Travel Destinations Michigan Top Things to Do Along the Lake Huron Shore in Michigan Explore shipwrecks, lighthouses, charter fishing and Lake Huron beaches on the Sunrise Side of the Lower Peninsula. Check out our guide for what to do, where to eat and where to stay. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 28, 2022 Sturgeon Point Light. Photo: Jason Lindsey 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. John Noltner 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 Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. EE Berger 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 Albert E. Sleeper State Park. Jason Lindsey 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit