TRAIL GUIDE
HURON & TUSCOLA COUNTIES
MICHIGAN, USA
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
U.S. COAST GUARD:
VHF Radio—CHANNEL 16
or
Phone (989) 479-3286 or (989) 479-3285
COUNTY EMERGENCY : 911
WEATHER INFORMATION:
VHF RADIO –WX
Scan through stations to hear weather report.
Reports heard are for the area you are in.
VHF CHANNEL 16 IS MONITORED BY
THE COAST GUARD 24/7.
If you have an emergency on the water,
the Coast Guard should be contacted
before calling 911 .
The Lake Huron coast throughout the Thumb offers a
variety of conditions for paddlers. The eastern shoreline
has rocky areas and as you traverse north you will
notice the changes. Paddlers should be prepared for
these varied conditions. Once you round the point at
Port Austin the shores become more sandy. There are
some of the best beach areas of Michigan along this
side of the trail as you move into Saginaw Bay.
WELCOME TO
THE TIP OF THE THUMB
HERITAGE WATER TRAIL
Signage has been placed along the trail marking identified access and
egress points, which correspond to the GPS coordinates on your map
and in your tour guide. The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail
Organization wants you to experience the beauty, variety, and challenges of paddling and exploring the 103 mile trail along the Huron
and Tuscola Counties shoreline of Michigan’s Lake Huron.
Visit the towns and villages along the trail. You will find an extensive
variety of events, shops, and dining experiences to keep you coming
back to this piece of the North close to home.
Remember your safety rules: kayaking and paddling are risky sports.
Do not exceed your experience level or the capabilities of your craft.
ABOVE ALL—HAVE FUN!
This booklet identifies only some of the available access locations and
facilities. There are, however, other sites throughout the Thumb which
can be used. Restroom facilities will vary from primitive to wellequiped. Please be considerate of property owners -- don’t trespass
on private property and remember that any shore location can be used
in an emergency.
TRAIL SIGN EXAMPLE
H 29.6
Grindstone City
H = Huron County or
T = Tuscola County
29.6 = Indicates you are at the
site on Shore in Huron County,
29.6 miles from the beginning
of the trail at White Rock
Grindstone City—is the
Access/Egress Point marked
by this Official sign.
H 00.0
43o 43.045 N
082o 36.566 W
White Rock City
H00.0 WHITE ROCK
MDOT PULLOUT
BEGINNING OF TRAIL
SETTING: White Rock pull out
features a portage down a long flight
of stairs set in the boulders of the
shoreline.
White Rock Park marks the beginning of the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water
Trail. The park sits at the top of a bluff. There is parking available nearby at a
MDOT pull over. Motorists can view White Rock from above and read about
its history on a historical marker.
Amenities: Restrooms, paved parking, stairway leading down to a rocky beach
that could be used for put-in and take-out of paddling equipment.
HISTORY
The limestone boulder, White Rock, was a sacred place for Native Americans
and was a familiar landmark for Native Americans and French traders as they
paddled their canoes along the Huron Coast. In 1807 and in 1819, the rock was
used as a landmark for treaties between the United States and the Anishinabeg.
The Treaty of Detroit was between the United States and the Anishinabeg also
known as the People of the Three Fires (the Ottawa, Chippewa, Wyandot and
Potawatomi) nations of Native Americans. The treaty was signed by William
Hull, president of Michigan Territory at Detroit, Michigan in 1807. The treaty
ceded the native nations’ claims to what is now Southeast Michigan and
Northwest Ohio.
According to a local legend, a group of white settlers decided to hold a square
dance on the rock in 1860. Their Indian neighbors warned against it, saying the
rock was sacred. Two boatloads of dancers ignored the warning, rowed to the
rock and began to party. A horrified witness watched from shore as a stroke of
lightning killed the dancers.
Wagener County Park
H 3.9
43o 46.263 N
082o 36.852 W
H3.9 WAGENER
COUNTY PARK
Wagener County Park H 3.9
2671 South Lakeshore Drive
989-479-9131
Open May 1 – October 15
www.huroncountyparks.com
With 132 acres, Wagener Park, located just under 4 miles north of White Rock
and 5 1/2 miles south of Harbor Beach is an excellent starting point to launch
your kayak or canoe to begin your trip along the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail.
Amenities: Restrooms, pavilion (rental), boat ramp (fee only applies to noncampers), beach launch (free), beach access (no charge), camper cabins,
lakeview sites, hiking trails, sandy playground area, park manager on site.
Included in the Lake Huron Circle Tour is M-25 which parallels the Tip of the
Thumb Heritage Water Trail from Quanicassee to White Rock. Construction of
a bicycle path along both sides of M25 is under construction from Harbor Beach
to Port Austin; this path will also parallel the Heritage Water Trail.
H 9.0
43o 50.498 N
082o 38.835 W
Trescott Street Pier
Harbor Beach
H9.0 TRESCOTT STREET PIER
SETTING: As you approach
break wall at Harbor Beach,
navigate with caution as wind
direction determines swells.
Inside the harbor provides
beginning paddlers with quiet
water.
Harbor Beach
Trescott Street Pier H 9.0
Harbor Beach City shoreline
Contact: Harbor Beach
Parks and Recreation
989-479-9554
www.harborbeachmi.org
Trescott Street Pier and Bathing
Beach, located in the City of Harbor
Beach, is just 5 miles north of
Wagener Park.
