Situated on the southern edge of Munising Bay, across from Grand Island, at the mouth of the Anna River, the City of Munising, Michigan is the county seat of Alger County.
Surrounded by Munising Township on the north, south, and east, the city borders on Au Train Township to the west. Centered just south of Munising Bay, the city boundaries stretch east along Lake Superior to include the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Wilderness Beaver Basin, bordering the unincorporated community of Grand Marais on the east.
The chief routes through the city is M-28 (West Munising Avenue). M-94 joins M-28 at Munising's southern city limits, and H-58 (Au Sable Point Trail) begins in downtown Munising and continues east through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
The village of Chatham is about eighteen miles southwest of Munising, and the only other city or village within forty miles, Marquette and Manistique being forty-two and forty-four miles away, respectively. The unincorporated communities of Wetmore, Christmas, Munising Junction, Juniper, Au Train, Indian Town, Coalwood, Doty, Stillman, Van Meer, and Vail are within ten miles of the center of Munising.
Besides the Anna River, the Miners River flows through the Hiawatha National Forest, emptying into Lake Superior at the western end of Miners Beach. Miners Lake and Miners Falls are along the river. Another tributary to Lake Superior is the Mosquito River, a 6.7-mile waterway along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Other waterways in Munising include Arsenault Creek, Beaver Creek, Little Beaver Creek, Bills Creek, Chapel Creek, Hurricane Creek, Lowney Creek, East Branch of Lowney Creek, West Branch of Lowney Creek, Section Creek, Seven Mile Creek, Soo Creek, Spray Creek, Sullivan Creek, Towes Creek, and several others.
Named ponds and lakes within the city include Beaver Lake, Little Beaver Lake, Chapel Lake, Little Chapel Lake, Grand Sable Lake, Kingston Lake, Legion Lake, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Pond, Section 36 Lake, Lower Shoe Lake, Upper Shoe Lake, Sullivan Lake, and Trappers Lake.
Although Munising's origins are in the iron ore mining industry, the city is heavily dependent on tourism and outdoor recreation today. Its peak population was 5,037 in 1920, but it has decreased in population every census year since, with the exception of 1940, when it increased by 11.5%. Its current population is approximately 2,200.
Munising is the primary embarkation point for cruises to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Grand Island National Recreation Area, with Grand Island located a half-mile north of the city in Munising Bay. The area also has several waterfalls, including Alger Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Memorial Falls, Miners Falls, Munising Falls, Scott Falls, Tannery Falls, and Wagner Falls.
Although French explorers, trappers, and missionaries had come through the area previously, Munising was founded in 1850 when the Munising Iron Company acquired the land and platted a village. First known as Old Munising, and later as East Munising, William A. Cox became the first postmaster of Munising on December 22, 1868.
After the Munising Iron Company failed, the post office was closed on April 10, 1873. For a time, the post office was opened and closed a few times, as other iron companies continued the mining enterprise.
In 1894, Timothy Nester and his associates began building the city at the foot of the harbor, and it was platted in 1895. On January 4, 1896, the post office opened, with Arthur S. Nester as postmaster, and it has remained open since. Munising was incorporated as a village in 1897, was designated the county seat in 1902, and was incorporated as a city in 1915.
Munising was in Schoolcraft County until Alger County was organized in 1885. Its name is believed to have been derived from a Native American word for "island in a lake" or "near an island."
The central point of this portion of our guide is on the Upper Peninsula city of Munising, Michigan. Websites representing the city, the county, or any other governmental entities within the city, are appropriate for this category, as are any local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, sports programs, or recreational opportunities.
