Top Things to Do Along the Lake Huron Shore in Michigan
Do
Alpena Shipwreck Tours
Offshore from Alpena, peer at the ghostly remains of shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters of Thunder Bay. alpenashipwrecktours.com
Charter fishing
Alpena's Two Hearted Charters and Court Yard Ristorante partner in the Catch and Cook program: Head out with Two Hearted in the morning; Court Yard will cook whatever you bring back that day.
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Kids and adults enjoy learning about old-time schooners, underwater archaeology, shipwrecks and boatbuilding at this free Alpena museum. thunderbay.noaa.gov
Lighthouses
Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state, and several impressive structures dot Lake Huron's shores. Among them: 40 Mile Point (Rogers City), Old Presque Isle and New Presque Isle (Presque Isle), Tawas Point (Tawas), Pointe aux Barques (Port Hope) and Fort Gratiot (Port Huron).
Lumberman's Monument
Be prepared for action. Interactive exhibits about the area's logging history engage visitors, but it's the climb down to the Au Sable River for views that will leave you breathless. fs.usda.gov
Port Austin Kayak
Kayak the Turnip Rock Water Trail to see oddly shaped slabs of sandstone rise from clear green waters along the Lake Huron shore. Also available for rental: bikes and stand-up paddleboards. portaustinkayak.com
River Road Scenic Byway
The 22-mile route stretches through the Au Sable River Valley. At Iargo Springs, stop at the overlook or take the 300 steps to the spring area. Three miles east, learn about the logging industry at the Lumberman's Monument Visitors Center. A steep walk (272 steps) leads from the monument to great river and dune views. fhwa.dot.gov
State Parks
It's not unusual to have a stretch of grassy dunes or a hiking trail to yourself at laid-back Albert E. Sleeper and Port Crescent state parks, on Saginaw Bay at the tip of Michigan's Thumb. Stay the night at modern campsites. michigandnr.com
Eat and Drink
Cabin Creek Coffee
The joe is smooth and rich, but so are the other choices: lattes, chais and specialty drinks. Enjoy one with a berry-studded scone or a thick sandwich in Alpena. cabincreekcoffeealpena.com
Hack–Ma–Tack Inn and Restaurant
Originally a private hunting and fishing lodge in Cheboygan, Hack–Ma–Tack now invites guests to drive in or boat in from the Cheboygan River to enjoy slow-cooked prime rib and whitefish almondine. hackmatackinn.com
Stay
The Cadillac House
Settle in for dinner at the recently reopened 1860 hotel in Lexington before retiring to one of 12 guest rooms. thecadillachouse.com
Fleetwood Inn and Suites
All of the Cheboygan inn's spacious rooms face a dock-lined stretch of the Cheboygan River. fleetwoodinn.com
More information: visitalpena.com