Amenities: Restrooms, paved
parking, sandy beach, pavilion,
protected harbor, playground, restaurants, shopping, hospital. Camping available
at North Park Campgrounds.
HISTORY
First settled in 1837, Harbor Beach was destroyed in the fire of 1871, rebuilt,
and narrowly escaped destruction in the 1881 fire. In the later 1800’s ships could
not cross the treacherous Saginaw Bay during bad weather. Sand Beach, later
renamed Harbor Beach, was selected as the site to build a Harbor of Refuge. It
took 11 years to build the breakwater, which encloses 650 acres.
The Frank Murphy Museum in downtown Harbor Beach is the childhood
home of Frank Murphy who served as a Judge, Mayor of Detroit, Governor
General of the Philippines, Governor of Michigan, US Attorney General, and a
U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The museum also houses the largest collection of
Philippine cultural artifacts in the United States. Open to the Public.
The Grice House Museum is located at the north city limits of Harbor Beach.
The museum depicts life in the late 1880’s and early 1900’s. Listed in the National Register of Historical Places, The museum consists of 3 buildings. Tours
are available. Open to the Public.
Harbor Beach Lighthouse was built in 1885 at the main entrance of the
harbor. It stands 54 feet above the water and the light can be seen for 16 miles.
H 11.84
43o 52.670 N
082o 40.434 W
Train Station Motel
H11.84 TRAIN STATION MOTEL
Train Station Motel H 11.84
2044 N. Lakeshore Rd, Harbor Beach
989-479-3215
[email protected]
Located 2 1/2 miles north of Harbor Beach on M-25 the Train Station Motel
features the original Harbor Beach Train Depot which is currently being used as
a Gift Shop.
Amenities: Restrooms, free launch on lake frontage, 9 rooms, restaurant, free
monitored outside kayak storage and free shuttle service available for guests.
Forest Bay Cottages
H 13.58
43o 54.101 N
082o 41.072 W
H16.7 PORT HOPE BOAT CLUB
H13.58 FOREST BAY COTTAGES
Forest Bay Cottages H 13.58
2888 N. Lakeshore Rd, Port Hope
989-428-4335
Located 3 3/4 miles north of Harbor Beach on M-25. Along the shorline there is
a dredged and marked canal as well as two old sunken ships in shallow water
and good bass fishing.
Amenities: Restrooms, fee for launch, cottages for rent.
Port Hope Boat Club
H 16.7
43o 56.633 N
082o 42.331 W
Port Hope Boat Club H 16.7
8242 State Rd, Port Hope
989-428-5006 or 989-428-4556
Open May 1
Located just over 6 miles north of Harbor Beach at the south edge of Stafford
Park in Port Hope on a dredged canal.
Amenities: Restrooms, fee for launch, fishing, monitored kayak storage.
H 16.8
43o 56.673 N
082o 42.528 W
Stafford Park
Port Hope
H16.8 STAFFORD PARK PORT HOPE
SETTING: The launch ramp is
located to the east of the
Stafford Park Pavilion.
Stafford County Park H 16.8
4451 West Huron St., Port Hope
989-428-4213
www.huroncountyparks.com
www.porthopemich.com
Open May 1 – October 1
Stafford Park, a Huron County Park, is located on the shoreline in the village of
Port Hope at 4451 West Huron Street. Port Hope is an antique hunter’s paradise with antique shops, restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments, and an
ice cream parlor lining M-25 as it passes through town.
Amenities: Restrooms on west side of road, pavillion, free boat ramp (impacted
by low water levels), showers, 73 camp sites with lakeview (from rough
camping to full utilities), baseball field, tennis courts, horseshore pit, play
equipment and access to the bicycle path along M-25.
STAFFORD PARK PAVILION
HISTORY
Founded by William Stafford and
later incorporated in 1887, Port
Hope was a lumber town until it
was destroyed by the Fire of 1871,
and rebuilt as a milling town.
Stafford lumber mill’s key to success was the dock he constructed
which allowed lumber to be loaded
onto ships. The village that developed around the mill became known
as Port Hope. Stafford’s house, on
a bluff overlooking Lake Huron,
survived both the 1871 and 1881
Fires, and is now open as a Bed &
Breakfast and is on the National
Register of Historic Places, The
Stafford House Inn.. All that remains of Stafford’s sawmill is the
brick chimney which you can still
see today near the shoreline.
H 23.8
44o 01.226 N
082o 47.496 W
Lighthouse County Park
H23.8 LIGHTHOUSE
COUNTY PARK
AND
POINTE AUX BARQUES
LIGHTHOUSE
SETTING: A passage for boats to the boat launch is marked by bouys.
North of the park area, a rocky point of land, one of several, projects out
into the lake. Oscabe Pointe about
1 mile south of Pointe Aux Barques
Lighthouse is the most famous of
these dangerous rocky areas and is
also known for bass fishing.
www.pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org
Lighthouse County Park H 23.8
7320 Lighthouse Road, Port Hope
Contact: 989-428-4749
www.huroncountyparks.com
Lighthouse County Park, part of the Huron County Park System, sits in one of
the most beautiful locations along the shoreline of Huron County. The park,
located at the junction of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron, is the home of the
Historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse. Fishing enthusiasts will find rock bass
at the Oscabe/Oscube point.
