Most People Don't Know That This Charming Small Town Has An Ojibwe Name
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published October 26, 2023
×
Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Learn more about Michigan’s fascinating history and what makes this Great Lake State gem such a popular destination with visitors.
Stretching along 42 miles of Lake Superior's southern coast, it's no surprise that the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has become a bucket-list attraction for tourists nationwide. This geological masterpiece is one of our state's most awe-inspiring treasures. It's also imminently photographable, meaning you'll find its photos posted across many social media platforms.
But just down the shore, the community of Munising is itself a delightful destination. Its name is derived from the Ojibwe word minisiing, meaning "at the island," referring to modern-day Grand Island, yet another local feature worthy of a day trip.
The Ojibwe are an Anishinabek peoples who reside across southern Canada, the plains, and the Northern Midwest. Historically, the powerful Ojibwe nation played critical roles in regional politics, including the initial exchanges between Indigenous peoples and European settlers. They remain a prominent influence on Michigan culture today.
The Pictured Rocks continue to be a place of profound spiritual significance to the Ojibwe nation. 16th-century accounts written by European colonists describe the rich set of beliefs and traditions attached to the site. People left tobacco offerings along the shore, believing it to be "alive with unseen spirits." In fact, numerous Ojibwe folk stories feature the landscape just outside Munising.
It's hard to pull your focus from the glory of Lake Superior, but it's worth highlighting other gorgeous attractions nearby. Nestled in a grove of hemlock and pine trees, Wagner Falls makes for an iconic and approachable hike.
In Munising proper, consider visiting the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center. Though small, the community's downtown is a vibrant hub of coffee shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to layover between outdoor excursions.
To learn more about the Ojibwe peoples, plan an outing to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St Ignace, located around two hours away. They hold an extensive collection of artifacts and interpretive materials, giving visitors unique insight into the nation's rich history.
Just don't make the mistake of thinking that the culture you're learning about exists behind museum glass! The Ojibwe are a dynamic part of modern Michigan life.
Michigan’s indigenous heritage is all around us. Learning the background of local town names like Munising is a great way to connect with and honor the communities that have called Michigan home long before the arrival of the first Europeans.
