MUNISING/CHRISTMAS
Munising and Christmas are neighboring communities located in the central part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nestled along the southern shores of Lake Superior. Known for their rich history, natural beauty, and unique attractions, these towns offer a range of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Munising, the larger of the two towns, was established in the mid-19th century. Named after the Ojibwe word “Minisiing,” meaning “at the island,” Munising’s history is closely tied to the lumber and fishing industries, although today it is primarily a tourist destination. The town is known as the gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a stunning park boasting multicolored sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sand dunes, and beaches. One of the best ways to view these natural wonders is via boat tours, which depart from Munising.
Another key attraction in Munising is the Grand Island, a National Recreation Area just offshore. The island is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and historic lighthouses. Visitors can explore the island by bike, hiking, or via a narrated bus tour.
A few miles west of Munising lies the community of Christmas. Established in 1938, the town was named after a local factory that made holiday gifts. Today, Christmas embraces its unique name by offering year-round Yuletide cheer. One of its notable landmarks is the World’s Largest Christmas Store, known as Santa’s Workshop, which draws visitors with its vast selection of holiday decorations, ornaments, and gifts.
For those interested in Native American history, the Hiawatha National Forest, located between Munising and Christmas, is home to several historic sites, including burial mounds and a variety of artifacts.
Both towns also offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating on Lake Superior to hiking and cross-country skiing in the surrounding forests. Winter visitors can enjoy ice climbing on the frozen waterfalls in Munising or snowmobiling on the area’s extensive trail network.
In terms of events, Munising hosts the annual Pictured Rocks Days in June, a two-day festival featuring local arts and crafts, food stalls, and free guided kayak tours. Christmas, on the other hand, is known for its unique holiday-themed events, including Christmas in July and an annual parade featuring Santa Claus.
Popular spot with excellent craft beers, cozy atmosphere, and friendly staff.
Hotspot with diverse craft beers, welcoming vibe, and budget-friendly prices.
Popular spot for hearty breakfast, diverse menu, and standout dishes. Crowd-pleaser.
Munising gem with delectable eats, fresh fish, outdoor seating, and local brews.
Local favorite with scrumptious eats, DIY steak grill, and upcoming outdoor patio.
Modern facilities with 340+ slots, poker, virtual tables, and rewards program.
Beloved whiskey bar and pub with a wide beer selection and friendly atmosphere.
Exceptional dining experience with friendly staff, creative cocktails, and heavenly food.
Crowd-pleasing deli with mouthwatering sandwiches, generous portions, and convenient brewery proximity.
Cozy eatery near a brewery, charming, packed, and serving unique veggie pizzas.
Raved-about pizzas, speedy service, and scenic outdoor seating with games. Delightful.
BYGEORGE BREWING
Sunday CLOSED
Monday 2PM - 10PM
Tuesday 2PM - 10PM
Wednesday 2PM - 10PM
Thursday 2PM - 10PM
Friday 2PM - 10PM
Saturday 2PM - 10PM
They’re known far and wide for their dang good craft beers and the kind of cozy atmosphere you just can’t beat. Folks who swing by can’t help but rave about the whole brew-ha-ha – they’ve got a real mix of brews, you betcha, with flavors that’ll tickle your taste buds like nobody’s business. And let me tell ya, the folks working there are a hoot – always ready to steer you toward a brew that’ll suit your fancy. Now, mind you, they ain’t got no fancy food menu, but here’s the kicker – they share the digs with the Driftwood Deli, right there in the same building! So, you can order up some grub and have it brought right to your table. It’s a sweet deal, and folks just eat it up.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
EAST CHANNEL BREWING COMPANY
Sunday 12PM - 10PM
Monday 12PM - 10PM
Tuesday 12PM - 10PM
Wednesday 12PM - 10PM
Thursday 12PM - 10PM
Friday 12PM - 10PM
Saturday 12PM - 10PM
East Channel Brewing Company, right smack in the heart of Munising, MI, is the place to be, don’t ya know? Beer lovers and folks just out for a good time flock to that joint. They’ve got themselves a whole mess of craft beers that folks can’t stop raving about – stuff like a blueberry beer and a cherry IPA that’ll make your taste buds dance a jig. the vibe there is real down-to-earth, like a friendly ol’ neighborhood pub. Bartenders are as friendly as they come, and it’s all about the good times, no frills attached. You can bring your own chow or grab some take-out and chow down while you enjoy your brewski. And its right next to Carberrys Pizza!
