Trout Bay

It takes good binoculars if you're going to get a good look at Miner Castle 4 miles east of Trout Bay Overlook, It's not much more that a white blob along the surf in this photo.

This is where a tombolo or sandbar connects the main part of Grand Island to what was another, smaller island on the southeast, now called the "Thumb." There's a beach and, on the Thumb, colored sandstone bluffs and sea caves, like Pictured Rocks only not as high. Powers-of-the-Air, protagonist of A Face in the Rock, was born at Trout Bay. Now six primitive campsites are here.

Trout Bay is an ideal place for kayaking, and a wonderfully evocative one, says Dean Sandell, former recreation planner in the DNR Forestry Division. "In the sea caves the water comes in in swells, making wonderful sounds — higher-pitched than other sea caves. It's quite a treat. The wet rock smell is very organic. There are tiny beaches of pearl-like round stones. The water over those stones, perking down through them, makes subtle sounds. It's a place that slows you down to absorb those great experiences. I could spend a lot of time on Trout Bay."
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GRAND ISLAND
POINTS OF INTEREST

Grand Island East Channel Light. Built in 1868, now a beautiful weathered presence for those taking Pictured Rocks tourboat, light only operated until 1913, replaced by Munising's range lights. ... more

Riptide Ride adventure cruise. Open jet boat takes you all around Grand Island ... more

Williams Landing. The Grand Island ferry lands at the island's original fur-trading hub, recalled by excellent displays. A hike or bike ride of less than two miles to the Murray Bay picnic area and beach passes a historic cottage and cemetery ... more

Trout Bay. An excellent place for kayaking and camping, with a beach, sandstone bluffs, and sea caves—all visible from an overlook platform ... more

North Beach. A memorable spot on the island where a crescent beach, the mouth of a creek, 200-foot cliffs, and the Great Lakes' highest lighthouse ... more

Mather Beach. Scenic rock shelves overlook a nice pebble beach at the outlet of nearby Echo Lake. Walk down perhaps a half mile to reach Waterfall Beach ... more

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