5 Things to Do this Summer in Port Austin
Shandra Martinez
| 2 min read
Located at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, Port Austin is a laid-back harbor town known as a location to watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water. There are plenty of ways to explore the sandy beaches, dunes, and unique rock formations, from kayaking to hiking.
Port Crescent State Park: Located just outside the town of Port Austin, this park boasts 3 miles of sandy Lake Huron shoreline and a dark sky preserve. For overnight visitors, a modern campground features waterfront views and 10 overnight lodging options such as geodesic domes, camper cabins, and cottages. The park is also home to the Pinnebog River, trails, stunning sunsets and countless outdoor recreational activities.
Huron County Nature Center & Wilderness Arboretum: Take a walk along the many trails while enjoying the geography of alternating sand ridges and shallow swales that is a haven for native Michigan species.
Turnip Rock + Broken Reefs: This stunning rock formation sits in shallow water a few yards offshore, but visitors must take a more circuitous route by boat because it is located just offshore from privately owned land. The 7-mile round-trip Turnip Rock Trail takes boaters, kayakers or paddleboarders along an undeveloped shoreline filled with sea caves and rocky cliffs.
Lighthouse boat tour: A boat ride is also the only way to see the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse, just 1.5 miles off the shores of Port Austin. The lighthouse was built in 1878 just north of the tip of the Thumb on a rocky reef to protect ships as they navigate the difficult waters.
Farmers Market: You never know what treasure you’ll find at the Port Austin Farmers Market in the city’s downtown. Vendors offer a mix of farm produce, baked goods, plants, antiques and other collectibles. The market is open from mid-May to mid-October every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
View this post on Instagram
There’s lots to see and do in Port Austin in the summer. Check out the highlights in this video.
Related:
Photo credit: Getty Images