PHOTOS REVIEWS
THE DUCK POND
Sunday 11AM-8PM
Monday 11AM-8PM
Tuesday 11AM-8PM
Wednesday 11AM-8PM
Thursday 11AM-8PM
Friday 11AM-10PM
Saturday 11AM-10PM
You betcha! The Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden up in Munising, MI, is a real gem known for its lip-smackin’ grub and warm, friendly vibes. Folks can’t stop talkin’ ’bout the tasty eats they whip up – them whitefish bites, chowder, and whitefish tacos, they’re somethin’ special. People reckon that fish is as fresh as it gets, and they sure know how to cook it up right. Here’s the cherry on top – they’ve got this sweet outdoor seating area that’s perfect for kickin’ back and relaxin’. And when it comes to the brews, they’ve got a whole slew of ’em, includin’ some local favorites.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
FOGGY'S STEAKHOUSE
Sunday 11AM - 2AM
Monday 11AM - 2AM
Tuesday 11AM - 2AM
Wednesday 11AM - 2AM
Thursday 11AM - 2AM
Friday 11AM - 2AM
Saturday 11AM - 2AM
Folks just can’t stop singin’ the praises of Foggy’s Steakhouse, let me tell ya. It’s a real local favorite, and people swear by their scrumptious pizza and top-notch service. They’ve got a whole smorgasbord of options – steaks, fish, ribs, chicken, and pasta, you name it! And here’s the kicker – you can even cook your own steak right there on an open grill. How’s that for a good time, eh? Now, all their dinners come with some homemade soup and a fresh salad. And lemme tell ya, their whitefish and perch dinners, they’re the real deal – fresh as a daisy and tastier than a Yooper pasty. But hold onto your hat, ’cause they’re even buildin’ themselves an outdoor patio.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
KEWADIN CASINO
Sunday 9AM - 1AM
Monday 9AM - 1AM
Tuesday 9AM - 1AM
Wednesday 9AM - 1AM
Thursday 9AM - 1AM
Friday 9AM - 1AM
Saturday 9AM - 1AM
You betcha your placing bets! Clean as a whistle, the facilities here are as modern as a shiny new snowmobile. When it comes to the games, they’ve got more than you can shake a stick at – over 340 slot machines, poker rooms, and virtual table games to keep you entertained. You won’t run outta options, that’s for sure! And here’s the kicker – it’s part of the Kewadin Casinos rewards program, so you can snag yourself some nifty perks and promotions while you’re at it. And if you’re feelin’ peckish or need a place to rest your weary head, there are plenty of dinin’ spots and partner hotels nearby.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
WHISKY DICKS
Sunday 12PM - 8PM
Monday 5PM - 10PM
Tuesday 3PM - 10PM
Wednesday 3PM - 10PM
Thursday 3PM - 10PM
Friday 12PM - 2AM
Saturday 12PM - 2AM
Whisky Dick’s up in good ol’ Munising, MI, is the kind of place that folks can’t help but love. It’s a whiskey bar and pub that’s known far and wide for its friendly vibes and top-notch service. They’ve got themselves quite the selection, with over ten taps flowin’ with Michigan and domestic beers, all served up in frosty mugs. Now, that’s a sight for sore eyes! The bartenders are a knowledgeable bunch, and they’ll make you feel right at home. And when you step inside, you’ll see the decor and ambiance are downright impressive, adding to the whole experience. Now, hold on to your hat, ’cause here’s a neat trick – you can order grub from the Beachcomber’s food truck out back and chow down right there in the bar.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
TRACY'S
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 5PM - 10PM
Wednesday 5PM - 10PM
Thursday 5PM - 10PM
Friday 5PM - 10PM
Saturday 5PM - 10PM
The whole vibe at Tracey’s is just right. The ambiance, the staff, especially them mixologists, they all come together to make it one heck of a welcomin’ and enjoyable fancy dining experience. The folks behind the bar, they’re somethin’ else – they’ll whip up cocktail suggestions that’ll tickle your taste buds, and they’re as friendly as can be. But let me tell ya, it’s the food that really steals the show. Folks say it’s downright incredible, each bite like a taste of heaven. And the menu, well, it’s got somethin’ for everyone – from fancy dishes like Elk and Wagyu steak for those lookin’ to splurge, to more affordable options under 20 bucks.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
