20 Attractions to Explore Near Harbor Beach Lighthouse
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Frank Murphy Memorial Museum
1.62km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum celebrates the legacy of former Governor Frank Murphy, highlighting his career and the impact he had on Michigan history. Upon visiting this educational landmark, visitors can follow the journey of his career from high school student to mayor to governor of the state with original memorabilia and vintage photographs. In addition to learning about his story, visitors are surrounded by fascinating artifacts from the areas around Port Austin Township.
Grice House Museum
2.11km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Grice House Museum is an impressive and fascinating historical building. Built in 1854 by Abner Grice, the museum offers a unique insight into local history and life in 1860s America. Its rustic wooden interiors have remained largely unchanged over time and the building contains original furniture and artifacts that remain from the era in which it was constructed. Visitors can take guided tours of its many rooms, as well as explore other attractions such as a nearby period cabin.
Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse
35.64km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse is a beacon of maritime history on Lake Huron. Established in 1848, it was the third lighthouse built along the Great Lakes, serving as a navigational aid to ships and their crews. Standing at 50-feet-tall, the limestone tower is an impressive sight with its two black lanterns shining brightly. This white painted beacon was automated in 1933, but was decommissioned in 2002.
Michigan Welcome Center
36.65km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Michigan Welcome Center is a great place to visit for anyone passing through the area. This center offers a wide variety of amenities, from helpful travel information to souvenirs from Michigan locales. Visitors can find detailed road maps and brochures, discover interesting facts about the landmarks they may encounter throughout their journey, or purchase gifts and memorabilia to remember their trip.
Bird Creek Park
36.67km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Bird Creek Park is a 37-acre wooded area of nature sanctuary that features three diverse ecosystems, rugged hills, and dramatic wetlands, offering something for everyone. Visitors can explore the numerous walking trails leading to the shores of Huron River, nature blinds to observe local birds and mammals, a fishing pier built into the river, multiple picnic areas for outdoor family activities, and various classes and learning opportunities about natural resources available.
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
37.56km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park is a hidden gem located in Sanilac County. The park is home to ancient carvings or petroglyphs that were created by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. The petroglyphs depict a variety of images, including human figures, animals, and abstract shapes. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park to learn about the history and significance of the petroglyphs. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a small museum.
Pt. Austin Lighthouse
38.41km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Pt. Austin Lighthouse is quite a beautiful sight. The harbor and lake near the point of sunrise was known as dangerous to ships and sailors in the 1800's. In 1871, Congress approved an appropriation for the lighthouse and it came into existence by 1876. Even now, you can take tours to the top of the tower, which stands 70 feet tall with a 280-degree waterfront view. An additional structure included is a fog signal building that has been replaced twice.
Pinnebog River
38.77km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Pinnebog River is a peaceful, meandering waterway that brings life and beauty to the surrounding landscape. The lower reaches of the river are wide and have areas of open water with accompanying wildlife. As it twists its way around bends, with shallow rapids breaking the glassy surface, anglers can be seen dotted along its banks hoping to catch some bass or walleye. Higher up the river narrows and enters swampy marshland where deeper pools hide large mouth bass.
Port Crescent State Park
39.15km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Port Crescent State Park is a stunning natural landscape overlooking Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay. Visitors flock to the park for its beautiful sandy beach and breathtaking sunsets. Other outdoor activities include camping, biking, hiking, boating, swimming and fishing. You can go to the historical lighthouse or explore the large wetlands teeming with wildlife. The park also has a small marina for those who are interested in trying their hand at sailing activities.
Rush Lake
45.84km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Rush Lake is situated in Huron County,and serenely rests 75 feet above sea level. Surrounding its calm waters are incredible views of untouched marshes, rolling terrain, and an abundance of wildlife amongst a plethora of vegetation. This alluring lake presented an opportunity for recreational fishing and blissful summer days swimming with family. It also has access to pontoon boat cruises and social gatherings at the on-site restaurant located right on the lake’s edge.
Port Sanilac Lighthouse
46.91km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Port Sanilac Lighthouse, located in Sanilac County Michigan, is a beautiful reminder of the area's rich maritime history. Built in 1886 and active until 1933, the lighthouse has since been restored and opened to the public as a charming museum. Visitors can climb to the top of the 73-foot-tall tower for stunning views of the harbor and Lake Huron, or explore the exhibits inside to learn about the lighthouse's fascinating past.
