Tip of the Thumb Getaway
The “thumb” of Michigan has sometimes been referred to as the “forgotten digit” of the mitten. Forgotten or not, there is a getaway at the tip that will be talked about long after you return home, no matter which part of it you jump into. For the fun of it, the “tip” runs roughly speaking from Port Hope in the east, to Bay Port in the west, with Grindstone City, Port Austin and Caseville in between. The whole area hugs the coast of Lake Huron. Visitors almost automatically begin to focus on Lake Huron. The waters are pure and blue, lighthouses are visible and legends of shipwrecks beckon. There are beaches, as well, so those who want nothing more than sunshine, sand and the sound of the waves are going to be happy too.
The Tip of the Thumb Getaway is included in the book Quick & Easy Getaways.
At the northern most point of the thumb is Port Austin. This is the largest town on the getaway and could take up a whole day on its own. In town are shops, dining options of all kinds, including PAKS Backyard, a beer garden. Port Austin is one of the few places where you can watch the sun rise over a Great Lake and watch it set over a Great Lake. Port Crescent State Park on the beach has a five-mile long hiking trail, and there is the “Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail” for kayakers and canoeists.
If you plan to go out onto Lake Huron,
Port Austin Kayak & Bike Rental is the place to get
equipment, information about the Tip of The Thumb Heritage
Water Trail, and that all important weather update. Just
offshore is the Port Austin Lighthouse, which was occupied
by a keeper until 1953, when it was automated. It is one and
a half to two and a half miles from shore, depends on who
you ask, resting on the reef that it marks. The water is as
shallow as 3 feet in some places, and it is clear enough to
see the dangerous rocks below. Divers can explore limestone
ledges, walls and sunken islands along the Port Austin reef
near the lighthouse. There are shipwrecks and even some
grindstones lost from Grindstone City. For a gorgeous view
of Lake Huron, stop in at Lisa's Loft in the historic brick
building at the corner of Lake and Spring Streets above
Heins Hardware. The view is truly breathtaking. Besides
offering the view, Lisa's is a great shop with large
selection of everyday gifts and seasonal items.
