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Here is another wonderfully produced video from LIVE Huron. This one focuses on Huron County boating and sailing opportunities, featuring some great shots of Caseville Harbor and the breakwall.
The videos are part of a promotional campaign produced by Huron County Economic Development Corporation. They are short and highlight the best aspects of our wonderful area with Huron County boating. If you think this is good content, please like and Share.
Table of Contents
Video – Play Huron – Boating
Established in 1982, the Huron County Economic Development Corporation is a public non-profit organization. The Huron County Economic Development mission is to develop, maintain and enhance the economic base and quality of life in Huron County. This will be accomplished by marketing the area, assisting businesses to start up or expand, consulting with local governments and organizations on development issues, and acting as a catalyst for projects at the local, state, and national levels.
Harbors, Marinas, and Boating Access Sites in Huron County, Michigan
| Name | Description | Address / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Port Austin State Harbor | State-operated harbor with transient and seasonal slips, fuel, pump-out, restrooms, and showers. Open mid-May to mid-September. | 8795 Lake St., Port Austin, MI 48467 |
| Grindstone City Public Launch (Grindstone Harbor / Grindstone Park) | Public boat launch used by anglers and kayakers; access point for Turnip Rock and the Heritage Water Trail. | Grindstone City, Port Austin Township — GPS 44.05556, ?82.89372 |
| Eagle Bay Public Access (DNR) | Small carry-in access for kayaks and canoes with limited parking. | Wallace Rd., Port Austin, MI 48467 — near 9283 Wallace Rd. |
| Port Crescent State Park (Pinnebog River Launch) | Carry-in launch site for small boats and kayaks along the Pinnebog River. | Port Austin Rd., Port Austin, MI 48467 |
| Harbor Beach Municipal Marina | Full-service municipal marina with 70+ slips, launch ramps, fuel, pump-out, restrooms, and shuttle to downtown. | 1 Ritchie Dr., Harbor Beach, MI 48441 |
| Harbor Beach Public Boat Launch | Public access point for Lake Huron boating near the breakwall and lighthouse. | Harbor Beach, MI — GPS 43.85584, ?82.64854 |
| Port Hope Marina | Small municipal harbor for boats up to 25 feet; seasonal and day launches available. | 4451 Huron St., Port Hope, MI 48468 |
| Lighthouse County Park Water Access | County park at Pointe aux Barques; primarily a carry-in water access point. | 7320 Lighthouse Rd., Port Hope, MI 48468 |
| Caseville Municipal Harbor | Full-service marina with fuel, pump-out, restrooms, and slips; adjacent to Riverside Park launch area. | 6632 Main St., Caseville, MI 48725 |
| Caseville – Pigeon River Boat Launch | Public launch site on the Pigeon River with direct access to Saginaw Bay. | Caseville, MI — GPS 43.94328, ?83.27483 |
| Bay Port State Boat Launch | DNR-operated public access to Wildfowl Bay and Saginaw Bay; popular for fishing. | Bay Port (Fairhaven Township) — GPS 43.85362, ?83.37435 |
| Bayshore Marina | Private marina with public launch ramps, dockage, and basic services. | 2612 Wallace Cut, Bay Port, MI 48720 |
| Brush’s Marina & Campground | Marina and campground with boat ramps and docks on Wildfowl Bay. | 137 N. Unionville Rd., Bay Port, MI 48720 |
| Beadle Bay Marina & Campground | Marina and campground on Sand Point offering dockage and canal access to Saginaw Bay. | 4375 Lone Eagle Trl., Sand Point (Pigeon), MI 48755 |
| Sebewaing Harbor Marina | Municipal marina with dredged channel to Saginaw Bay; gas, fish cleaning, and a four-car ramp. | 700 W. Sebewaing St., Sebewaing, MI 48759 |
| Filion Road DNR Boating Access Site | DNR access site for small boats and trailers; conditions vary with lake levels. | Filion Rd. area between Caseville and Bay Port |
Seasonal Planning & Conditions
- Boating season in Huron County generally runs from late spring (May) through early fall. Ice or rough conditions in shoulder months may restrict access.
- Monitor weather forecasts, particularly wind and wave conditions on Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay.
- Expect higher demand for slips and fuel in July and August. Plan or reserve if possible.
- Note that Caseville is undergoing a waterfront upgrade: by fall 2025, six boat launches, sidewalks, new docks, and accessibility features are expected to be completed.
NOAA All Hazards for Upper Thumb Waters
Rules, Safety & Boater Requirements
Boater Education/Card Requirements
Anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, must carry a Michigan Boating Safety Certificate to operate a vessel with more than six horsepower.
Age & Power Limits
- Children under 12 may operate a motor vehicle with an engine size of up to 6 hp without restrictions.
- For more than 6 hp (and up to 35 hp), a supervising adult (16+) and a safety certificate on board are required.
Required Safety Equipment
- A wearable PFD (life jacket) for each person on board (Type I, II, III, or V)
- One throwable device (Type IV) if the boat is 16 ft or longer
- Navigation lights (for night use), fire extinguisher, sound signals, and ventilation as required by law
- Always file a float plan (tell someone your route and return time)
- Avoid alcohol usage while boating — it is a major factor in boating fatalities
Speed, Control & Local Regulations
- Slow, no-wake zones typically apply within 100 feet of shore, docks, swimmers, and anchored vessels.
- Maximum speed on open water is 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
- Always follow local “controls” (county or lake rules) — some areas restrict high-speed boating or define special zones.
- All motorized vessels must be registered and display MI registration numbers (with exceptions for non-motorized under specific rules).
Related Huron County Boating Reading
- Grindstone City, The Thumbs First Industry – In the mid-1800s, numerous quarries were established in the area, and the Marshall Sandstone was utilized for construction purposes. In the late 1800s, Grindstone City was one of the first flourishing industry towns, producing the most significant and finest grindstones in the world.
- Harbor Beach Marina Your First Port of Call – As the world’s largest freshwater man-made harbor, the port of Harbor Beach, Michigan, is an ideal stopping point for sailors making their way up the shore of Lake Huron. With its protected port and town that’s steps away from the Marina, Harbor Beach offers sailors and boaters a welcome break and an ideal provisioning point.
- Caseville Fishtown – This picture offers a bit of Caseville Harbor history. The shot looked out to Saginaw Bay from the interior harbor on the Pigeon River in 1941. The only building that remains today is the Huron Yacht Club on the left. The Bay Post Fish Company dock on the far right was torn down in 2017 to make way for updates to the Saginaw Bay Marina. The shot has striking similarities to the famous Fishtown in Leland County.
- The Michigan Thumb Sparkles in Late Summer – Fall is my favorite time to be in Michigan’s Thumb. The Caseville Cheeseburger Festival has long since passed. The Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Things are quieter. I can now cross M-25 over the beach in silence and without fear. What a great season.
