News & Fun in Michigan
Harbor Beach is a small city located along the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan’s Upper Thumb region. Known for having the world’s largest freshwater man-made harbor, it offers a mix of natural beauty and historical charm. The city is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and beachgoers, with attractions such as the Harbor Beach Lighthouse and a scenic waterfront park. The area also boasts museums like the Grice House Museum, showcasing local maritime history. Harbor Beach provides a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful lakeside getaway.
Michigan boasts 124 unique and functional lighthouses, drawing numerous visitors. Of these, Michigan’s Upper Thumb has four of them. Restoration efforts for the Port Austin Reef Light are in progress, but you can see Charity Island Light, Harbor Beach, and Pointe Aux Barques Light. Some of these lighthouses offer tours, climbs, and historical significance.
In 1878, the Port Huron and Northwestern Railroad extended track from Port Huron to Sand Beach, aiding local economy. The railroad was crucial for transporting goods and later converted to standard gauge. Accidents and declining use led to discontinuation of rail services in 1995, with the historic depot repurposed for lodging.
The Harbor Beach Maritime Festival in Michigan offers a delightful mix of music, camping, and family-friendly activities celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage. The festival features free concerts, diverse acts, and a range of entertainment and attractions from July 10th to 14th, 2024.
The Upper Thumb is blessed with sandy beaches, fun places to visit and great inexpensive places to eat. We compiled a listing of the top restaurants, grills, bakeries, and bars that offer breakfast. These are the top rated places to go for your morning meal according to the travel sites Yelp and TripAdvisor.
There is a long history with reports of UFOs over Michigan. The Minden City Herald has collected 10 reports of activity over Michigan’s Thumb.
The vintage camping group Michigan Tin Can Tourist will be rolling into the Thumb’s Wagener County Park Campground near Harbor Beach July 22.
We will pay a visit to the groups annual Thumb’s Up Rally.
The Harbor Beach Truck Show wound its way through the Michigan Thumb.
Over 100 gleaming semi trucks greeted each town with a big rig salute.
Top 15 “Must See” Michigan Upper Thumb Attractions.
A perfect recipe for a day trip or a week of exploring. Many are free to see and all are an easy drive to get to.
