Recreation

Great Lakeshores, Great Lighthouses, Great Islands, Great Snow!

When you first enter the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you will experience a forest with abundant wildlife, miles of rivers and streams, and dozens of waterfalls.

The Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula touches the scenic shorelines and beaches of three Great Lakes, and is home to six historic Michigan lighthouses.

There are also Great Lakes islands, including Grand Island and Round Island. Other attractions in the Hiawatha National Forest include historical structures, archaeological sites, and prehistoric Native American artifacts that are a window to our past and are being preserved for our future. (Read more about Hiawatha National Forest attractions in the Upper Peninsula)

Plan Your Trip to the Hiawatha National Forest

Get started by exploring one of the activities above. Can't find what you're looking for? Use the drop-down on the right to find an area within each Ranger District.

Know Before You Go

Recreation Conditions Report

Spotlights

Clear Lake Education Center

Clear Lake Education Center near Shingleton, Michigan, is a place where everyone (all abilities, ages and backgrounds) can visit to connect with their natural world through integrated educational and recreational programs.

Visit http://www.clearlakeinfo.org for more information about what the Education Center has to offer. You will also find information about rentals, school groups, and how you can get involved as a steward.

Public Days - Take a Tour
Throughout the year, the Clear Lake Education and Stewards Group host Public Days where everyone is invited to take a tour of the Education Center and Clear Lake and have fun trying some of the recreation programs that are available. Visit their website for upcoming dates.

The camp is located near Shingleton, Michigan in the middle of the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. 

Christmas/Grand Island West Channel Range Light

Take a self-guided tour of our Lighthouses via the Hiawatha's OnCell App! 

During the hey-day of water transportation on Lake Superior, mariners used a of "range lights," to guide them on a safe course through dangerous shallows of the island's west channel.

Located near Christmas, Michigan, off Highway M-28, visitors are welcome to view the range lights.

Christmas/Grand Island West Channel

Click the image to view the Christmas/Grand Island West Channel Range Lights photo album.

 

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Bring the family, friends or yourself and check out Grand Island National Recreation Area!

Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique.

Grand Island is the perfect place to spend a day or even just a few hours biking, exploring, and appreciating nature. Please be aware that, in keeping with agency interim direction, the non-motorized trails (e.g. all bike trails) are not open to eBikes. The island is an exciting and secluded destination that offers: 

• Breathtaking overlooks
• Pristine sandy beaches
• Fascinating cultural sites
• Deep hardwoods
• Inland lakes

Online maps are available: Grand Island Recreation Area Map.

How to Reach Grand Island: 

Visitors can reach the island via passenger ferry or private watercraft. 

The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28 about 2.5 miles west of the Munising's blinking light. Look for the Grand Island National Recreation Area signs.  

Some campsites are conveniently located for kayakers.

History of Grand Island: 

If you're interested in the island's history, check out the Grand Island 25th Anniversary Page (archived).