The name Grand Marais (big swamp) is a reference to the large wetland in the central Upper Peninsula south of Grand Marais, noted by early French-speaking fur traders and mapmakers. Most of the wetland has been preserved in the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

Grand Marais is a four-season tourist mecca, snowmobiling being popular in the winter and swimming, boating, and fishing among the summer recreations.

The historic village of Grand Marais, Michigan is located on the south shore of Lake Superior at the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore. Our warm summers, beautiful autumns, and snowy winters make Grand Marais a year-round recreation destination.