The Ultimate Guide to Grand Island Michigan
Located just off the north shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Grand Island is a beautiful destination for hiking, swimming, and fishing. As an island on Lake Superior, you'll also find many types of wildlife living on the island. While largely uninhabited, there are campsites scattered across the island and several lighthouses.
Getting to Grand Island
There are several ways to get to Grand Island, but only two are easy and accessible. You can drive to the island from nearby Houghton, Michigan, or you can take the
Grand Island Ferry from nearby Copper Harbor, Michigan. The Houghton route is an all-weather road that is sometimes covered in snow and ice in winter, whereas the ferry runs year-round. The ferry is also cheaper, more comfortable, and includes a guided tour of the island.
Grand Island Bus Tour
If you are visiting the island and you don't want to hike, you can take advantage of the Grand Island Bus Tour. This tour drives around the island, providing excellent views of the surrounding lakes and forests.
Along the way, you'll learn about the island's history and wildlife. The tour is a great way to experience Grand Island and learn about its wildlife, even in the wintertime when you can't hike the trails.
Hiking on Grand Island
If you visit in the summertime, you'll be able to hike many of the island's trails. There are several hikes on the island designed for all skill levels and ages. The best hike on the island is the Swallow Cliff Trail, which winds through the interior of the island before ending with panoramic views of Lake Superior.
The Petoskey Point Trail is also a wonderful hike, providing views of the lake from above. Other trails provide more secluded views of the lake, including the Gator's Trail and the Lake Trail.
Canoeing and Swimming on Grand Island
Another great summertime activity on Grand Island is canoeing or kayaking the island's waterways. You can launch your boat at the Black River Landing, where there is also a swimming beach. Canoeing is a fantastic way to explore the island's nooks and crannies, and you'll likely see lots of wildlife while you paddle, including eagles and loons.
Swimming on the island is a great way to cool off, especially if you bring your own water toys. There are also several sandy beaches that make for great swimming.
Fishing on Grand Island
Fishing on Grand Island is a great way to spend a day and catch some delicious food. There are several prime fishing spots along the shores of the island, with Echo Lake Creek being one of the best. You can fish from the shore with a basic rod, or you can bring your own boat to the island. The fishing on Grand Island is excellent, so you'll have a good chance of bringing home dinner.
There are several tournaments that occur throughout the year that are hosted on Grand Island. These are excellent events to attend if you want to get some fishing in, but don't have your own boat. You can also take advantage of fishing excursions that depart from nearby Copper Harbor.
Lighthouses on Grand Island
There are two lighthouses on Grand Island, and they are both open to the public. East Channel Lighthouse is open year-round and provides excellent views of the lake. The Grand Island North Lighthouse is privately owned but can be seen from the lake while kayaking or canoeing.
Wildlife on Grand Island
Grand Island is a great place to view many different types of wildlife, from loons to black bears. Keep an eye out for loons while canoeing or walking along the shoreline. If you're lucky, you might even see a moose or black bear. The island is also home to many types of fish and other aquatic life. There are also more than 1,000 eagles that nest in the surrounding area.