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Recommended Resources
Separated from Schoolcraft County in 1885, the Upper Peninsula county was named for Russell Alexander Alger, who was elected Michigan Governor, US Senator, and US Secretary of War. The county seat is Munising, Michigan. The official county website lists the county board of commissioners, posts meeting schedules and minutes, county courts, departments, and administrative contacts. A guide to county facilities and services is presented, and various reports, forms, and documents are included.
https://www.algercounty.gov/
Alger County Chamber of Commerce
Representing the business community of Alger County, the site offers tourist and business information for Munising, Grand Marais, Pictured Rocks, and Alger County, including such attractions as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island National Recreational Area, Alger Underwater Preserve, and the Hiawatha National Forest, with miles of Lake Superior shoreline, several picturesque waterfalls, river, streams, inland lakes, and trails. Member businesses are highlighted.
https://algercountychamber.com/
Alger Parks and Recreation Department
The Alger County Parks and Recreation Department is based in the county seat of Munising, Michigan. Featured are its programs for youth, adults, and seniors, as well as its Concert in the Park program, registration policies, fees, and the required forms. Its Fuzzy Fitness Center, Superior Playland indoor playground, and meeting rooms are highlighted, with contacts and other information. A calendar of programs and events is posted, notices are posted, and a contact form is included.
https://algerparksrecdept.com/
The city of Munising, Michigan is the county seat of Alger County, in the Upper Peninsula. The official municipal website provides a profile and demographics related to the city, as well as contacts and information about its administrative offices, departments, and services. The members of various city boards and commissions are identified, and council agendas and minutes are published on the site. Public hearing notices, surplus items on sale, and employment opportunities are posted.
https://cityofmunising.org/
In business since 1966, the restaurant is on Superior Street in downtown Munising, Michigan, where it is known for its soup and salad bar, country breakfast, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. The business also includes the Munising Gift Shop, which carries souvenirs, handmade gifts, clothing, lamps, jewelry, and other products. The address is published on the site, along with its hours of operation, telephone number, several photographs, and links to places of interest in the area.
https://www.dogpatchrestaurant.com/
Locally owned and operated, the cafe and bookstore are in downtown Munising, Michigan. Offering free wireless Internet, homemade cuisine, custom-roasted coffee and gourmet teas, and Gilbert's Dairy Ice Cream, as well as local art exhibits, live music, and other events, and a selection of books, the seasonal business is on East Munising Avenue. Its location, hours, a calendar of events, and a blog are presented, along with a menu and an online shopping area are available.
https://fallingrockcafe.com/
The MHA is a volunteer-run program for hockey parents and volunteers who enjoy the sport of hockey. Following USA Hockey registration policies and MAHA rules, the MHA sponsors several teams, which are featured here, along with team members and coaches. Game schedules, officials' schedules, and practice schedules are posted, and its home rink is highlighted. Registration may be accomplished online, and volunteer opportunities are posted.
https://www.munisinghockey.org/
Munising Memorial Hospital and Health Services
Munising Memorial Hospital and Bay Care Medical Services are housed in the same building on Sand Point Road in Munising, Michigan, offering primary medical and hospital care for Alger County residents. Its emergency room and hospital, urgent care facilities, and Bay Care Rural Health Clinic are featured, with hours of operation, contacts, and locations. Its services and clinics are introduced, and a patient portal is available, including facilities for online bill payment.
https://munisingmemorial.org/
Maintained by the Munising Visitors Bureau, the guide includes an interactive map highlighting area attractions, as well as a downloadable interactive map application. A printed visitor's guide is available upon request, and may also be viewed online. Local attractions and recreational opportunities are featured, while the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is specifically highlighted, and area information, a calendar of events, and a guide to local guest accommodations are included on the site.
https://www.munising.org/
Providing a K-12 curriculum, the Munising, Michigan public school district operates Mather Elementary School and Munising Middle/High School, both of which are featured here, including student handbooks, an elementary school supply list, high school graduation requirements, scholarship forms, and online learning options. The district's athletics program and booster club, special education program, and breakfast and lunch menus are provided. Bus routes are published on the site.
https://www.munisingschools.com/
Munising School Public Library
Serving Munising Public Schools as well as the Alger County community, the library is situated on the campus of Munising Middle/High School. Its hours of operation, calendar of events, and contacts are posted, library board members and staff members are identified, and board agendas and policies are stated, along with information about obtaining a library card, an overview of its services, a catalog of its books and other collections, and access to e-books, audiobooks, and online resources.
https://msplonline.org/