Amenities: Restrooms, boat ramp (fee only applies to non-campers), beach
access (no charge), picnic facilities, 110 camp sites (from rough camping to full
utilities), 6 rustic cabins, fishing, hiking, play equipment, nature study area,
maritime museum, historic lighthouse site.
HISTORY
In 1847 the first Pointe Aux Barques Lightouse was built at this location. Peter
and Catherine Shook with their eight children were the first and second Lighthouse Keepers of the 1847 Lighthouse, which was replaced in 1857 with the
current Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Tower and Keeper’s Dwelling.
2007 marks the 150th anniversary of this lighthouse, the oldest continuously
operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse features a conical white
brick tower, 89-feet tall. A Third Order Fresnel lens sat 93-feet above Lake Huron. The lighthouse was built to provide a turning point for ships sailing up Lake
Huron to Saginaw Bay and to give warning of the reefs at Pointe Aux Barques.
Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Society was established in 2002 to oversee the
restoration and preservation of this jewel of the Great Lakes. The keepers
dwelling houses an excellent Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
Open from May 1—September 30
Tours by arrangement; Tower open for Lighthouse Festival first weekend of
August and for announced times. 989-428-3035
H 29.6
44o 03.333 N
082o 53.632 W
Grindstone City
H29.6 GRINDSTONE CITY
SETTING: Clapotis occurs off the cliffs in this area. With caution,
paddlers can access sea caves along this stretch of shoreline. Winds can
create hazardous conditions and paddling difficulties across the Port
Austin reef which extends from the shoreline to the light.
Deep Water Divers frequent this part of the Thumb Bottomland
Preserve.
Fishing is a popular sport in the Grindstone City and Greater Port
Austin area. Several charter boat companies can meet the needs of fishermen and fishing groups. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more
information.
Kayaking off Grindstone City
Grindstone City H 29.6
Contact: Whalen’s Grindstone Shores
989-738-7664
Ramp Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]
Grindstone City has an unmanned DNR ramp along the southeast edge of the
harbor. No fee is assessed for use. Although the property surrounding the ramp
is private both jetties beyond the harbor are public property as well as the rocky
beach to the south. Grindstone City is the center of charter fishing tourism in the
Thumb region. Walk the circle around town to view grindstones.
Amenities: Rustic restroom facilities, parking, boat launch, marinas, walking
distance to restaurants, general store, ice cream parlor, artists gallery.
There is no camping on the DNR site.
HISTORY
Founder Captain Aaron G. Peer first visited Grindstone City in 1834, when taking refuge in a storm in the natural harbor. He noticed the unusual rock, and later
brought a load of the rock to Detroit where it was used to pave a few blocks on
Jefferson and Woodward Avenues. In 1836, Captain Peer bought 400 acres of
land and began producing grindstones. Captain Peer operated the quarries until
1865 with various partners including the Wallace family. The other major operator in Grindstone City was the Cleveland Stone Company. Each built a large
wharf to ship out the stone. A salt well was drilled and 125 barrels a day of salt
were produced in the 1870’s. The post office was established 1872, and operated until 1962.
In 1887, Wallace built a gristmill and grain elevator. In 1892, the first railroad
was built into Grindstone City and the stone was shipped by rail. The grindstone
business died in the 1920’s as carborundum replaced natural stone. The Pere
Marquette closed the rail line between Port Austin and Grindstone City in 1932.
Grindstone City was platted and sold as lots, many for summer and retirement
homes. The lakeshore property owners formed an improvement association that
improved the Harbor. A large Grindstone can be seen at the corner of Copeland
and Rouse Roads dedicated to the Pioneers of Grindstone City.
H 34.8
44o 02.925 N
082o 59.478 W
Bird Creek Park
Port Austin
H34.8 BIRD CREEK PARK
H35.0 PORT AUSTIN
STATE HARBOR
SETTING: East of Port Austin a shoal extends approximately 1 mile
offshore from Eagle Bay. Atop the sandstone cliffs is the Pointe aux
Barques community with no public access. Turnip Rock provides scenic
photo opportunities. When approaching Bird Creek or Waterfront park
beaches winds create paddling difficulties and confused seas—shallow
waters extends to the Port Austin reef light.
Bird Creek park beach and inside the harbor provides beginning
paddlers with quiet water.
Bird Creek County Park H 34.8
Port Austin
Contact: 877-404-7447
www.huroncountyparks.com
Bird Creek County Park is a day use park located in Port Austin, off M-25 to
the east of the DNR ramp in the village.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, sandy beach, pavilion (rental), gazebo, picnic
facilities, boardwalk, walking distance to shops, restaurants, local accommodations and activities in Port Austin.
Port Austin
State Harbor
H 35.0
44o 02.964 N
082o 59.656 W
Port Austin State Harbor H 35.0
Port Austin
Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]
The State of Michigan Harbor is at the center of Port Austin, at the north end of
M-53.
Amenities: Restrooms, free boat launch, fee for parking, walking distance to
downtown area with restaurants, shops, and local accommodations.
