Trail Guide Huron & Tuscola Counties Michigan, Usa Emergency Contacts

TRAIL GUIDE HURON & TUSCOLA COUNTIES MICHIGAN, USA EMERGENCY CONTACTS

U.S. COAST GUARD: VHF Radio—CHANNEL 16 or Phone (989) 479-3286 or (989) 479-3285

COUNTY EMERGENCY : 911

WEATHER INFORMATION: VHF RADIO –WX Scan through stations to hear weather report. Reports heard are for the area you are in.

VHF CHANNEL 16 IS MONITORED BY THE COAST GUARD 24/7.

If you have an emergency on the water, the Coast Guard should be contacted before calling 911.

The Lake Huron coast throughout the Thumb offers a variety of conditions for paddlers. The eastern shoreline has rocky areas and as you traverse north you will notice the changes. Paddlers should be prepared for these varied conditions. Once you round the point at Port Austin the shores become more sandy. There are some of the best beach areas of Michigan along this side of the trail as you move into Saginaw Bay. WELCOME TO THE TIP OF THE THUMB HERITAGE WATER TRAIL

Signage has been placed along the trail marking identified access and egress points, which correspond to the GPS coordinates on your map and in your tour guide. The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail Organization wants you to experience the beauty, variety, and chal- lenges of paddling and exploring the 103 mile trail along the Huron and Tuscola Counties shoreline of Michigan’s Lake Huron. Visit the towns and villages along the trail. You will find an extensive variety of events, shops, and dining experiences to keep you coming back to this piece of the North close to home.

Remember your safety rules: kayaking and paddling are risky sports. Do not exceed your experience level or the capabilities of your craft. ABOVE ALL—HAVE FUN!

This booklet identifies only some of the available access locations and facilities. There are, however, other sites throughout the Thumb which can be used. Restroom facilities will vary from primitive to well- equiped. Please be considerate of property owners -- don’t trespass on private property and remember that any shore location can be used in an emergency.

TRAIL SIGN EXAMPLE

H = Huron County or H 29.6 T = Tuscola County 29.6 = Indicates you are at the site on Shore in Huron County, 29.6 miles from the beginning of the trail at White Rock

Grindstone City—is the Access/Egress Point marked Grindstone City by this Official sign. H 00.0 43o 43.045 N White Rock City 082o 36.566 W

H00.0 WHITE ROCK MDOT PULLOUT

BEGINNING OF TRAIL

SETTING: White Rock pull out features a portage down a long flight of stairs set in the boulders of the shoreline.

White Rock Park marks the beginning of the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail. The park sits at the top of a bluff. There is parking available nearby at a MDOT pull over. Motorists can view White Rock from above and read about its history on a historical marker. Amenities: Restrooms, paved parking, stairway leading down to a rocky beach that could be used for put-in and take-out of paddling equipment. HISTORY The limestone boulder, White Rock, was a sacred place for Native Americans and was a familiar landmark for Native Americans and French traders as they paddled their canoes along the Huron Coast. In 1807 and in 1819, the rock was used as a landmark for treaties between the United States and the Anishinabeg. The Treaty of Detroit was between the United States and the Anishinabeg also known as the People of the Three Fires (the Ottawa, Chippewa, Wyandot and Potawatomi) nations of Native Americans. The treaty was signed by William Hull, president of Michigan Territory at Detroit, Michigan in 1807. The treaty ceded the native nations’ claims to what is now Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. According to a local legend, a group of white settlers decided to hold a square dance on the rock in 1860. Their Indian neighbors warned against it, saying the rock was sacred. Two boatloads of dancers ignored the warning, rowed to the rock and began to party. A horrified witness watched from shore as a stroke of lightning killed the dancers. H 3.9 Wagener County Park 43o 46.263 N 082o 36.852 W

H3.9 WAGENER COUNTY PARK

Wagener County Park H 3.9 2671 South Lakeshore Drive 989-479-9131 Open May 1 – October 15 www.huroncountyparks.com

With 132 acres, Wagener Park, located just under 4 miles north of White Rock and 5 1/2 miles south of Harbor Beach is an excellent starting point to launch your kayak or canoe to begin your trip along the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Wa- ter Trail.

Amenities: Restrooms, pavilion (rental), boat ramp (fee only applies to non- campers), beach launch (free), beach access (no charge), camper cabins, lakeview sites, hiking trails, sandy playground area, park manager on site.

