When it comes to enticing visitors, nature dealt Munising, situated on the U.P.’s northern coast, a royal flush. The town of 2,350 curves around the belly of protected Munising Bay.

The Grand Island National Recreation Area looms just offshore, in expansive Lake Superior. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore begins at the edge of town and stretches for over 40 miles east. The Hiawatha National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/hiawatha) spills across the forests to the south and west.

So, obviously, if you’re looking for outdoor activities, Munising’s got all the right cards. M-28 leads you right to the heart of town, where you’ll find restaurants, mom-and-pop motels, and the ferry dock for cruises to Pictured Rocks.

Getting to Munising

To reach Munising, you can fly into Sawyer International Airport (SAW) (125 G Ave., Gwinn, 906/346-3308, www.sawyerairport.com), rent a vehicle from several major car rental agencies, and head west on M-94. If you’re already driving through the state, you can take M-28 to Munising, whether you’re headed east from Marquette or west from I-75.