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Munising

MUNISING: https://www.munising.org/

*****GRAND MARAIS TO MUNISING: THE FIFTY MILES OF HEAVEN TRAVELING COUNTRY ROAD H-58 IS ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC IN MICHIGAN - along pictured rocks lakeshore

Point Iroquois Light Station - 20 miles West of Sault Ste Marie and 51 miles East of Tahquamenon Falls


Overview of the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway

Depending on which direction you’re coming from, the scenic portion of M-123 begins in Newberry and ends in Eckerman, both at M-28. This unusually U-shaped, 63-mile highway makes a uniquely remarkable journey.

SCENIC DRIVE: M-123 to H58; scenic and winding! https://www.awesomemitten.com/m123-tahquamenon-scenic-byway/

BEGIN your M-123 road trip in Newberry! 

Hamilton Lake Natural Area

After enjoying a dose of history and culture, head south on the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway toward the Hamilton Lake Natural Area. This remote natural area is perfect for anyone who wants to get away from it all while simultaneously experiencing the untouched beauty of the Upper Peninsula.

The glistening Hamilton Lake is surrounded by flowers and wildlife, so don’t forget to stop by the scenic overlook to take a picture with the water in the background. It’s one of the best photo spots of the road trip.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

If you’re embarking on a summer road trip on M-123, you must include time to venture north to Crisp Point Lighthouse, too. Known as one of the most isolated and remote lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula, it was inaccessible until 1999, when a road was built to connect M-123 to the light tower.

Curley Lewis Memorial Highway

Heading east from the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, driving the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway is almost like taking a vacation from your vacation. It’s another scenic roadway that you must drive if you want to experience the incredible Lake Superior shoreline.

With a few slight curves and hills, the highway is known as a gentle stretch of road that will take you to various points of interest, including the Point Iroquois Lighthouse and the Mission Hill Overlook.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

In the final stretch of your M-123 road trip, you have the opportunity to stop at Point Iroquois Lighthouse. This stately tower was first built in 1855, and for more than 107 years, it allowed fishermen and shippers on the water to navigate their way safely around the rocky shores.

Today, it’s a historical destination that has been lovingly restored. Travelers to the area are invited to learn more about the role that this lighthouse played and to climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the panoramic views.

  • Gnoozhekaaning (Bay Mills Indian Community) exhibit: Closed for renovations in 2025
  • FS Maritime Museum and ENFIA outlet: Tuesday through Saturday 11am-4pm
  • Tower: Tuesday- Saturday 11am-4pm
  • Operating season: June 10th through October 17th
  • Public Restrooms: May 24th through October 18th

  • Directions

    From the intersection of M-28 and I-75 drive 7.5 miles west on M-28 to M-221/ Brimley. Turn right (north) and drive 2.5 miles on M-221 to Lake Shore Drive (FR 42). Turn left (west) on Lake Shore Drive and drive 6.5 miles to the lighthouse.

    GPS Coordinates
    Latitude: 46.484405
    Longitude: -84.630429

 

 

PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE - FEDERAL LANDS PASS REQUIRED (KM HAS THIS)

100 City Park Dr, Munising, MI 49862

Please note, if you are using Google Maps to navigate to the park, please use "Munising Falls Visitor Center", or "1505 Sand Point Road, Munising MI" as your routing point! Using "Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore" will NOT bring you to a visitor center!

GET A MAP AT THE WELCOME CENTER - GPS DOESN'T WORK!

Boat Tour: https://picturedrocks.com/

Waterfalls: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm

Another boat tour option: https://riptideride.com/

More boat tour options: https://www.munising.org/water-activities/boat-tours/

Getting to Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, between the communities of Munising (west) and Grand Marais (east). The main park visitor center is located in Munising at Munising Falls.

Car

Michigan state highways M-28 and M-94 lead to Munising. State highway M-77 leads to Grand Marais. Alger County Road H-58 and other spur roads (some unpaved) provide access throughout the lakeshore. Many roads are closed by snow during the winter. See winter road closure page for more information.

Getting Around Pictured Rocks

Car

The main road that travels through the national lakeshore is Alger County Road H-58. Other access roads (some unpaved) that lead to lakeshore sites such as campgrounds, day use areas, scenic views, and trailheads are clearly marked on the park map. Please stay on H-58 and these official roads.

(For winter road closure information click here.)

Avoid narrow dirt roads, two-tracks, and potential dead end roads where you might get stuck, resulting in very costly towing fees. Use the park map instead of relying on GPS, Google Maps, or other apps which do not work well here.

H-58 is suitable for vehicles of all sizes. Some park roads have size restrictions and others are not recommended for large recreational vehicles, busses, and vehicles with trailers.

Au Sable Light Station

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stands on Au Sable Point on the south shore of Lake Superior; free, range-led climbs daily through the summer (11a - 4p, almost every 30 minutes); GET THERE: Drive to the Hurricane River day use area and hike the Light Station Trail (1.5 mi - FULL HIKE) to the Light Station grounds - https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/au-sable.htm

Grand Sable Visitor Center:

E21090 County Road H-58 (Two miles west of Grand Marais, Michigan)

Free Guided Climbs at the Au Sable Light Station

Summer lighthouse climbs and tours at the Au Sable Light Station begin on June 8th, 2025 through October 15th, 2025.

Join a ranger at 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:00 pm for a guided climb up the Au Sable Light Station! Climbs are free, but spots on each tour are limited. Climbs are first-come, first served.

Guided climbs include a brief overview of the history and purpose of the Au Sable Light Station, a walk through of the Assistant Keeper's Quarters, and a climb up the 98 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a view of Lake Superior and the Grand Sable Dunes.

Securely-strapped shoes (no flip flops, slides, or bare feet) are required to climb the lighthouse.

Munising Falls Hike! 0.4mi - CLOSED due to paved trail being washed out

Hikes: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/hikes.htm

Miners Falls Trail 1.2mi - 2.0 miles round trip

sand Point Marsh Trail - 0.5 mi loop - go early or late in the day for wildlife activity; see the wetlands

Wagner Falls - serene and overlooked

Miner's Castle - The ONLY cliff area accessible by vehicle. 200-1300 ft one way. 3 different viewing platforms. https://www.munising.org/activities/miners-castle-overlook/

Grand Island Boat Tour - https://riptideride.com/

Food

Shopping

  • Open Wings Pottery & Down Win sports?

HOTEL: https://www.munising.org/stay/

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