The Best Small Town In The Great Lakes For A 3-Day Weekend
The Great Lakes are a chain of freshwater lakes in east-central North America with shorelines in eight different states and the Canadian province of Ontario. They are popular destinations for travelers who enjoy many kinds of recreation. One state in particular stands out for a 3-day weekend in the region. Michigan borders four of the lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Munising, located on the south shore of Lake Superior, is a lively four-season community with outdoor access, an active downtown scene, and a long local history.
Accommodations
The Roam Inn is a boutique hotel that is not located directly on the water, although the upper floors offer views of the bay from their balconies. The inn contains 9 single rooms and 9 suites. On the top floor is the Lumber Baron Suite, which includes 4 elevated guest rooms. Three of these have balconies, and the suite also has a large drop-down living room.
Pictured Rock Inn and Suites is situated in a central location in downtown Munising, near shops, restaurants, historic sites, hiking and biking trails, and Lake Superior beaches. Guests have access to an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. The hotel offers discounts to local restaurants, and in summer, visitors can walk to the beach. In winter, the property provides access to snowmobiling trails.
Local Hot Spots
UP~Scale Art is a gallery and arts center where both local and regional artists can show and sell their work. The pieces in the gallery span many media, including acrylic, glass, jewelry, ornaments, photography, pottery, and more. It is a suitable stop for a souvenir that marks your 3-day weekend in the Great Lakes, and it also supports local artists at the same time.
Falling Rock Café and Bookstore, situated downtown, draws regulars as well as visitors. The business combines a coffee shop, café, bookstore, and event venue into one space. They serve handmade food with gluten-free and dairy-free options, along with locally roasted coffee, teas, and ice cream. Shelves hold thousands of books, and throughout the year, the café hosts art exhibits, live music, and other community events.
ByGeorge Brewing Co. brews several kinds of beer, including lagers and IPAs, and serves them on tap. They also offer specialty wines, ciders, and seltzers. The property includes an indoor taproom, an outdoor beer garden, and a rooftop patio. ByGeorge Brewing Co. does not serve food, although a deli on the same premises provides dining and take-out.
Historic Lighthouses
The Munising Front Range Lighthouse is constructed of steel and stands 58 feet tall. Built in 1908, it aided ships traveling through the East Channel into Munising Bay. The lighthouse remains in use and works with the smaller Munising Rear Range Lighthouse. The National Park Service owns both structures. They are not open to the public, although the grounds around them are accessible.
Outdoor Recreation
One of the most well-known sights in Munising is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, recognized for 15 miles of multicolored sandstone cliffs. Nearly 100 miles of hiking trails wind throughout the park. These trails lead to beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, and streams. Summer visitors enjoy hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping. When cold weather arrives, winter sports take over. Snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, ice fishers, and climbers all use the area. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has gained a strong reputation for its ice climbing routes, which suit beginners as well as experienced climbers.
Around 10 miles northeast of Munising, the Miners River drops 50 feet over Miners Falls. A small parking lot sits 0.5 miles off Miners Castle Road. The waterfall is about 0.6 miles farther along the trail. Visitors follow a self-guided interpretive path along gravel and dirt, moving at a steady incline through the forest to reach two viewing platforms. The lower platform has 64 steps. Many people visit in spring for the blooming wildflowers, while others prefer fall for its foliage.
The Best 3-Day Weekend in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes offer many possibilities for a 3-day weekend, although Munising stands out as one of the strongest choices. Set on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the town blends its long history and outdoor access with modern comforts provided by boutique hotels and local dining. For travelers planning a short getaway in the Great Lakes region, Munising is an easy pick.
