Sunrise Coast - Pure Michigan Travel

From Lake Huron to Iargo Springs, and all along the mighty Au Sable River, enjoy the simple pleasures of Michigan's Sunrise Coast – you'll find an open invitation to the good life. Spend the whole day exploring stunning turquoise blue waters, charming small towns or taking the stairs to the top of historic lighthouses. Recreational Heritage Route US-23 meanders along Michigan's Northeast coastline, where getting back to the water is Pure Michigan.

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Back to the Water - Sunrise Coast

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Everyday on the Sunrise Coast is an open invitation to the good life. Spend the whole day fishing, canoeing, boating or diving. Walk through charming small towns and take the stairs to the top of historic lighthouses. Enjoy the simple pleasures of Michigan's Sunrise Coast.

Photo courtesy of Photograph by Dee Gray

Alpena

Unplug this summer and head for a shelter from the storms of life. Nestled between a vast forest and an endless, clear-blue bay is the historic port city of Alpena . Explore 200 shipwrecks in the largest freshwater sanctuary anywhere and count the steps to the top of a lighthouse. Take a trip to the picturesque city of Alpena.

Photo courtesy of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Welcome to Oscoda

From charter fishing Lake Huron to salmon river fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the famous Au Sable River to hiking thousands of acres of well groomed trails, playing nationally ranked golf courses to a relaxing drive along the Scenic Byway. Come enjoy Oscoda on the Sunrise Coast.

Photo Courtesy of Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

City of Au Gres

On the southern entrance to Michigan's Sunrise Coast is Au Gres. The pedestrian bridge over Au Gres River connects downtown with the Au Gres City Park and Campground. Step out and explore Tittabawassee State Forest, Rifle River and the Lake Huron shoreline.

Photo courtesy of City of Au Gres

Annual Doublehanded Sailboat Challenge, Rogers City

The annual Doublehanded Sailboat Challenge starts in Port Huron and ends in Rogers City. Sailors from around the state and region participate in this event. Many participants return year after year for the Norman Rockwell feel of Rogers City and the beauty the Sunrise Coast's shoreline.

Photo courtesy of Rogers City

Tawas-Natures’ Best!

Fish for Lake Trout and Walleye on Lake Huron or cast a fly on the world famous Au Sable. Canoe, kayak, hike, its all here in our civilized wilderness. History, adventure, fun and hospitality frame every visit to Tawas, a place where family, friends and outdoor recreation are at their best.

Photo courtesy of Tawas Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau

Harrisville

A trip to Michigan's Harrisville comes complete with entertainment. Enjoy the Wednesday night concert series with local and Michigan performers. The background may include freighters traversing Lake Huron, eagles soaring or fishermen returning with their catches.

Photo courtesy of Alcona County US-23 Heritage Route

Cheboygan, Michigan

Located on the shores of Lake Huron and the banks of the Cheboygan River, Cheboygan is an Indian name meaning “through passage” referring to the 38.2 mile Inland Waterway Route. Come enjoy fishing, boating, beaches, a buffalo ranch, indoor ice pavilion, concerts in the park and tour the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw.

Photo courtesy of the Cheboygan Area Tourist Bureau

Grand Rapids

Sunrise Coast

Lansing

Explore Michigan's Sunrise Coast

Water Recreation
This coastal region is blessed with 200 miles of shoreline, seven of Michigan's 20 largest lakes, the mighty Au Sable and Thunder Bay Rivers, Iargo Springs, Ocqueoc Falls--the largest waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula--an inland waterway and more. Recreational opportunities abound from fishing, boating and sailing to canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Outdoor Recreation
Many of the riches of nature in this region can be found on land. Nine state parks, pristine forests, trails, pathways, bike paths and a recreation area invite recreationalists and nature lovers. A number of wilderness and natural areas provide the opportunity to observe wildlife and rare plants. For the novice, try a nature-based learning vacation at a secluded lodge.

Maritime Heritage & Attractions
The Sunrise Coast is rich in maritime heritage. Explore shipwrecks along the Lake Huron shore, visit more than eight lighthouses in the area. Step aboard a historic Coast Guard Cutter or take a cruise aboard an authentic riverboat. Explore the history and archaeology of ship wrecks at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.

Lodging & Camping
Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron the Sunrise Coast offers Lake front views. Rent a cabin or stay at one of our many waterfront resorts, spend the night in a historic lighthouse or a charming B&B. From campfires with conveniences to secluded forest, there's no better camping anywhere!

Events
There's always something unforgettable happening, from Pirates to Paul Bunyan, cars to lighthouses our festivals are sure to entertain you. Enjoy music all summer long in town squares and lakeside parks. Don’t miss the excitement of the Au Sable River International Canoe Marathon or the Annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival.

Small Town Life
In this complex age, simple pleasures (like life along Michigan's Lake Huron shoreline) mean the most. Spending quality time together means getting away and getting back to what matters. On the Sunrise Coast, you can kick it down a notch and discover the quaint shops, down-home cooking and relaxing lifestyles of "Up North" towns.

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