Thumb’s End-Of-Summer Bucket List

by Mike Hardy · Published August 26, 2015 · Updated February 14, 2019

The calendar on your desk indicates that summer officially ends after Labor Day, but deep down you not quite ready to ditch the shorts and flip-flops for sweatshirts and football. It only really ends when you’ve done these 6 things at the end of summer in Michigan’s Thumb.

Philp County Park Beach — Philp County Park is Beach Fun

Take One More Dip in the Bay

The huge beach at Caseville County Park along with all the other county parks in Huron County drew the attention of USA Today. The sugar sand and shallow water of Saginaw Bay, (with little or no undertow), make for a great kid beach experience. Caseville beach was rated the best beach on Michigan’s sunrise side. The Baywatch Cafe has great fries, as if you needed one more reason to go.

Take in a Movie In a Classic Small Town Theater

Certainly worth the drive from the beaches. The Bad Axe Theater offers two screens, wood floors and some of the best popcorn you will ever taste. Its great if your beach time is interrupted by rain or its too hot to stand an evening on the porch.

Grasp the Local Art at White Church Gallery

This place was the surprise of the 2015 summer season. It’s a rare event that I go away stunned by a new visit experience. However that’s what I felt after leaving White Church Gallery in Grindstone Michigan. Located in rural remoteness of an old church in what was the heart of a long abandoned 1800’s grindstone quarry operation, the owners Michael and Carrie Zaitz have created an artist oasis at the tip of the thumb.

Get an Ice Cream from the Heart of the Upper Thumb

The Upper Thumb has great choices for that scoop of brain freeze nirvana. Kim’s Creamery has been rated top of the class by the travel app Yelp. Its worth the drive to Elkton to get a taste. Kim Depner scoops plentiful helpings of ice cream with a different vintage apron every day at Kim’s Creamery.

Get Lost in the Huron Nature Center

No, getting lost taking a shortcut through the park doesn’t count. Actually spending a few hours exploring the park’s forests, dunes and marches should definitely be on your end-of-summer to-do list. Yes, there’s no air conditioning — but there’s adventure, and that’s better than air conditioning.

One Last Bar Hop in Caseville

With Cheeseburger Fest over many locals and cottage folk can emerge and reclaim the territory. Now is the time to check out Riverside, Dufty’s, The Boathouse and Thumb Brewery in peace. Why fit this in before the end of the summer? Because at Shanty Day’s, it’s a lot less fun to run from bar to bar.