Michigan Road Trip: US-23 Beach and Heritage Route
Caroline Samuelsen
| 3 min read
There are many sights to see in the state of Michigan from shipwrecks to beaches to lighthouses. Historic heritage route US-23 features those sights and more while showing the beauty of Lake Huron and national forests. We have compiled a list of stops along US-23 to add to your itinerary this summer.
Stops on your Road Trip
Standish is known as the Gateway to the Sunrise Side of Michigan. It has small-town charm and is the perfect place to pick up the Huron Shores Costal Water Trail where there are 200 miles of lake views perfect for kayakers or canoers.
The Charity Island Lightkeepers House is located on Charity Island just off Au Gres. It features a beautiful lighthouse tower accompanied by a lightkeepers house that is now a bed and breakfast. There are boat tours offered around the island to view the lighthouse.
Tawas Point State Park is known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest and home to a beautiful Michigan beach. There are trails to explore, a lighthouse to see, and a view of Lake Huron in addition to the lakeside downtown of East Tawas. There are also several campgrounds if you want to bring some gear and camp overnight.
The town of Oscoda is just north of the Au Sable River and is home to many stops along the US-23 road trip. There are a few locally owned places such as Office Lounge and Grill, Au Sable-Oscoda Historical Society & Museum, Iargo Springs Interpretive Site, Tait’s Bill of Fare, and Wiltse's Brew Pub & Family Restaurant. Also, be sure to check out Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center to learn more about the lumberman who helped build Michigan. This area also includes the Huron side of the Huron-Manistee National Forest with many hiking trails, campgrounds, and water activities.
Alpena is located along Thunder Bay and is a town rich in history. Pay a visit to the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan which displays Native American culture and restored historical buildings. There are also Middle Island Keepers’ Lodge and Boat Tours to view historic shipwrecks and lighthouses. There is also the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, also known as “Shipwreck Alley”, home to many ships that live at the bottom of the bay.
At the end of US-23, sits Mackinaw City. Explore the history of Mackinaw City by going to the Mackinaw Area Historic Society Heritage Village and seeing many restored buildings from the 1800s and 1900s. There are also a few other historic sights to see such as Colonial Michilimackinac State Park, Historic Mill Creek, and the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Finish your trip out by visiting the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse to see a castle-like lighthouse that operated from 1890 to 1957.
Image: Getty Images
Related Links:
- Lighthouses That Should Be on Your Summer Road Trip List (ahealthiermichigan.org)
- Small Towns, Big Fun (ahealthiermichigan.org)
- Rethink Your Road Trip: How to Stay Active and Healthy Along the Way (ahealthiermichigan.org)
