The easiest way to see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is via boat and the 1st sight you come to is the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse. I loved this view because the fall colors were towering over the lighthouse.
If you are only passing through Munising, Michigan, one of the quickest ways to see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is to stop at the scenic overlook on the north west side of Munising. This overlook gives you a view of Munising Bay, Grand Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. After seeing this view I guarantee you will want to come back for more. We stopped here just after the sun popped out and lit up Grand Island. The water seemed to glow a deep blue and the fall colors on Grand Island were perfect peak.
This was the first time I visited Muskegon Lighthouse, I parked in the parking lot knowing I was in the right place but still couldn't see the lighthouse. It was only until I got about 10 feet away from it I could actually see it for the first time. Seeing the lighthouse for the first time this way, reminds me how sailors felt seeing it many years ago; knowing they were finally in a safe harbor.