Sunrise Coast: Shipwrecks, beaches, and lakes that sparkle

"Catch and cook" fishing charters are a popular activity on Lake Michigan. Spend the day on the open water with an experienced captain catching walleye, trout, salmon, and steelhead. When you return with your catch, a local chef at a participating restaurant will cook it up for you, so you can enjoy a totally unforgettable meal!

The Charity Island Lighthouse is another scenic lighthouse along the lake. It's on Charity Island in Lake Huron, just off Au Gres. It was originally built in 1857, but it was abandoned for an easier-to-access light in the 1930s and quickly fell into disrepair. Recently, though, considerable work has been done to restore the tower and to build a new keeper's cottage, which is operated as a B&B. You can find boat tours of the island and grounds; the boat tours also pass by the unique, art deco-style Gravelly Shoal Light, which is worth a picture or two itself.

Tawas Point State Park is home to one of the best beaches in all of Michigan. Its wide expanses of sandy shore give way to sparkling clean water. You'll find big waves on the Lake Huron side of the beach, and calm waters on the bay-facing side. Explore the trails, or visit the historic lighthouse, and, if you brought gear, set up camp at the park and take a few days to fully experience everything.

The excellent Rose Valley Winery is pretty close to Tawas Point. Whether you like light fruit wines, heavy and sweet dessert wines, or spicy, dry reds, there's something at Rose Valley that you're sure to love. Valley Mist Vineyards is nearby as well; sampling their distinctive wines, which come in flavors such as strawberry rhubarb and coffee, is definitely an adventure.

The Lumberman's Monument is one of the most underrated stops along US-23. It's way more than just the monument: There's the statue, of course, but you also can climb across a massive log jam, use real logging equipment, and explore what a logger's accommodations would have looked like. The observation deck and dune trail offer stunning views as well!

And just down the road from the Lumberman's Monument, you'll find the Cooke Hydroelectric Dam, which was built in 1911 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, commemorating the dam's record-breaking achievement of transporting power to Flint, 125 miles away.

As you keep cruising along US-23, you'll come across another gem: Harrisville State Park. It's got a beach and shady pine forests, and is within walking distance of the town of Harrisville. It's not hard to see why Michigan made this one of its first state parks... it's a serene slice of natural beauty worth preserving!

Just slightly north of the park, you'll find the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. The light is still operated by the coast guard and features a maritime museum on site.

Harrisville also has a few sites along the Alcona County Quilt Trail. Barn quilts are simple, quilt-inspired wooden blocks that decorate historic barns and buildings, and are popular attractions across the Midwest. There are nearly 30 barn quilts located across the region. You can follow the Alcona County Quilt Trail to discover each and learn about the history that inspired the designs along the way.

You can also explore the historic gems in the city with the 2.5-mile Harrisville Heritage Route. Or, bike the Greenbush Route, which takes you past the town's prettiest attractions along Cedar Lake. The Old Stone Church Route is another popular bike trail that starts in Harrisville; you'll travel along US-23 until you reach the nineteenth century church that was hand-built with local stones. Other great bike trails include the Springport Route, which is 16.5 miles out to the town of Springport, and the Sturgeon Point Route, which is only 5 miles and takes you to the lighthouse and back.

There's something to be said for classic roadside attractions such as Dinosaur Gardens Prehistoric Zoo. There are more than 25 massive statues that were handcrafted, and they make fun photo ops. Plus, exploring the lush, swampy grounds is a great way to stretch your legs. There's also mini golf, snacks, and a fun little gift shop, too!

Throughout history, Thunder Bay has been famed for its treacherous waters... in fact, it was often referred to as "Shipwreck Alley." Hundreds of sunken ships remain at the bottom of the lake, but if you don't have the time or resources to dive down to visit one, there's always the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes, which tells the story of human interaction with the lake, from its pre-Columbian history to early transportation to fishing camps and lighthouses. They offer glass bottom boat tours of the lake. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Museum is the visitor center, and has some awesome displays that educate and entertain as well.

Then head further north to Presque Isle. The town is home to Presque Isle Harbor, and you can learn about how the harbor has played a major role in the town's history at Presque Isle Range Light Park. Once you're done checking out the range lights, visit the beach and its designated swimming area to cool off!

There's also the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse. Blow a foghorn, ring the massive bronze bell, climb to the top of the 30-foot brick tower, and learn about local legends surrounding the light and keeper's cabin as you explore the grounds of the lighthouse.

For even more old-school fun, check out the Elowsky Grist Mill. The dam and grist mill were built in the mid-nineteenth century by German immigrants, and the mill operated until the 1960s!

The New Presque Isle Lighthouse was built in 1870, and remains the tallest light along the Great Lakes that is accessible by the public. Here, you'll find two keeper's cabins, one of which was built in 1905. It has been lovingly restored and dedicated to local history and lighthouse-keeping in general. If the climb up the 130 stairs to the top of the tower doesn't wear you out, you can always explore the natural trails in the surrounding park as well!

If you're an avid biker, then the Ocqueoc Falls Cruise is a must-do. The 37-mile ride features rolling stretches of country road, views of Lake Huron, charming small towns, the historic 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, and, of course, Ocqueoc Falls. It's the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula, and it's a favorite destination for locals for a reason: It's a top-notch swimming hole and picnic spot!

Other popular bike routes on the Sunrise Coast include the North Eastern State Trail, which makes its way from Alpena to Cheboygan, hopping from town to town along the way, and the Au Sable Cruise, which follows the Au Sable River for 42 stunning miles along River Road, a National Forest Scenic Byway. There's also the 34-mile Sunrise Side Cruise, which is perfect for those who are looking for a more rugged and wild experience along Lake Huron's shores, with more forests and fewer towns. Or ride the Black River Route, which is a quick 24-mile loop past the shores of Lake Huron and through the ghost town of Alcona.