Grand Marais means big marsh, which is a reference to the large shallow harbor. Now this harbor has a breakwater extending from the bay into the lake. The town is much the same as it was several decades ago. There are few businesses, several homes. There is something for everyone to do and see in the town, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, boating, biking and much more. Grand Marais is an unincorporated community in Burt Township, Alger County. The population is 433 people according to the 2000 census.
Entienne Brule and companion Grenoble were sent by the New France (Quebec) governor to find an all-water route to the west. In 1691 they discovered Lake Superior. Commercial fishing started about 1836 when the American Fur Company dropped nets off Grand Island. The year of 1861 started the community. A gentleman by the name of Peter Barbeau, who moved from Sault St Marie, established the first permanent development by the settlers. He built a trading post on the East Bay, which around the village soon formed. By the mid 1880’s Grand Marais was the largest community in the county. From the federal census in 1884 the reported population was 334 people, in which there were 222 males, 91 females, and 21 Indians.
Since the year 1829 there have been 84 ships have had maritime accidents in and around Grand Marais. In 1874 there was a lighthouse constructed at Au Sable Point to try to reduce the number of ship disasters o n the “Graveyard Coastâ€.
Grand Marais is known as the central location for many people who like to go on day trips. Within an hour, you can go and see the Tahquamenon Falls, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Oswald’s Bear Ranch and much more.
Grand Marais is one of the five, U.S Life-Saving Service Stations along Lake Superior. It was part of District 10 for the U.S Life-Saving Service, later became District 11. In 1915, all five stations became part of the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1933 the U.S Lighthouse Service also merger under the contract of the U.S. Coast Guard.
If you are planning a trip to Grand Marais in August, see when the Musical and Arts Festival is. Grand Marais has this festival every year in August and to make it easier you can stay and camp right at the festival. But if that is what you are planning to do, you need to make your reservations early because they do go fast. Another event that takes place every year is the Splash-In on the Bay. This event takes place every June. The Splash-In on the Bay is on behalf of the National Seaplane Pilots Association. Sea planes from all over the US and Canada are invited to attend the three day festival. Arrivals are on Friday, events all day Saturday and then departures on Sunday. Some events on Saturday are water balloon bombs, spot landing, and short takeoff contests.
Grand Marais is a great place to visit any time of the year. There are the local attractions, such as the Maritime Museum and many gift and craft shops. With an average of 300†of snowfall, and over 125 miles of groomed trails with unsurpassed riding, Grand Marais is the snowmobilers’ paradise. For the summer the people who love beaches have miles of beaches, and there is a protected swimming beach that can be found on the bay. There are also plenty of groomed trails that the National Park Service and Chamber of Commerce maintain for the cross country skiers.
A fun family trip can include camping at Woodland Park. Woodland Park is located right on the shore of Lake Superior and is a short walk to the center of the town. There is a total of 120 modern campsites with full hook-ups, a playground for the kids, a tennis court, and a half mile of beach for swimming, walking, or even relaxing. The only thing is, is that the campground is closed in the winter. If you are not into camping, and wanting something a little more comfortable, you can stay at any of the variety of motels and cabins that are around.
Picture Rock National Lakeshore is the campers and hikers dream place to be. October 15, 1966, President Lyndon B Johnson signed into law, legislation creating the Picture Rock National Lakeshore. This national park was established in 1966 to preserve the pristine nature of the 45-mile stretch along Lake Superior’s south shore. You are able to see Sable Falls, Grand Sable Lake, Log Slide, and many other waterfalls, beaches, and woodlands that make up this park. The park is open year round, Monday through Saturday (9 am to 4:30pm). The park is closed on Sundays and all federal holidays. There is no best time to visit the park because each season brings something to see. Autumn is a colorful display, the mantle of snow set the winter activities, spring the flowers are blooming and summer is warm weather and sunshine while on the beaches or exploring.
No matter what part of the year it is, no matter what you like to do, there is something in Grand Marais Michigan for you to enjoy
Click here for hotels in Grand Marais, MI