DRIFTWOOD DELI
Sunday CLOSED
Monday 11AM - 4PM
Tuesday 11AM - 4PM
Wednesday 11AM - 4PM
Thursday 11AM - 4PM
Friday 11AM - 4PM
Saturday 11AM - 2PM
Driftwood Deli right here in good ol’ Munising, MI, is a real crowd-pleaser, no doubt about it. They’ve got folks singin’ praises for their out-of-this-world food and top-notch service. Now, when it comes to sammies, you better believe they’re doin’ it right – that chicken bacon panini and Reuben, they’re the bee’s knees, I tell ya! They’re slingin’ some mean pulled pork mac and cheese, and the portion size? Well, let’s just say it’s as generous as a Yooper’s heart. And them grab-and-go salads? Fresh as a crisp fall mornin’, loaded up with the good stuff. Now, here’s the cherry on top – it’s in the same buildin’ as ByGeorge Brewing! Can you believe it? You can grab some grub at Driftwood Deli and wash it down with a cold one from ByGeorge.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
THE COOKING CARBERY PIZZA
Sunday 3PM - 9PM
Monday 3PM - 9PM
Tuesday 3PM - 9PM
Wednesday 3PM - 9PM
Thursday 3PM - 9PM
Friday 3PM - 9PM
Saturday 3PM - 9PM
Well, now, ain’t this a cozy spot we got here? This little eatery, even though it’s small as a cabin’s pantry and can get packed tighter than a sled full of snow, folks say it’s as neat as a pin and cool as a winter’s breeze. Adds to the charm of the whole eatin’ affair, you see. Here’s the kicker – it’s sittin’ right next to East Channel Brewery! Talk about a one-of-a-kind setup for savorin’ some pizza. You can even plop yourself down in the brewery if you fancy. And let me tell ya, they’re rustlin’ up some fine veggie pizzas, a real treat in these parts where veggie choices are about as scarce as summer snow. You’ve got your savory blueberry, Margherita, ginger rhubarb, and mushroom artichoke – folks can’t stop singin’ their praises. Tastin’ ’em is like a slice of heaven right here in the U.P.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
PICTURED ROCKS PIZZA
Sunday 12AM-8PM
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 12AM-9PM
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 12AM-9PM
Friday 12AM-9PM
Saturday 12AM-9PM
They’re hootin’ and hollerin’ ’bout the amazin’ pizzas and the whole dang dine-in experience over here. Now, despite the place buzzin’ like a bee’s nest, they sure know how to hustle. Service? Faster than a jackrabbit on a hot tin roof, they say. Makes for a darn fine eatin’ experience, let me tell ya. But the real star of the show? It’s them pizzas! They’re a taste sensation, with top-notch fixin’s, a crust that’s crispy as a fall leaf, and toppings so fresh, they’ll make your taste buds do a happy jig. They’ve also got themselves an outdoor seatin’ area that’s downright heavenly. You can kick back, enjoy the ambiance, and even have a go at some lawn games. Plus, the view of the bay? It’s a real treat for the eyes.
PHOTOS REVIEWS
DOGPATCH RESTAURANT
Sunday 7:30AM - 9PM
Monday 7:30AM - 9PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 9PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 9PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 9PM
Friday 7:30AM - 9PM
Saturday 7:30AM - 9PM
If you’re lookin’ for a hearty breakfast in these parts, The Dogpatch is the name of the game. Folks can’t get enough of the grub they’re slingin’, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser. They’ve got a little somethin’ for everyone – country breakfasts, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches that’ll tickle your taste buds. It’s a real smorgasbord of flavors, I tell ya. The stand outs are that whitefish basket, the daily soups, chicken tender basket, and the polecat sandwich with a salad – folks can’t stop singin’ their praises. It’s a taste bud tango, that’s for sure. So if you like a little color in your life, both inside and outside, The Dogpatch has gotcha covered.