A few of our favorite things... Beaches
Lake Huron
Carol Swinehart
Sea Grant Extension Communication Specialist
Beach: Tawas Point State Park, Lake Huron
Location: Directly off of US-23 and Tawas Beach Road, the beach is within the state park limits. About 40 miles east of West Branch, and a few miles from downtown Tawas City on the northern end of Saginaw Bay.
Why: This beach stands out because of the Tawas Point Lighthouse built in 1876 and because of its key location along the flyway for migratory birds each spring and fall. I remember visiting it with Walt Hoagman, former Sea Grant educator, who worked with Audubon to build bird watching platforms.
See: Beach Details
Jennifer Read
MSG Assistant Director/Executive Director, Great Lakes Observing System
Beach: Port Crescent State Park, day use side, Lake Huron
Location: In the tip of Michigan’s thumb, near Port Austin
Why: The best thing about the park is that it’s not off the beaten path, really. It’s right on M-25 (drive around the Thumb), which is an easy day trip from the greater Metro Detroit, Lansing or Central Michigan areas. It’s between Caseville and Port Austin – Lake Huron communities with lots to offer in terms of fun places to eat and explore.
Best memory: driving our boat over from Port Austin and anchoring off-shore on many lazy Saturday and Sunday afternoons with a picnic lunch, nap in the sun with gentle waves and breeze, and late afternoon swims before heading back to Port Austin for dinner. What a life!
See: Beach Details
Brandon Schroeder
Northeast Michigan Extension Educator
Beach: Thompson’s Harbor State Park, Lake Huron
Location: Right off U.S. 23 is signage for parking to trail heads. However, I like to access where Grand River Outlet dumps into Lake Huron. To get there you take Old State Road off U.S. 23 to Thompson’s Harbor Drive and down to the end parking area right at the outlet.
Why: It’s a place I have explored through many of my Sea Grant projects. It is one of very few undeveloped state parks in Michigan, but is host to some extraordinary coastal habitats, critters, and even history with the shipwreck “American Union” just off shore. In short walks you can range from Lake Huron dunes – rare in this area – to limestone cobble shorelines to coastal marshes to alkaline fens with carnivorous bug-eating pitcher plants, sundew and bladderwort plants!
Of course, you can find nice sandy beaches there, too. These habitats are home to many rare and unique, threatened and endangered species that seem to be pretty commonplace in this park and coastline – such as the tiny blue dwarf lake iris.
See: Beach Details
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