hillside across from the Front Range Light, was placed to work in conjunction with it. Both beautiful in their own way!!
A visit to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitors Center brought us to the first waterfall – Munising Falls. 50’ feet of beautiful water, helping all those beautiful flowers bloom along the way!
The best way to see the Pictured Rocks within the Lakeshore is to book a boat tour with the local National Park Concessionaire. There are multiple trails that are long and three dry campgrounds (no services) within the Lakeshore, but they don’t give you the views! And WOW – WOW – WOW – the sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, and waterfalls – spectacular!!! The power of Lake Superior shapes the coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore.
Lake Superior over the years has claimed many ships and lives. Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour explores two historical shipwrecks, along with cruising by Grand Island and its historical Lighthouse, and all the beautiful cliffs, caves, and beaches…..Wow…..just gorgeous!
The Pictured Rocks National Seashore consists of many miles of……breathtaking beaches, hiking trails to those beaches, with gorgeous waterfalls along the way. We did as many hikes as we could – in between the rain days…..but that left us to hike in MUD to several locations – LOL!!! Was it worth it??? Hell yeah!!!! “You better not drive down that road or it will cost you $300 for me to tow you out. Okay, thanks! We’ll keep going down this road to the other trail marker”……. Each hike we took through the Hiawatha Forest was as if we were in an Enchanted Forest. So gorgeous at every turn with breathtaking plants, ferns, and flowers shooting up from the moist ground…after their winter sleep.
Oh, those sand dunes!!!!! Wowzer……we’ve had NO problem getting our “steps” in!!!!
A day trip in the opposite direction took us to the charming town of Marquette, located on Lake Superior (still) – Lake Superior is HUGE!!! Marquette is a major port, primarily known for shipping iron ore. We visited the Ore Dock – both the original not being used and the one currently in full operation. It’s amazing how these work!! (Google it for more information). We had a great lunch overlooking the Lake and the original dock. Like so many other Michigan towns, Marquette is home to a historic harbor Lighthouse. Another beautiful sight helping to guide those ships to port…..
Grand Island Recreation Area – rustic and remote – just across the lake from our Campground, was fabulous to spend a day biking. The “paths” were a mix of gravel and mud pits that take you to the most spectacular views of the lake, Pictured Rocks, and pristine sandy beaches… There’s not much on the island with the exception of a few rental cabins and camping spots – very remote!! There are a few existing structures (cabins) owned by the Hershey family. We found a beautiful beach to sit, have lunch, and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Superior once again. Waterfall beach didn’t disappoint……after 15 miles on our bikes, we were ready to head back to the ferry. You miss the last one and guess what? You’re spending the night “somewhere” on the island
LOL!!!!
When Cornish miners migrated to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the 1800's, they brought with them their beloved national dish: the pasty. The Finnish miners that followed adopted these meat pies as their own (easily transportable for long subterranean days!), and the pasty became such a large part of the regional culture that there's an annual pasty festival in early July. In this recipe, beef, rutabaga, carrots, onions and potatoes are essentially steamed within the crimped, D-shaped dough pocket that's slit to allow just enough steam to escape. Of course we had to try one, and we did while waiting for the boat tour.
Michigan… We will miss you in many ways…..those sunsets!!! Wow – Wow – Wow….. the Caribbean colors of the water…..hunting for special rocks……. Bugs.... and those Enchanted Forests.
