News & Fun in Michigan
Port Austin, is at the the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. The end of the road. From such a stance one can stand in the harbor and see a beautiful sunrise and sunset over Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay without moving an inch. Blessed with clear water, sandy beaches and dunes, unique rock formations, and the finest fishing anywhere.
Cute shops, a top rated farmer’s market, a variety of parks, camping, accommodations and visitor ‘fun stuff’ are all plentiful.
Travel West on M-25 and find the shoreline dotted with parks, beaches and recreational facilities. Head East and visit historic areas such as Grindstone City. Go back in time with in the the restored lumber town museum of Huron City. Take in the vista at Lighthouse County Park featuring historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse.
The Port Austin Winter Carnival, taking place from January 31 to February 1, 2025, celebrates winter with community activities such as broomball, a winter market, and contests. Attendees can enjoy ice skating, unique games, and festive events, fostering community spirit amid Michigan’s winter landscape.
After 31 successful seasons, The Farm Restaurant in Port Austin will transition to new ownership in January 2025. Current owners Pam and Chris will assist during the 2025 season to ensure continuity. The Selke family aims to preserve the restaurant’s legacy of excellence and quality dining experiences.
As summer’s warmth begins to fade, Port Austin, Michigan, is gearing up to host one of its most anticipated community events—the Port Austin Summer Sendoff. Set against the backdrop of Lake Huron’s picturesque shores, this annual celebration promises an action-packed day …
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.
With 150 miles of shoreline the contrast between the rocky, rugged Lake Huron side is toured to the sugar sand and calm waters of Saginaw Bay. The thumb region is a great area to explore.
We had skipped lunch and thought we would take a walk around Port Crescent, Steel Bridge, the site of the old lumbering town that once stood in the area. it was a cool afternoon overcast but breezy and we parked in the expanded Trailhead area for the Steel Bridge. The DNR had widened the parking area which was once only able to hold a few cars, and now they can probably hold a dozen.
The EPA and the State of Michigan designated the entire region as a potential environmental disaster. The deterioration and pollution were so bad that the label of “Area of Concern” was slapped on the Saginaw Bay in 1987 and has not been lifted for 30 years. We examine what has happened in that time.
Turnip Rock – The ideal movie location for the 2014 movie Jinn. The famous rock formation is featured in the films trailer.