Sleeper State Park
48.69km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Sleeper State Park, is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to visit. The park is filled with plenty of activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. Nature lovers can explore the trails that take them through expansive forests and grasslands filled with local wildlife. For those looking to cool off in the summer months, swimming is allowed in many different areas within the park. Other recreational activities include basketball courts and playgrounds.
Thumb Octagon Barn & Agricultural Museum
50.9km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Thumb Octagon Barn & Agricultural Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction. Built in 1923, the octagonal shape of the barn was designed to provide ventilation and increase efficiency in handling livestock. Today, the barn serves as a museum, showcasing agricultural artifacts and educating visitors on the history of farming in the area. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, providing hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Tierney Park
64.61km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Tierney Park, nestled in the heart of Sanilac County, is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This beautiful park offers something for everyone, from its picturesque picnic areas to its serene walking trails that wind through the lush evergreen trees. The park even boasts a peaceful beach area where visitors can unwind and soak up the sun. For those more interested in the water, the park is home to a large pond stocked with fish, perfect for a relaxing day of fishing.
Charity Island
67.65km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Charity Island is a small island only accessible by boat, the scenic beauty and wildlife make it an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to the island often come here for bird watching, fishing, and swimming. The natural harbor of Charity Island also makes it a popular destination for boaters in need of docking or anchoring. Historically, the area has been used by governments and militaries as the base of operations into Lake Huron.
Shay Lake
71.83km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Shay Lake, nestled in the beautiful Tuscola County of Michigan, is a serene and picturesque destination. With crystal clear waters and an abundance of wildlife, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The lake offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer months, while the winter season brings snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Take a walk along the quaint shoreline, or simply sit back and admire the stunning views.
Goderich Lighthouse
73.67km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Goderich Lighthouse constructed in 1858 and looming at 65 feet tall, the structure provides a picturesque beacon from the Port of Goderich. Visitors can explore the area and enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking and fishing. Stairs at the base of the building reach up to a miniature balcony, ready to grant panoramic views of the region. Furthermore, folk art displays on the doorways honor local traditions along with colorful gardensgreens the lighthouse.
Fish Point Wildlife Refuge
73.78km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Fish Point Wildlife Refuge is a stunning ecosystem that's home to more than 200 species of birds and waterfowl. The refuge spreads across 1000 acres of land in Tuscola County, Michigan, and includes wetlands, marshes, and even three miles of shoreline along Saginaw Bay. Birdwatchers and nature lovers alike will find plenty to admire in Fish Point Wildlife Refuge. The refuge also offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Menesetung Bridge
74.3km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Menesetung Bridge is an iconic structure that has drawn the attention of locals and tourists alike. Spanning across the Crystal River in Port Austin Township, the bridge was first constructed in 1921 and subsequently renovated twice by its original designer, William Dick. It proudly stands as a Chicago-style steel Warren truss bridge with a length of 171 feet and three panel sections. In recent decades, it has been declared as an official Michigan Historic Site.
Gravelly Shoal Light
74.49km from Harbor Beach Lighthouse
The Gravelly Shoal Light, is a historic reminder of bygone days. On the shores of Saginaw Bay, this lighthouse has stood since 1872 and served to provide safe harbor for passing ships for decades. Its unique design features a square tower lined with vertical red brickwork, with a black lantern at the top. Just a short distance away from the shoreline, it is still visible to this day and serves as an iconic landmark in Michigan’s maritime history.
Map of attractions near Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Know more about Harbor Beach Lighthouse
Harbor Beach Lighthouse
1 Ritchie Dr, Harbor Beach, MI 48441, USA
The Harbor Beach Lighthouse has been guiding ships to safety for nearly 140 years. Standing over sixty feet tall, the light tower is the tallest on Lake Huron and remains an active aid to navigation today. Built from brick, a process that stretched two years from 1888 to 1890, the light was powered by kerosene until 1987 when it was electrified. While the grounds of the Harbor Beach Lighthouse are not accessible to the public.