Tawas Point State Park & Trail
The Cape Cod of the Midwest!
A nature lover’s paradise! The park sits on a point that juts out into Lake Huron. Sandy beaches run along both the bayside and lakeside of the point. For hikers, an interpretive trail runs from the campground to the tip of the park’s sandy crescent. Because of its location, it attracts a large variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. A birding festival occurs the 3rd weekend in May. The site is also home to a large monarch butterfly population.
Campground: There are 189 modern sites, 4 cabins, and a yurt with a shallow, child-friendly swimming beach. There is also a pet-friendly beach, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball area. Day-Use: The day-use area has a mile of sandy beach on Lake Huron with picnic tables and grills. There is a beach concession that offers great food and drinks. A catch-and-release fishing pond is also available. There is a track chair available for anyone with mobility issues.
Tawas Point Lighthouse: Located within Tawas Point State Park, the lighthouse has been in service since 1876 and is now a Michigan Historic Site. At night, the keeper’s house and tower are illuminated with exterior lights. Tours are available from Mid-May through Mid-October.
History: The Tawas Point Lighthouse serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station on the Great Lakes. In 1852, construction started, and the lighthouse was commissioned in 1853. After the lighthouse was built, many problems were encountered. Shifting sands caused the point to be extended by nearly a mile. Moreover, the structure was failing, and a ship disaster in the 1870s led to the decision to construct a new lighthouse in 1875. In 1876, construction was completed, with a final cost of $30,000. At night, the keeper's house and tower are illuminated with exterior lights. Tours are available from Mid-May through Mid-October.
Winter Activities: Tawas Point State Park offers snowshoeing, ice skating, winter campsites, and winter cabin rental. Access to Lake Huron provides ice fishing opportunities.
Birding Site: Tawas Beach Rd. Warblers (s.) shorebirds (s,su, f) waterfowl (s.,f) Key for best birding season- y (year-round) s (spring) su (summer) f (fall) w (winter) Source: Peggy Ridgway, AuSable Valley Audubon Society Website: http://ausablevalleyaudubon.org/
Trail: Tawas Point is a favorite recreation place for locals and visitors. Historic lighthouse, special plants, sand beaches, and beautiful waters of Lake Huron. Tawas Point is a hot spot for birders, particularly during spring migration. It’s possible to ride a bike into the Tawas and around Tawas Bay.
Download the US 23 Trails Map to access trails along the entire US-23 Sunrise Coast!
Blueways Access Type: Via Paved Road
Launch Type: Carry-in Launching (Kayak)
Beach Type: Sand
Beach Approach: Moderate Banks
Facilities/Services: Restrooms, Handicapped Accessible Restrooms, Showers, Waste Receptacles, Public Telephone, Water Faucet/Drinking Fountain
Camping Facilities: Class A Campsites(modern restrooms, electricity)
Day Use Facilities: Picnic Area, Playground/Activity Area, Interpretive Facilities, Cultural or Historic Site
Notes: A number of sites to launch; park permit required; Historic lighthouse; sandy beaches
Directions: From East Tawas, take US 23 north one mile to Tawas Beach Road. Turn right and proceed 2.5 miles. A DNR entry fee/permit is required. michigan.gov/dnr
Things to Do: Birding, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Improved Camping, Self-Guided Touring, Short-Term Rental, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Kayaking
Open: Year-round
686 Tawas Beach Rd, East Tawas, MI
GPS: 44.254, -83.449
