Activities
Beaches & Dunes HIDE
Beachcombing
Walk along the beautiful beaches on Grand Island.
Calm waters beckon boaters and swimmers to Murray Bay where a lovely sand beach and Day Use Picnic Area are perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon.
Explore pristine Trout Bay Beach where a long stretch of sugar sand affords spectacular views of Trout Bay Cliffs and far off in the distance, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
North Beach takes a little more effort to visit as it is 10 miles from William’s Landing, but it is well worth the effort. Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Upper Peninsula, secluded North Beach will captivate you.
The west side of the Island boasts several stone covered beaches. The two most popular are Waterfall and Mather beaches. Perfect for rock hounds and agate seekers, these beaches also afford fantastic views of Lake Superior and Williams Island.
Metal detectors are not allowed in Grand Island Recreation Area.
Bicycling SHOW
Mountain Biking
The island provides over 40 miles of rugged dirt/sand trails and easier gravel roads that will accommodate any level of biker.
For example, a family planning a day of biking can arrive on the early boat, take a leisurely pace and travel partway up the west rim trail, cut across the island on an old logging road to Trout Bay Overlook, travel down to Trout Bay day use area for a picnic meal and beach walk, and finish the day biking down along Murray Bay to Williams Landing in time to return to the mainland.
More advanced, energetic cyclists can mountain bike the 20-mile main island perimeter route in four to six hours, with time for brief stops and some exploration.
If you don’t have a bike with you, no problem! The Grand Island Ferry Service rents mountain bikes right at William's Landing. For more information about bike rentals or ferry schedules, please call 906- 387-3503.
If you are traveling to and from the island on the passenger ferry, keep the ferry schedule in mind as you plan your time on the island. Consider your level of fitness and your pace as you make route choices. Bicycling off roads and trails is not allowed. Please respect private property signs.
Camping & Cabins SHOW
Campground Camping
Currently there are 17 designated single campsites on Grand Island. Each of Murray Bay's two designated sites can accommodate up to six people, with a maximum of 2 tents per site.
On Trout Bay, four designated sites can accommodate up to four people each, with a maximum of 2 tents per site. A vault toilet is provided at each end of Trout Bay. The Trout Bay sites can be accessed either by the trail or by water. A day use area is located on the east side and west side of Trout Bay Beach.
There are 11 other designated sites located on the rim trail and the Thumb of the island. Refer to the map of Grand Island. At each designated site, campers must set up their tents within 15 feet of the site marker post. Fires are allowed only in the metal fire ring provided. DO NOT BUILD FIRES ON THE BEACH OR OUTSIDE THE FIRE RINGS.
Random camping is allowed on Grand Island. Permits are not required at this time. Campfires are not allowed at random campsites, and users must focus on Leave No Trace camping techniques. Random sites may be selected by the user within certain guidelines. Randomly chosen sites must NOT be on the Tombolo (see map) and MUST be more than 100 feet from: a) Lake Superior or its cliff edges; b) roads; c) other campsites or recreation developments; d) inland lakes; e) private property; f) named creeks; g) the Research Natural Area (RNA); h) trails. A maximum of 6 people and 2 tents are allowed at each random campsite. Food packs must be hung.
| Status: | Open |
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| Fees: | No permits are required for these campsites |
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Group Camping
The Murray Bay group site can accommodate between 7 and 25 people. One vault toilet is provided near the Day Use Area. The Murray Bay sites can be accessed either by the island's trail system or by water. A day use picnic area is also located at Murray Bay; camping is not allowed at the day use site.
Juniper Flats is available for group camping only. A minimum of 7 campers are required, but occupancy should not exceed 25 people. Access to Juniper Flats is available at the beach access/overlook at Waterfall Beach, approximately 1,000 feet north of Juniper Flats. No safe access exists up/down from the cliffs at the Juniper Flats site proper.
Group campsites at Murray Bay and Juniper Flats may be reserved. (To make reservations, contact the National Recreation Reservation System at 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov.)
| Status: | Open |
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| Usage: | Through the National Recreation Enhancement Act, there is a $2 per person fee charged for each visit to Grand Island. This fee is included in the Passenger Ferry Fee or can be paid at several locations on the Island.
Roads and trails on the island are currently maintained to low standards and some are in hazardous condition due to washouts, fallen trees, etc. At this time, hikers and mountain bikers are allowed to use all open roads and trails, but be aware that you must share some of the roads with vehicle traffic. All visitors must use care.
Traveling to and from the island in your own boat can be hazardous. Much of the island is surrounded by cliffs. Obtain a reliable weather forecast and current nautical charts. NOT ALL CAMPSITES ARE ACCESSIBLE FROM THE WATER. Leave a trip itinerary with someone onshore before you leave. Refer to our kayaking brochure for more information.
Avoid climbing on or standing along the sandstone cliffs. The stone is very fragile and may not support your weight. Grand Island is closed to rock climbing, rappelling and portable generators. Also, keep in mind that domestic animals must be kept on a leash, except while being used for hunting.
Visitors should follow the "pack-it-in/pack-it-out" method, everything you carry onto the island you should carry off with you, including garbage. Firewood should be gathered ONLY from down material--never cut standing trees, (dead or alive), and avoid peeling bark, carving into trees, building "furniture" or leaving other signs of your visit. And always try to leave sites cleaner than you found them.
Bears
If you are both observant and lucky you may be able to see a black bear during your visit. These are wild animals and are NOT to be harassed or fed. Once bears become accustomed to human food, they become a nuisance and a threat to your safety. Hang food packs at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from tree trunks. Never keep food in or near your tent. Bear poles are provided at most campsites. |
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Hiking SHOW
Day Hiking
There are many hiking opportunities along the island's perimeter as well as its interior, providing a relatively secluded setting for hikers seeking a measure of solitude.
Currently, a 4 mile hiking-only trail has been designated in the northeast part of the island, and the 2 mile Thumb trail is reserved for hiking-only use.
Of course, hikers can also use any of the 20 mile hiking/biking Rim Trail in addition to the road system. Undesignated hiking opportunities lie on old roadbeds, cross a variety of terrain and provide shoreline view.
Please respect private property signs.
Scenic Driving SHOW
Scenic Driving
Visitor Vehicle traffic is not allowed during the summer season. However, there is an accessible guided Motorized Bus Tour for those who have limited time, are unable to hike or bike the island, or would like to learn more about the Island's natural and cultural history.
Areas for Scenic Driving at Grand Island National Recreation Area
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