Included in the Lake Huron Circle Tour is M-25 which parallels the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail from Quanicassee to White Rock. Construction of a bicycle path along both sides of M25 is under construction from Harbor Beach to Port Austin; this path will also parallel the Heritage Water Trail. H 9.0 Trescott Street Pier 43o 50.498 N 082o 38.835 W Harbor Beach

H9.0 TRESCOTT STREET PIER

SETTING: As you approach break wall at Harbor Beach, navigate with caution as wind direction determines swells. Inside the harbor provides beginning paddlers with quiet water. Harbor Beach Trescott Street Pier H 9.0 Harbor Beach City shoreline Contact: Harbor Beach Parks and Recreation 989-479-9554 www.harborbeachmi.org

Trescott Street Pier and Bathing Beach, located in the City of Harbor Beach, is just 5 miles north of Wagener Park. Amenities: Restrooms, paved parking, sandy beach, pavilion, protected harbor, playground, restaurants, shopping, hospital. Camping available at North Park Campgrounds. HISTORY

First settled in 1837, Harbor Beach was destroyed in the fire of 1871, rebuilt, and narrowly escaped destruction in the 1881 fire. In the later 1800’s ships could not cross the treacherous Saginaw Bay during bad weather. Sand Beach, later renamed Harbor Beach, was selected as the site to build a Harbor of Refuge. It took 11 years to build the breakwater, which encloses 650 acres.

The Frank Murphy Museum in downtown Harbor Beach is the childhood home of Frank Murphy who served as a Judge, Mayor of Detroit, Governor General of the Philippines, Governor of Michigan, US Attorney General, and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The museum also houses the largest collection of Philippine cultural artifacts in the United States. Open to the Public.

The Grice House Museum is located at the north city limits of Harbor Beach. The museum depicts life in the late 1880’s and early 1900’s. Listed in the Na- tional Register of Historical Places, The museum consists of 3 buildings. Tours are available. Open to the Public.

Harbor Beach Lighthouse was built in 1885 at the main entrance of the harbor. It stands 54 feet above the water and the light can be seen for 16 miles. H 11.84 43o 52.670 N Train Station Motel 082o 40.434 W

H11.84 TRAIN STATION MOTEL

Train Station Motel H 11.84 2044 N. Lakeshore Rd, Harbor Beach 989-479-3215 [email protected]

Located 2 1/2 miles north of Harbor Beach on M-25 the Train Station Motel features the original Harbor Beach Train Depot which is currently being used as a Gift Shop. Amenities: Restrooms, free launch on lake frontage, 9 rooms, restaurant, free monitored outside kayak storage and free shuttle service available for guests. H 13.58 Forest Bay Cottages 43o 54.101 N 082o 41.072 W

H16.7 PORT HOPE BOAT CLUB

H13.58 FOREST BAY COTTAGES

Forest Bay Cottages H 13.58 2888 N. Lakeshore Rd, Port Hope 989-428-4335 Located 3 3/4 miles north of Harbor Beach on M-25. Along the shorline there is a dredged and marked canal as well as two old sunken ships in shallow water and good bass fishing. Amenities: Restrooms, fee for launch, cottages for rent. H 16.7 Port Hope Boat Club 43o 56.633 N 082o 42.331 W

Port Hope Boat Club H 16.7 8242 State Rd, Port Hope 989-428-5006 or 989-428-4556 Open May 1 Located just over 6 miles north of Harbor Beach at the south edge of Stafford Park in Port Hope on a dredged canal. Amenities: Restrooms, fee for launch, fishing, monitored kayak storage. H 16.8 Stafford Park 43o 56.673 N 082o 42.528 W Port Hope

H16.8 STAFFORD PARK PORT HOPE

SETTING: The launch ramp is located to the east of the Stafford Park Pavilion.

Stafford County Park H 16.8 4451 West Huron St., Port Hope 989-428-4213 www.huroncountyparks.com www.porthopemich.com Open May 1 – October 1

Stafford Park, a Huron County Park, is located on the shoreline in the village of Port Hope at 4451 West Huron Street. Port Hope is an antique hunter’s para- dise with antique shops, restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments, and an ice cream parlor lining M-25 as it passes through town. Amenities: Restrooms on west side of road, pavillion, free boat ramp (impacted by low water levels), showers, 73 camp sites with lakeview (from rough camping to full utilities), baseball field, tennis courts, horseshore pit, play equipment and access to the bicycle path along M-25. STAFFORD PARK PAVILION

HISTORY

Founded by William Stafford and later incorporated in 1887, Port Hope was a lumber town until it was destroyed by the Fire of 1871, and rebuilt as a milling town. Stafford lumber mill’s key to suc- cess was the dock he constructed which allowed lumber to be loaded onto ships. The village that developed around the mill became known as Port Hope. Stafford’s house, on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron, survived both the 1871 and 1881 Fires, and is now open as a Bed & Breakfast and is on the National Register of Historic Places, The Stafford House Inn.. All that re- mains of Stafford’s sawmill is the brick chimney which you can still see today near the shoreline. H 23.8 44o 01.226 N Lighthouse County Park 082o 47.496 W