The Port Austin Reef Light
Off-Shore Port Austin
Built in 1878 to mark dangerous shoals, the lighthouse is being restored by the
Port Austin Reef Lighthouse Association
In 1873, Congress appropriated funds for the construction of a lighthouse to mark
the dangerous shoals north of Port Austin. The lighthouse, which was constructed
on an octagonal shaped pier at a cost of $81,871, was completed in 1878. In
1899, the pier was modified with the addition of a new section. The lighthouse
tower is 16 feet across the base and 60 feet high to the ventilator ball. The tower
was built of yellow brick and is double-walled for insulation and weatherproofing. Originally the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse was fitted with a Fourth Order
Fresnel lens manufactured by Henri Le Paute of Paris. There is an attached
brick fog signal building with living facilities for the keeper.
In the 1930’s the lighthouse was transferred from the US Lighthouse Service to
the US Coast Guard. In 1937, the caisson (base foundation) was reconstructed,
adding five feet of concrete to the sides and three feet of concrete to the top. A
steam operated fog horn was also added. In 1953, the lighthouse was no longer
considered by the Coast Guard to be an aid to navigation, was decommissioned
and scheduled to be dismantled in 1984. Louis Schillinger of Port Austin stopped
the light’s dismantling by obtaining a 5-year license to restore the structure. The
following year, a solar array was installed to power the beacon. The non-profit
Port Austin Reef Light Association was established in 1988 for the process of
restoring the light.
H 35.1
44o 02.847 N
082o 59.741 W
Waterfront Park
Port Austin
H35.1 WATERFRONT PARK
SETTING: East of Port Austin a shoal extends approximately 1 mile
offshore from Eagle Bay. Atop the sandstone cliffs is the Pointe aux
Barques community with no public access. Turnip Rock provides scenic
photo opportunities. When approaching Bird Creek or Waterfront park
beaches winds create paddling difficulties and confused seas—shallow
waters extends to the Port Austin reef light.
Waterfront Park H 35.1
Port Austin
Contact: 989-738-7600
www.portaustinarea.com
Day park to the west of DNR Ramp
Amenities: Restrooms, sandy beach, pavillions, picnic facilities, walking distance
to restaurants, shops, and local accommodations.
HISTORY
In 1839, Jonathan Byrd built a sawmill at this site thus establishing the first settlement. The site became known as Byrd’s Creek. In 1854, Byrd sold his mill to
the lumbering partnership of Smith, Austin & Dwight. The town was renamed
Dwightville, and then Austin’s Dock, Austin Port, and Port Austin. The first salt
well in Huron County was drilled here in 1864.
When the County Courthouse burned down in Sand Beach, the County Seat was
moved to Port Austin and the town remained the County Seat of Huron County
from 1865 to 1875. After the timber ran out, Port Austin turned to the land, serving as a market town and processing center for the rich farmlands to the south.
The town was also a draw for summer vacationers; Port Austin became a
center for fishing, farming, commerce and tourism.
“The Garfield Inn”
Charles G. Learned, lumber and construction tycoon, and his wife bought a large
house and acreage in the Port Austin area. Learned enlarged and updated this
house in the French Second Empire style.
In the 1860’s Ohio congressman, later president, James A. Garfield, was a frequent guest here. Garfield was a friend with Maria Learned, Charles’ wife.
Garfield’s close association to the Learned family was documented in his personal diary. Garfield and Maria died within months of each other, he from an
assassin’s bullet in September 1881 after only six months as president. As
Garfield lay mortally ill, he asked to be allowed to travel to Port Austin and
recover in the Learned home.
From 1931 to 1979 the house served as the Mayes Inn and Tower Hotel. It was
listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The structure was
bought by the Pasant family in 1989 who renamed the Bed & Breakfast as The
Garfield Inn in honor of the connection between the Learned’s and President
James Garfield.
H38.8
Jenks
Roadside Park
44o 01.400 N
083o 02.450 W
H38.8 JENKS ROADSIDE PARK
H39.9 PORT CRESCENT STATE PARK
H40.6 PORT CRESCENT
STATE PARK DAY USE
H42.6 MC GRAW COUNTY PARK
Jenks Roadside Park H 38.8
Contact: 877-404-7447
www.huroncountyparks.com
3 miles west of Port Austin on M-25.
Amenities: Restrooms, sandy beach, parking, free launch. Park Closed 10pm.
H39.9
44o 00.579 N
083o 03.199 W
Port Crescent
State Park
Port Crescent State Park H 39.9
1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Contact: 989-738-8663 or [email protected]
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, sandy beach, playground, telephone,
cabins. Camping rates vary with the seasons. A Michigan State Park Motor
Vehicle Permit is required to enter all areas of the park.
Port Crescent
State Park Day Use
H 40.6
44o 00.252 N
083o 03.734 W
Port Crescent State Park Day Use H 40.6
Contact: 989-738-8663, 800-447-2757 or [email protected]
The entrance is approx. 6 3/4 miles west of Port Austin on north side of M-25.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, sandy beach, sand dunes, swimming, hiking,
picnic area. A Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter all
areas of the park.
PORT CRESCENT HISTORY
1963 was the first official camping season for Port Crescent State Park. Located on
the site of the former town of Port Crescent, the Campground and Organization Area
consist of approximately 250 acres and covers about 1.5 miles of Saginaw Bay
shoreline. The only visible remnant of the old town is an eight foot chimney monument
which was built using bricks from the original 120 foot Pack & Woods sawmill
chimney. The Day Use Unit, the area to the south and west of the Pinnebog River,
consists of another 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline. This area boasts wetland swales,
interdunal wetlands, and upland beach ridges. Fox, deer, songbirds and waterfowl can
be seen by the diligent observer. Marram, or dune grass, grows abundantly in the
foredune, and acts as a dune stabilizer provided there is minimal human disturbance.
