News & Fun in Michigan
Pointe aux Barques, translating to “point of little boats” from French, is a historic area located at the northeastern tip of Michigan’s Thumb region. Established in 1847, the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is among Michigan’s oldest active lighthouses, guiding vessels along Lake Huron’s shores. The surrounding community, though small with a population of just 15 as of the 2020 census, boasts a rich maritime history and natural attractions like the unique Turnip Rock formation, accessible only by water.
Michigan boasts 124 unique lighthouses, with several undergoing restoration. Noteworthy sites include the historic Port Austin Reef and Pointe Aux Barques lighthouses, drawing visitors interested in exploration, history, and stunning views along the Great Lakes.
This early 1900s photo captures the rural railroad depot at Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, taken by Louis James Pesha. The image includes a windmill-powered water tower, a wooden depot station, and both a horse-drawn buggy and early automobile, capturing a transitional …
A couple takes a photo adventure of cross-country ski hike from Port Austin harbor to Turnip Rock at Pointe Aux Barques.
Taking a five-mile round trip winter trek to the formation is the only way to see Turnip Rock in the winter.
In 1849, Catherine Shook was appointed the first woman lighthouse keeper in the State of Michigan. She ran the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse until 1851.
One of the most amazing sites in the #Michigan Upper Thumb is Turnip Rock. It’s the #1 tourist attraction in the Upper Thumb. Here are the top tips on how to visit the site and things to know before you go. .
Excerpt on the Pointe Aux Barques Resort taken from the Standard Guide to Mackinac Island and Northern Michigan Resorts 1899.
The Standard Guide; Mackinac Island and Northern Lake Resorts. It is a visitors handbook written in 1898 detailing early tourism to Mackinac Island. For 25 cents it gave the potential visitor a glimpse of what to expect at Michigan’s premier tourist destination. However, the ads and descriptions of the other northern Michigan resorts of the day are fascinating.
The name Pointe Aux Barques was coined by French sailors and voyageurs in about 1760. The name literally means the point of boats, This is because the rock formations at the tip of the Thumb looked like the prow of a ship. It was also known as a hideout for sailors.
The year is 1912. An exclusive modern resort community is opened at the tip of Michigan’s thumb with direct train service from Detroit. For over 100 years it has been a resort community.
Home to the world’s largest man-made fresh water harbor, the port of Harbor Beach is an ideal stopping point for sailors making their way up the shore of Lake Huron.
Rent a kayak and see three shipwrecks in the harbor
