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MARVAC
Northeast/Thumb Region Driving Tour: Sights in the Crook of the Hand
Driving Time: 2 hours, 47 minutes Mileage: 142 miles
Each season evokes its own sense of magic and majesty in Michigan. The scenery changes. The crowds grow and wane. Yet the beauty of nature and attractions remains intact, as well as accentuated in new ways. These destinations found in the crook of the hand of the Mitten State are welcoming to travelers throughout the year – it’s up to you when you want to see them for yourself.
Stop ➊
Tawas City:
Lumberman’s
Monument Park
This is one of the top attractions
in the summertime for wandering tourists. Partially due to its history
as an integral area for the lumber industry during its hey-day, partially due to its stunning views and overlooks of the AuSable River. Again, each season brings its own glory and appeal. There is a statue at the park, a monument to the loggers of a bygone era, who worked this land and gave everything they had to do so. The park is 15 miles west of Oscoda.
It’s not plowed or shoveled so be prepared if you plan to visit during the winter months.
Stop ➋
Sand Point:
Nature Preserve
Stop ➌
Caseville: Long Pier
A well-loved walk – and fishing spot
– for many hikers and anglers is along Long Pier in Caseville, which is within the Caseville County Park. The pier
juts out 1,800 feet into Lake Huron. It’s important to remember that piers can become particularly treacherous with inclement weather, such as high winds or cold waves. Stay on the shore and on the safe side if there’s any question of safety. The long sandy beach nearby is worth a walk, too.
Stop ➍
Huron County
Wilderness Arboretum
Located between Port Austin
and Caseville is Huron County Wilderness Arboretum (www. huronnaturecenter.org/index. html), which has more than 120
acres of woods, dunes, and marshes. Explore 120 acres of woods, dunes, and marshlands via the nearly two-mile trail system that has boardwalks, bridges, and viewing decks. Part of the trail is paved while the rest is covered with wood chips. You don’t need to pay
any entrance fees or have a Michigan Recreation Passport, so you can visit any day from dawn until dusk.
Stop ➎
Port Austin:
Turnip Rock
Port Austin is best known for its octagonal lighthouse and for the
most famous natural formation in the Thumb dubbed “Turnip Rock.” Turnip
Rock is just off the tip of Michigan’s “fingernail,” the most northern point of the state’s thumb designated as Pointe Aux Barques. The unique rock is a sandstone island that has some trees, moss, and other vegetation growing
on top of it. In the summer, you can go view the rock by kayak by putting into Bird Creek County Park, but in the winter, you can hike over the frozen lake to see the formation up close. The land around Turnip Rock is private so those are your only options.
More activities around northeast Michigan
Port Austin: Saginaw Bay
Area Birding Trail
Port Austin is a town that rests at the tip of the thumb on the shore of Lake Huron. There, you can pick up the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail, which begins at Port Crescent State Park and largely follows the shoreline of the entirety of Saginaw Bay. According
to the website, www.sblc-mi.org/ bird.html, the distinct change in seasons, diverse habitats, sprawling miles of shoreline, over 200 species of birds, plus extensive natural areas with public access, make the trail a birder’s paradise.
Midland: Dow Gardens
Located farther inland but in the general nook area of the mitten is Dow Gardens, which is includes an award-winning children’s garden, water features, annuals, perennials, and towering pines. Admission in- cludes access to Whiting Forest, the longest canopy walk in the U.S and
40 feet in the air. Check dowgardens. org for hours and admission prices.
A protected coastal area of the Saginaw Bay Watershed, Sand Point Nature Preserve is 220 acres of
the most biologically diverse sites along the Saginaw Bay shoreline. Birdwatchers flock here to view sandhill cranes, great egrets, wood ducks, great blue herons, songbirds, and bald eagles. There are five miles of trails well-worth a trek. You can’t beat the pristine and untouched beauty of this area. The southern end can be reached by turning west on M-25 onto Dunn Road. The main parking lot is off M-25 north of D unn Road.
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