McGraw
County Park
H42.6
44o 00.177 N
083o 06.224 W
McGraw County Park H 42.6
Contact: 877-404-7447
www.huroncountyparks.com
McGraw County Park is located 7 miles southwest of Port Austin on M-25
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, picnic facilities. No camping.
HISTORY
The Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale Complex is a unique habitat found in
the Great Lakes region. The habitat is a complex series of upland beach ridges
(dunes) separated by wetland swales and is unique to the Great Lakes as a result of the changing levels of the post-glacial Great Lakes. As the Lakes receded, they deposited a series of beach ridges ranging from 1.5 to 12 feet high,
generally parallel to the existing shoreline ranging up to two miles inland. The
beaches going southwest from Port Austin afford excellent swimming, fishing
and recreational opportunities. Two state parks are located in this region.
H 43.8
Oak Beach
County Park
43o 59.839 N
083o 07.599 W
H43.8 OAK BEACH COUNTY PARK
H47.3 PHILP COUNTY PARK
H47.9 SLEEPER STATE PARK
Oak Beach County Park H 43.8
3356 Port Austin Road, M25
Contact: 877-404-7447, 989-856-2344
www.huroncountyparks.com
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic facilities, pavilion, 55 camping sites (from rough
camping to full utilities), swimming beach.
H 47.3
43o 58.923 N
083o 11.519 W
Philp County Park
Philp County Park H 47.3
Contact: 877-404-7447
www.huroncountyparks.com
Philp County Park is a day use park located 5 miles northeast of Caseville on
M-25 in what was once the center of the lumber industry.
Amenities: No restrooms, parking, swimming beach, picnic facilities.
HISTORY
M-25 is part of the Lake Huron Circle Tour. A Native American trail once ran
around the perimeter of the Thumb, following the sand ridges above the Lake
Plain marshes.
Sleeper
State Park
H 47.9
43o 58.927 N
083o 12.420 W
Sleeper State Park H 47.9
6573 State Park Road
Caseville MI 48725
Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]
Open April - November
Sleeper State Park has a half-mile stretch of sandy bach, affording views of both
sunrise and sunset. Along with the nearby Rush Lake public area, there are 2,723
acres of forested area, containing 4 miles of maintained trails and many more
miles of “deer run” type trails. A Picnic area and modern campground are within
easy walking distance of the beach. Most of the park consists of ancient sand
dunes, now covered with forests of Oak, Maple, Pine and Birch.
Avoid paddling through the swimming area which is marked off by buoys. The
water trail sign is located at the east of the park’s 1/2 mile shoreline.
Rustic camp sites are always available for bicyclists, canoeist and kayakers without reservations.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, sandy beach, pavillions, drinking fountains,
swimming, hiking, free launch from beach, picnic facilities, grills, camping for a
fee, fire rings and firewood. Party store nearby. A Michigan State Park Motor
Vehicle Permit is required for all vehicles to enter all areas of the park.
Campground Office Open
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Sleeper State Park
Headquarters
Open All Year
H52.8
43 o 57.015N
083o 16.456 W
Caseville
County Park
H52.8 CASEVILLE COUNTY PARK
SETTING: Gradual deepening beach
and waters surround area. Appropriate for beginners to explore.
Use caution in this high traffic area.
Caseville County Park H 52.8
6400 Main Street / M-25
Caseville / Port Elizabeth
Contact: 989-856-2080 for
Information and Reservations
www.huroncountyparks.com
Amenities: Restrooms, paved parking, sandy swimming beach, pavilions, shelters, picnic facilities, 214 camp sites (from rustic camping to full utilities), playground equipment, bathhouse, concession, walking distance to shopping, restaurants, miniature golf, water craft rentals, fishing, fishing charters, marinas and
breakwall.
HISTORY
The first non-native settler in the Caseville area was Reuben Dodge from Maine.
In 1840, he built a cabin at the mouth of the Pigeon River. The community
of trappers, hunters, fishermen, and small farmers that subsequently developed
was known as the Pigeon River Settlement. In 1852, the town was named Port
Elizabeth in honor of the wife of William Rattle, an agent for Leonard Case
of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1856, the timber and mill operation was purchased
by Francis Crawford and George Martin. The town was named Caseville.
Recently the U.S. Postal Service has recognized the 48725 zip code as Port
Elizabeth or Caseville.
Caseville thrived because of its location, natural resources, and by the energy
and ingenuity of its people. The first industries in Caseville were based on logging and sawmills that prepared timber to be floated down the river and across
Saginaw Bay. Naturally occurring salt brine beneath the town made Caseville a
salt producer, using waste from the sawmills to fuel the salt evaporators. Shipbuilding and iron-making were also early industries.
After the Fire of 1881, Caseville turned to the land and to the lake for its
livelihoods, becoming a commercial fishing center and a resort community that
capitalized on Lake Huron and the village’s accessibility by boat, by rail, and later
by highway.
President William McKinley Sr.’s connection to the Caseville area goes back to
1873 when he arrived in Caseville to manage the furnaces at the Pigeon River
Salt and Iron Works as Superintendent, and later became part owner.