H23.8 LIGHTHOUSE COUNTY PARK AND POINTE AUX BARQUES LIGHTHOUSE

SETTING: A passage for boats to the boat launch is marked by bouys. North of the park area, a rocky point of land, one of several, projects out into the lake. Oscabe Pointe about 1 mile south of Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse is the most famous of these dangerous rocky areas and is also known for bass fishing.

www.pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org Lighthouse County Park H 23.8 7320 Lighthouse Road, Port Hope Contact: 989-428-4749 www.huroncountyparks.com

Lighthouse County Park, part of the Huron County Park System, sits in one of the most beautiful locations along the shoreline of Huron County. The park, located at the junction of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron, is the home of the Historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse. Fishing enthusiasts will find rock bass at the Oscabe/Oscube point.

Amenities: Restrooms, boat ramp (fee only applies to non-campers), beach access (no charge), picnic facilities, 110 camp sites (from rough camping to full utilities), 6 rustic cabins, fishing, hiking, play equipment, nature study area, maritime museum, historic lighthouse site.

HISTORY

In 1847 the first Pointe Aux Barques Lightouse was built at this location. Peter and Catherine Shook with their eight children were the first and second Light- house Keepers of the 1847 Lighthouse, which was replaced in 1857 with the current Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Tower and Keeper’s Dwelling.

2007 marks the 150th anniversary of this lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse features a conical white brick tower, 89-feet tall. A Third Order Fresnel lens sat 93-feet above Lake Hu- ron. The lighthouse was built to provide a turning point for ships sailing up Lake Huron to Saginaw Bay and to give warning of the reefs at Pointe Aux Barques.

Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Society was established in 2002 to oversee the restoration and preservation of this jewel of the Great Lakes. The keepers dwelling houses an excellent Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

Open from May 1—September 30 Tours by arrangement; Tower open for Lighthouse Festival first weekend of August and for announced times. 989-428-3035 H 29.6 44o 03.333 N Grindstone City 082o 53.632 W

H29.6 GRINDSTONE CITY

SETTING: Clapotis occurs off the cliffs in this area. With caution, paddlers can access sea caves along this stretch of shoreline. Winds can create hazardous conditions and paddling difficulties across the Port Austin reef which extends from the shoreline to the light. Deep Water Divers frequent this part of the Thumb Bottomland Preserve. Fishing is a popular sport in the Grindstone City and Greater Port Austin area. Several charter boat companies can meet the needs of fishermen and fishing groups. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Kayaking off Grindstone City Grindstone City H 29.6 Contact: Whalen’s Grindstone Shores 989-738-7664 Ramp Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]

Grindstone City has an unmanned DNR ramp along the southeast edge of the harbor. No fee is assessed for use. Although the property surrounding the ramp is private both jetties beyond the harbor are public property as well as the rocky beach to the south. Grindstone City is the center of charter fishing tourism in the Thumb region. Walk the circle around town to view grindstones.

Amenities: Rustic restroom facilities, parking, boat launch, marinas, walking distance to restaurants, general store, ice cream parlor, artists gallery. There is no camping on the DNR site.

HISTORY

Founder Captain Aaron G. Peer first visited Grindstone City in 1834, when tak- ing refuge in a storm in the natural harbor. He noticed the unusual rock, and later brought a load of the rock to Detroit where it was used to pave a few blocks on Jefferson and Woodward Avenues. In 1836, Captain Peer bought 400 acres of land and began producing grindstones. Captain Peer operated the quarries until 1865 with various partners including the Wallace family. The other major opera- tor in Grindstone City was the Cleveland Stone Company. Each built a large wharf to ship out the stone. A salt well was drilled and 125 barrels a day of salt were produced in the 1870’s. The post office was established 1872, and operated until 1962.

In 1887, Wallace built a gristmill and grain elevator. In 1892, the first railroad was built into Grindstone City and the stone was shipped by rail. The grindstone business died in the 1920’s as carborundum replaced natural stone. The Pere Marquette closed the rail line between Port Austin and Grindstone City in 1932.

