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Sunrise Coast: Shipwrecks, beaches, and lakes that sparkle

Meet Heritage Route US-23.

  • 22
  • 05:26
  • 241 mi
  • $39
Take This Trip

Created by LaurenFoley - September 13th 2016

The Sunrise Coast is like visiting another world... and another time. The historic Heritage Route along US-23 features Lake Huron, mysterious shipwrecks, beautiful lighthouses, and miles of breathtaking beaches.

Photo Credit: Flickr/cate cuerden

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The Gateway to the Sunrise Side of Michigan, Standish has the small-town charm that many seek when visiting Michigan. Explore Standish and the nearby river settlement of Au Gres, with its bustling downtown district featuring local shops and restaurants and its quaint and peaceful Chapel in the Park as you travel along US-23. Au Gres is also home to Modern Craft Winery, where even the most hesitant wine drinker can find something to enjoy, from whites, reds, and many fruit-flavored blends.

Standish is also the place to pick up the Huron Shores Coastal Water Trail, which follows the Sunrise Coast for 200 beautiful miles. Natural preserves and resorts line the Michigan shores, and the views out onto the lake are unbeatable, so naturally this is a favorite for kayakers and canoe pros.

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Photo of Termar Charter Service
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426 E Michigan Ave, Au Gres, MI, US

Termar Charter Service

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"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!

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Charity Island, MI, US

Charity Island Lightkeepers Home

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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.

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23mi 00h 33m

686 Tawas Beach Rd, East Tawas, MI, US

Tawas Point State Park

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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.

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Photo of Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center
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5401 Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI, US

Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center

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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.

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Photo Credit: Flickr/Linda

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On one side of the Au Sable River, you'll find the town of Au Sable. The river is a popular spot for canoeing, fly-fishing, and kayaking, so rent a a boat here and explore the water and forested landscape around this serene part of the state.

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Photo Credit: Flickr/Steven Depolo

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The other side of the river is home to Oscoda. Here, you'll find the Au Sable-Oscoda Historical Society & Museum, Iargo Springs, and locally owned gems such as Office Bar and Grill and Tait's Bill of Fare. Wiltse's Brew Pub is a local favorite; wash down your burgers and BBQ with one of their locally crafted brews. Plus, you're still right by the shores of Lake Huron, so you're never too far away from panoramic views of the water.

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16mi 00h 20m

248 State Park Rd., Harrisville, MI, US

Harrisville State Park

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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.

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11160 US Hwy 23 S, Ossineke, MI, US

Dinosaur Gardens Prehistoric Zoo

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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!

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Photo Credit: Flickr/USFWSmidwest

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Alpena, on Thunder Bay, is another town along the route. Step back in time at Old Town Alpena, the postcard-worthy historic district, or enjoy some rich culture at the Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, where you can view masterpieces and buy local crafts. Get a taste for Alpena at Thunder Bay Winery, and sample eight locally-crafted wines for only $5.00, or at Stoney Acres Winery, with their selection of wines that range from sweet to dry, as well as unique fruit options such as pear and blackberry. If beer is more your taste, Alpena is home to Austin Brothers Beer Co.

There's also the Besser Museum of Northeast Michigan, which features exhibits on Native American culture, geology and industry, as well as a planetarium and restored historical buildings. End it all by watching the sun set behind the Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse. Even though access to the historic light is limited, it's still a great photo op.

If you're looking to get out on the lake, schedule a boat cruise or scuba excursion with Middle Island Keepers' Lodge, Diving, & Boat Tours. Spot lighthouses and enjoy the lake breezes from a guided boat tour, or explore historic shipwrecks below the water!

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500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, MI, US

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

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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.

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At Presque Isle Harbor, Presque Isle, MI, US

Presque Isle Range Light Park

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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!

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Photo of Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
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5295 E. Grand Lake Rd., Presque Isle, MI, US

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

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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!

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4500 East Grand Lake Road, Presque Isle, MI, US

New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park and Museum

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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!

Photo of Ocqueoc Falls
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M-68, Rogers City, MI, US

Ocqueoc Falls

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.

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Photo Credit: via Flickr/Erik Przekop

Michigan's Sunrise Coast is a vacation unlike any other... roadside kitsch, excellent bike trails, quaint lakeshore towns, natural beauty, and intriguing history make for a US-23 road trip that's exciting, yet relaxing.