McCaffey Hall
Restored by Caseville
Historical Society
H53.1
43 o 56.597N
083o 16.497 W
Caseville
Municipal Harbor
H53.1 CASEVILLE
MUNICIPAL HARBOR
Setting: Kayakers must take
caution when paddling in the
Municipal Harbor due to
extensive boat traffic. Paddling south from Caseville,
you approach Sand Pointe that
extends 7 miles into the Bay.
This area is lined with private residences and there is
no public access.
Caseville Municipal Harbor H 53.1
Main Street, Caseville / Port Elizabeth
Contact: Caseville Chamber of Commerce
800-606-1347
www.casevillechamber.com
Amenities: Restrooms, ramp, shower facilities, walking distance to shopping,
restaurants, Caseville County Park and community activities. Community room
near the ramp can be used for gatherings or shelter during inclement weather.
Power Boat Amenities: 68 seasonal and transient boat slips, gasoline and diesel fuel, water, electricity, cable TV, ship to shore radio, dock attendant and holding tank pump-out.
HISTORY
The shipping industry was very important to the towns along the shores of
Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. The coastal towns developed around the deeper
waters of the river mouths. Sebewaing, Bay Port, Caseville, Port Austin, Port
Hope, Harbor Beach — All had natural harbors that were improved; whereas,
Port Crescent and Grindstone City built wharves to get their timber and stone to
market.
Saginaw Bay with its shallow waters has been a rich fishing ground that has
attracted settlement to its shores. The Native American speared the plentiful
Lake Sturgeon, and also caught the Northern Pike and Walleye that were found
in the shallows and river mouths. The Europeans that settled around the
lakeshore also took advantage of the fishing that could be found here. The fisherman caught Whitefish, Lake Trout, Yellow perch, Lake Herring, and Walleye
in large quantities.
Fishing around the Thumb Trails
Walleye populations in Saginaw Bay are again well established through breeding, stocking, and habitat restoration.
Yellow Perch , also known as Lake Perch, are a major shallow water game fish.
The population recovered in the 1990’s. Yellow perch usually occur in schools
near shore in shallow waters. The tasty Perch continue feeding year-round, making Perch a favorite of ice fishermen.
Lake Trout, a cold water fish, are recovering after successful lamprey control
efforts. They require, cold, clear, well-oxygenated water, so in the Summer they
are found almost exclusively in depths range from 50 to 100 feet. In the winter
Lake Trout feed near the surface, making them a good draw for ice fishermen.
Salmon as a treasured game fish. Lake Huron is now home to three species
of Salmon; the King or Chinook Salmon, the Coho or Silver Salmon, and Pink or
Humpback Salmon.
H62.3
43o 54.527 N
083o 21.369 W
George Beadle created
a series of manmade
canals throughout Sand
Point to bring water front
property to a greater
number of people.
Beadle Bay
Marina
H62.3 BEADLE BAY MARINA
H64.39 FILION ROAD
PUBLIC ACCESS
Setting: Shallow water extends a considerable distance off the tip of Sand Point,
making this area a haven for bird watchers. Cranes, egrets, eagles and other birds also
utilize Wildfowl Bay between Sand Point and Bay Port. Rocky conditions exist along
the shores of North Island. Marinas on Wildfowl Bay are heavily utilized by power
boaters.
Beadle Bay Marina H 62.3
4375 Long Eagle Trail
Caseville / Sand Point
989-856-4911
www.tour-michigan.com/~beadle
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, ramp (fee), camping, play area, walking trail,
inland canals for paddling, small store.
Filion Road
Public Access
H 64.38
43o 53.177 N
083o 19.777 W
Filion Road Public Access H 64.39
West end of Filion Road
989-856-4411
[email protected]
The Filion Road Public Access is located at the west end of Filion Rd. This
launch is for small boats only. There is parking available, free launch, no
attendant on duty.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, free launch, good fishing.
H 64.4
43o 51.217 N
083o 22.461 W
Bay Port State
Boat Launch
H64.4 BAY PORT STATE
BOAT LAUNCH
Setting: Shallow water extends a considerable distance off the tip of Sand Point,
making this area a haven for bird watchers. Cranes, egrets, eagles and other birds also
utilize Wildfowl Bay between Sand Point and Bay Port. Rocky conditions exist along
the shores of North Island. Marinas on Wildfowl Bay are heavily utilized by power
boaters.
Bay Port State Boat Launch H 64.4
Promenade Street, Bay Port
Contact: Bay Port Chamber of Commerce
989-551-9929 www.bayportchamber.com
Ramp Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, boat launch (small boats only), walking distance to accommodations and restaurant. Find the old Stagecoach Stepping Block
on Cedar Street.
HISTORY
Settled by Carl Heisterman in 1851, Bay Port was originally called Geneva, then
renamed Wildfowl Port before receiving is present name in 1872. Renowned for
its fishery, catching, processing and shipping millions of pounds of Lake Herring,
Sturgeon, Lake Trout, Walleye, Whitefish, and Yellow Perch, Bay Port continues
to be a commercial fishing port and is also now known for its sport fishery. A
State of Michigan Historical Marker, at the mouth of the Harbor at Promenade
Street, honors the Bayport Fishing District.
