20 Attractions to Explore Near Pt. Austin 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tawas Point State Parki is situated on a peninsula that extends out into Lake Huron, providing both stunning views and plenty of natural beauty. Visitors will enjoy the two mile beach, excellent fishing, and taking in the remarkable wooded bluffs from the many viewpoints available. There are hiking trails winding through the forest with glimpses of wildlife as well as plenty of picnic area. The campground also offers 120 modern sites nestled among tall pines or along Lake Huron's shoreline.

Tawas Point Lighthouse, is a beacon of beauty and captivating history. Established in 1876 on the tip of Tawas Point, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on Lake Huron and one of 13 still operational today. After undergoing significant renovation in 2003 and unification with the adjacent State Park and Wildlife Area, the surrounding area buzzes with outdoor activity all year long. Overlooking the vast waters of Lake Huron, the 41-foot tall red brick tower is quite a sight to behold!

Tawas Bay is a natural paradise. Its serene beauty has been attracting tourists for quite some time now, especially during the summer months. It's an excellent spot to take part in numerous outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, sailing and bird watching. Surrounding the bay are several parks and marinas that you can explore filled with lush greenery and sandy beaches. The area is home to a myriad of species of birds and aquatic animals like northern pike, walleye and trout.

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.

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.

Gateway Park is a beautifully designed and maintained park that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The park has plenty of open space to spend a day enjoying a picnic or simply taking in the breathtaking views of nature. There are several walking trails which provide great ways to get around while exploring the area. Those interested in aquatic sports can take advantage of nearby waterways for fishing, swimming, kayaking and more.

Eagle Run Hiking Trail is a picturesque and tranquil 4.6-mile loop that provides a delightful and accessible outdoor experience. The trail is relatively easy, with some moderate uphill portion, making it the perfect day hike for families or those with less strenuous exercise goals. Along the trail's winding path hikers will find plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of northern Michigan: expansive views of lakes, streams, and riparian areas abound.

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.

The Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area, is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Spanning 907 acres, the area boasts multiple habitats that provide some of the best bird watching and fishing opportunities to be found in Michigan. For those looking to observe more than just birds, there are several trails winding through the wetlands, thick hardwood and pine forests which offer glimpses of mink, river otters, and deer.