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 on the “Graveyard Coast”.

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 snowmobiler’s 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 for you to enjoy!

We Hear You America contest

Grand Marais Michigan, population ~300, gained national attention early in 2011 due to its status as the leader in a national contest sponsored by Reader’s Digest. Visitors to the We Hear You America web site had the opportunity to “cheer” for any community in order to win recognition and cash prizes. Grand Marais’ harbor has officially been deemed a Harbor of Refuge because it is the only lifeline a sailor has along the dangerous shipwreck coast of Lake Superior. Years of neglect have caused deterioration of its harbor break wall allowing sand to fill in, but the cost seemed prohibitive. Grand Marais attained 1,281,724 “cheers” and won the top municipal first prize of $40,000 in the contest, as well as notoriety for its plight in a Reader’s Digest article.

Tourism

Former Grand Marais U.S. Life-saving Station now serving as a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Ranger Station

Grand Marais is a four-season tourist destination, with snowmobiling being popular in the winter, and swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing among the summer recreations. Points of interest include:

 

• The former United States Coast Guard Life-saving Service Station serves as a ranger station for the spectacular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This is the station where the Coast Guard radio operator had his last communication with the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald before she sank with all hands. The Grand Marais Maritime Museum is located in the former keepers quarters of the station.

• Pickle Barrel House Museum (1926)

• The Lake Superior Brewing Company operates a brewery and pub at Grand Marais.

• In mid June, the neighboring harbor at Grand Marais is the site for an annual sea plane fly in hosted by the Grand Marais Pilots Association on behalf of the National Seaplane Pilots Association.

• In mid July, the harbor is the site of the Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium, a multi-day event which attracts multiple sea kayakers from around the country. It is billed as “the largest and oldest sea kayaking symposium on the Great Lakes.”