In 1883, the Saginaw, Tuscola and Huron Railroad came to Bay Port, bringing
tourists from East Saginaw for rock hunting excursions at the Bay Port Quarry,
which continues to produce 450,000 tons of decorative stone, base materials,
shoreline protection, concrete stone, railroad ballast, asphalt split material and
agricultural lime annually.
Just northeast of Bay Port, in late fall/early winter of 1862, Emil Baur, with
50 families, started a colony Ora Labora (Latin for Prayer and labor). Unfortunately, this location on Wildfowl Bay was too shallow for large ships; money was
scarce, many of the colonists were city folk; many succumbed to malaria
and their ranks were depleted by the civil war draft. The women and elders could
not sustain the farming operation and though the colony struggled valiantly to
survive it collapsed in 1872.
H69.2
43o 47.939 N
083o 25.600 W
Sumac Island
Access Site
H69.2 SUMAC ISLAND
ACCESS SITE
H74.0 SEBEWAING
COUNTY PARK
Sumac Island Access Site H69.2
West end of Geiger Rd.
Amenities: Restrooms, free launch, parking.
H74.0
Sebewaing
County Park
43o 44.180 N
083o 27.667 W
Sebewaing County Park H 74.0
759 Union Street, Sebewaing
Contact: 989-883-2033
www.huroncountyparks.com
Encompassing 20 acres, Sebewaing County Park, is one of three locations on
the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail located in or near Sebewaing.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, 64 camping sites (from rough camping to full
utilities), lodge.
HISTORY
Sebewaing, originally Auchville, was founded in 1845 by the Rev. J.J.F. Auch, a
Lutheran missionary, who came to preach to the Chippewa. In the same year,
Reverend Auch helped settle German missionary settlers on the Cass River at
what became Frankenmuth. Reverend Auch with the help of the local Chippewa,
built a log house, was joined in 1849 by his brother and other German missionaries. When the Township was organized in 1853, the village was renamed
Sebewaing after the River. By 1854, the Chippewa had left the area. The first
school in Sebewaing was taught by Reverend Auch in 1854. The school was
attached to the Auch’s Lutheran church and the first class had a dozen students.
Later the mission house was moved to 590 East Bay Street in Sebewaing and
set up by the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod as a
museum, The Luckhard Museum—Indian Mission. This location is identified by
“The Indian Mission of 1845” Historical Marker.
The Chippewa (Ojibwe), the original people of Saginaw Bay had a village north
of Sebewaing near Shebahyonk Creek. The Chippewa call themselves
Anishinabe, in their language meaning original men. The name Chippewa comes
from an Algonquian word “otchipwa” meaning to pucker, deriving from the
Chippewa’s distinctive puckered moccasin seam.
H74.5
43o 44.048 N
083o 27.451 W
Sebewaing
Harbor Marina
H74.5 SEBEWAING
HARBOR MARINA
H75.0 SEBEWAING
ROAD VFW
WILDFOWL OF SAGINAW BAY
A mecca for hunters and birders, Saginaw Bay, is a major nesting area and rest
stop for migratory waterfowl. With the lakeshore plain, wet prairies, dunes and
swales, and shallow lake bottoms the bay is a major habitat for North American
birds. This area is a major rest and feeding stop for migratory song birds and
waterfowl on the Central Flyway. Wetlands are host to Canada Geese, Snow
Geese, and Tundra Swans. Mallards, Grebes, and Wood Ducks nest here, while
other waterfowl include Green Winged Teals, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Pintails,
Ring Necks, Scaups, Longtails, Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Mergansers, Ruddy
Ducks, and Loons. The Bay also has waders including Herons and Bitterns,
Yellowlegs, Sandpipers, Dunlins, and Sandhill Cranes.
One can spot Terns and Cormorants fishing in the Bay. A birder may spot Bald
Eagles, Ospreys, and Hawks circling above. The inland forests and thickets are
home to Neotropical migrants as well as less migratory species of songbird including Warblers, Finches, Thrushes, Nuthatches, Wrens, Titmice, Kinglets, Waxwings, and Sparrows. The wetlands are also home to large numbers of RedWing Blackbirds and Swallows.
Sebewaing Rd / Bay St
VFW
H 75.0
43o 43.531 N
083o 28.281 W
Sebewaing Harbor Marina H 74.5
700 West Sebewaing St
Contact: 989-883-9024
Amenities: Restroom, ramp (fee), convenience store
Sebewaing Road VFW H 75
Contact: Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce
989-883-2150
www.sebewaingchamber.com
Amenities: No restroom, free launch at end of Sebewaing Rd.
HISTORY
Sebewaing, from the Chippewa for “little crooked creek,” was a center for fishing, shipping, sugar, and beer making.
Sebewaing, also similar to the Ojibwa word “sibi-wan” means “rivers, streams.”
One reference indicates the translation to mean “where the river is”; another
reference says it refers to “crooked creek”. The River is seen on some old
French maps as the Du Fill (Thread) River. In the 1860’s cooperage (barrel
making) was a thriving industry, using the plentiful oak trees of the region. Other
early industries in Sebewaing included farming, coal mining, fishing, shipping and
ship building. Sebewaing later became a center for making beet sugar with a
major factory of the Michigan Sugar Company built here in 1902.
The town was once famous as home of the Sebewaing Brewing Company
which produced beer for almost a hundred years until shutting down in 1965.
