Things to Do and See in Alger County
The Alger Underwater Preserve consists of several shipwrecks throughout Munising Bay and the adjacent waters of Lake Superior. Divers can explore these wrecks, choosing from beginner to expert-level dive sites. Charters and equipment rental are available in Munising. For those who prefer to remain above water, the Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour is available daily from May until mid-October.
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches along the Lake Superior shoreline from Munising northwest to Grand Marais. The Pictured Rocks sandstones rise upward of 220 feet above the water as sheer cliffs or as formations and caves weathered by thousands of years of wind and wave. Toward Grand Marais the cliffs give way to the Twelvemile Beach and Grand Sable Dunes – areas of pristine white sand shoreline, and home of the beautiful AuSable Light Station. From May to mid-October, the Pictured Rocks cruises take you from Munising along a narrated tour of the rock formations of the Lakeshore. Hikers, sea kayakers, and boaters can all enjoy the Lakeshore in parts or its entirety thanks to area shuttle services and rental outfitters.
The Hiawatha National Forest and the Grand Island National Recreation Area preserve thousands of acres of forest and lake lands, as well as their history. Silent sports, ATV, and snowmobile enthusiasts can find solitude or time out with friends & family in any of the hundreds of miles of trails. Observant travelers may spot wildlife such as grouse, eagles, deer, beavers, or black bears. Grand Island is accessible via a ferry service near Munising, and a bus tour is available for a relaxing, historical ride.
The fall color season is not to be missed. Deep reds, oranges, and golden yellows glow around the hills and farmlands, and add a beautiful contract to evergreens in mixed woodland edges.
Over 20 waterfalls, named and unnamed, can be found within the county. Accessibility ranges from roadside viewing to multi-mile hikes. In the winter, the falls and groundwater seepage freeze into spectacular ice pillars, curtains, and caves.
Alger towns each have their own unique shops, cafes, restaurants, heritage museum, and art galleries. Various service organizations and churches hold annual events or special meals. A casino is available in the town of Christmas for those who enjoy gaming.
Come for one of the area’s many special events or festivals: traditional Fourth of July celebrations; maritime, music, art, and even ‘bigfoot’ and ice climbing festivals; running, biking, snowmobile, ski, dogsled, and the famous Trenary Outhouse Classic races; farmer & artist markets; summer concerts in the park; and National Park and Forest special activities.
Alger County accommodations range from traditional motels with pools, sauna, and waterslides to cozy and quiet family-owned motels; bed & breakfasts to forest or waterfront cabins and lodges. Modern and primitive camping facilities available throughout the county.
www.algercounty.org. Phone 906/387-2138 for information.
To experience the variety of our Lake Superior environment, come to Alger County in the central Upper Peninsula.
Back to Top