Foote Site Park & Tailwater Site

Site on the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail along the AuSable River

Foote Site Park is located on River Road National Scenic Byway. The site is popular among birders as the world's largest waterfowl - the Trumpeter Swan - nests in shallow water here on the majestic AuSable River. The AuSable River valley contains 19 active Bald Eagle nests, so keep an eye to the sky!

As the only public swimming beach along River Road, Foote Site Park is a popular spot on hot summer days. The park has a hardened boat ramp for larger boats accessing Foote Pond. The large parking area is paved and easily accommodates vehicles pulling boat trailers. Foote Site Park is also the docking area for the Au Sable River Queen. This park is operated by Oscoda Township.

Birding Site: The backwaters of Consumers Energy’s AuSable River Foote Dam form this 1,800-acre pond. Located on River Road about 5 miles west of Oscoda, Foote Site Park pulsates with bird life. Trumpeter Swans nest offshore. There are great photo opportunities for filming these and many other aquatic avians. Caspian Terns, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, Grebes, Blue Herons, Common Loons, and numerous duck species inhabit the pond during the spring and summer breeding seasons. Red-headed woodpeckers frequent the wooded picnic grounds. Several boat launches allow the adventurous bird watcher access to the water for a gentle cruise on the AuSable via kayak, canoe, or boat. The Foote Tailwater Site is on the far side of the dam off Rea Rd. This attracts Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Common Ravens, and many river and woodland species. 

Things to Do: Birding, Boating, Swimming, Wildlife Watching

Open: Fall, Spring, Summer; Restrooms Available; Handicap Accessible

GPS: 44.43237, -83.45234