The brewery began life as the E.O. Braendle Brewery in 1880. A fire destroyed
the wood frame building in 1893. It was rebuilt with brick walls three feet thick
and prospered until Prohibition outlawed beer making. The Sebewaing name
began during Prohibition when in 1927, the Sebewaing Products Company was
organized to produce malt extract. After Prohibition, Sebewaing again brewed
beer until financial pressures in the 1960’s shut down most of the independent
breweries in the United States.
T 77.2
Fish Point
Lodge
43o 43.069 N
083o 30.965 W
T77.2 FISH POINT LODGE
Fish Point Lodge T 77.2
4130 Miller Ave, Unionville, MI
Contact 989-674-2631
www.fishpointlodge.com
Fish Point Lodge was built near the turn of the century by George Blehm, a
commercial fisherman and duck hunting guide and grandfather of the lodge’s
current owner, Doug Deming. It was originally known as Sportsman’s Haven,
and was a favorite spot for local waterfowl hunters. In the century since the
lodge was constructed little has changed.
Amenities: The Lodge offers outdoor activities 12 months of the year..
Restrooms, accommodations, cabin rentals, camping, ramp (fee).
T 79.9
43o 42.011 N
083o 33.160 W
Thomas Marine
T79.9 THOMAS MARINE
THOMAS MARINE T 79.9
5066 West Thomas Rd,
Unionville, MI 48767
989-674-2627 989-225-7583
Amenities: Restrooms, Camp sites ,(from rustic camping to full utilities, fees),
showers, ice, pop machine, bait, clubhouse always open for shelter during inclement weather, boat ramp other launch points at your discretion (fee).
Sunset Bay Marina
T 82.48
43 o 40.240 N
083o 38.877 W
H82.48 SUNSET BAY
MARINA
Sunset Bay Marina T 82.48
5825 Loomis Rd, Unionville, MI 48767
Contact: Manager 989-674-2605, Owner 989-674-2668
Amenities: Restrooms, range markers, launch fee, mini storage, fishing, pay
showers, sandy beach, meeting room, marine store, bottled water, pop, night
crawlers, picnic area.
Allen Road
T 84.97
43o 38.357 N
083o 36.552 W
T84.97 ALLEN ROAD
Allen Road Access T 84.97
Amenities: None, free dirt ramp launch at end of road, limited parking.
Setting: Public access is limited to the end of the road only. Access to
the lake is via Northwest Drain Outlet #3. The trail sign is not visible
from open water: you must come up the drain to the access ramp. Please
be considerate of the private property on the north side of Allen Rd.
Vanderbilt
County Park
T 88.9
43o 35.880 N
083o 39.818 W
T88.9 VANDERBILT
COUNTY PARK
Vanderbilt County Park & Campground T 88.9
4446 Bath Road, Fairgrove, Mi 48733
Contact: Host 989-325-2037 or 989-672-3700
www.tuscolacounty.org/vanderbilt
Open All Year.
Main season mid April through September. Call for arrangements at other times
during the year.
Amenities: Restrooms, camping, pavillion, play area, picnic area, nature trail
(to be completed in 2009), small store 1/4 mile west, restaurant 3 miles west,
marina 1 mile on M-25.
Quanicassee
River
T 90.44
43o 35.085 N
083o 40.843 W
T99.44 QUANICASSEE RIVER
Quanicassee River Public Access T 90.44
Barney Road off M25 (follow Public Access Signs)
Contact: DNR Bay City State Park, 989-684-3020
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, DNR paved ramp can be used for boats on
trailers, restaurants in area.
HISTORY
A fishing village from pre-settlement times, Quanicassee derives its name from
a Native word for “lone tree” and is located on the Quanicassee River, a tributary of Saginaw Bay. Although it’s said to be of Native origin, the name reportedly is not compatible with Ottawa or Ojibwa vocabulary. The site was a gathering place for fishing by then Native people and settlers. A post office was established in “Quanicasse City” June 11, 1886, and operated until March 31, 1902.
The Detroit, Bay City, & Western Railroad had a station at Quanicassee City
from 1915 through 1925. The line was acquired by the Detroit, Caro, and
Sandusky Railroad after the bankruptcy of the Detroit, Bay City & Western.
Rail traffic through Quanicassee ceased in 1928 when a storm surge from
Saginaw Bay pushed up the Quanicassee River and destroyed the railway bridge
forcing the Detroit, Caro, & Sandusky to abandon the line from Caro to Bay
City. The village is still a center for fishing and a gateway to the Quanicassee
State Wildlife Area.
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
Web Links for Quick Reference:
Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail
www.thumbtrails.com
Huron County Parks
www.huroncountyparks.com
Bayport Chamber of Commerce
www.bayportchamber.com
Caseville Chamber of Commerce
www.casevillechamber.com
Harbor Beach Chamber of Commerce
www.harborbeachchamber.com
Port Hope
www.porthopemich.com
Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce
www.sebewaingchamber.com
Port Austin Chamber of Commerce
www.portaustinarea.com
Huron County EDC
www.huroncounty.com
Tuscola County
www.tuscolacounty.org
Unionville
www.unionvillemi.com
TRAIL GUIDE
HURON & TUSCOLA COUNTIES
MICHIGAN, USA
This publication is graciously
sponsored by:
1-888-282-4932
Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail
P.O. Box 92, Caseville, MI 48725
www.thumbtrails.com
email: [email protected]