Grindstone City was platted and sold as lots, many for summer and retirement homes. The lakeshore property owners formed an improvement association that improved the Harbor. A large Grindstone can be seen at the corner of Copeland and Rouse Roads dedicated to the Pioneers of Grindstone City. H 34.8 Bird Creek Park 44o 02.925 N 082o 59.478 W Port Austin

H34.8 BIRD CREEK PARK

H35.0 PORT AUSTIN STATE HARBOR

SETTING: East of Port Austin a shoal extends approximately 1 mile offshore from Eagle Bay. Atop the sandstone cliffs is the Pointe aux Barques community with no public access. Turnip Rock provides scenic photo opportunities. When approaching Bird Creek or Waterfront park beaches winds create paddling difficulties and confused seas—shallow waters extends to the Port Austin reef light. Bird Creek park beach and inside the harbor provides beginning paddlers with quiet water.

Bird Creek County Park H 34.8 Port Austin Contact: 877-404-7447 www.huroncountyparks.com Bird Creek County Park is a day use park located in Port Austin, off M-25 to the east of the DNR ramp in the village. Amenities: Restrooms, parking, sandy beach, pavilion (rental), gazebo, picnic facilities, boardwalk, walking distance to shops, restaurants, local accommodations and activities in Port Austin. Port Austin H 35.0 44o 02.964 N State Harbor 082o 59.656 W

Port Austin State Harbor H 35.0 Port Austin Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]

The State of Michigan Harbor is at the center of Port Austin, at the north end of M-53. Amenities: Restrooms, free boat launch, fee for parking, walking distance to downtown area with restaurants, shops, and local accommodations.

The Port Austin Reef Light Off-Shore Port Austin

Built in 1878 to mark dangerous shoals, the lighthouse is being restored by the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse Association

In 1873, Congress appropriated funds for the construction of a lighthouse to mark the dangerous shoals north of Port Austin. The lighthouse, which was constructed on an octagonal shaped pier at a cost of $81,871, was completed in 1878. In 1899, the pier was modified with the addition of a new section. The lighthouse tower is 16 feet across the base and 60 feet high to the ventilator ball. The tower was built of yellow brick and is double-walled for insulation and weatherproof- ing. Originally the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse was fitted with a Fourth Order Fresnel lens manufactured by Henri Le Paute of Paris. There is an attached brick fog signal building with living facilities for the keeper.

In the 1930’s the lighthouse was transferred from the US Lighthouse Service to the US Coast Guard. In 1937, the caisson (base foundation) was reconstructed, adding five feet of concrete to the sides and three feet of concrete to the top. A steam operated fog horn was also added. In 1953, the lighthouse was no longer considered by the Coast Guard to be an aid to navigation, was decommissioned and scheduled to be dismantled in 1984. Louis Schillinger of Port Austin stopped the light’s dismantling by obtaining a 5-year license to restore the structure. The following year, a solar array was installed to power the beacon. The non-profit Port Austin Reef Light Association was established in 1988 for the process of restoring the light. H 35.1 Waterfront Park 44o 02.847 N 082o 59.741 W Port Austin

H35.1 WATERFRONT PARK

Waterfront Park H 35.1 Port Austin Contact: 989-738-7600 www.portaustinarea.com

Day park to the west of DNR Ramp Amenities: Restrooms, sandy beach, pavillions, picnic facilities, walking distance to restaurants, shops, and local accommodations. HISTORY

In 1839, Jonathan Byrd built a sawmill at this site thus establishing the first settlement. The site became known as Byrd’s Creek. In 1854, Byrd sold his mill to the lumbering partnership of Smith, Austin & Dwight. The town was renamed Dwightville, and then Austin’s Dock, Austin Port, and Port Austin. The first salt well in Huron County was drilled here in 1864.

When the County Courthouse burned down in Sand Beach, the County Seat was moved to Port Austin and the town remained the County Seat of Huron County from 1865 to 1875. After the timber ran out, Port Austin turned to the land, serv- ing as a market town and processing center for the rich farmlands to the south. The town was also a draw for summer vacationers; Port Austin became a center for fishing, farming, commerce and tourism.

“The Garfield Inn” Charles G. Learned, lumber and construction tycoon, and his wife bought a large house and acreage in the Port Austin area. Learned enlarged and updated this house in the French Second Empire style.

In the 1860’s Ohio congressman, later president, James A. Garfield, was a frequent guest here. Garfield was a friend with Maria Learned, Charles’ wife. Garfield’s close association to the Learned family was documented in his per- sonal diary. Garfield and Maria died within months of each other, he from an assassin’s bullet in September 1881 after only six months as president. As Garfield lay mortally ill, he asked to be allowed to travel to Port Austin and recover in the Learned home.

From 1931 to 1979 the house served as the Mayes Inn and Tower Hotel. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The structure was bought by the Pasant family in 1989 who renamed the Bed & Breakfast as The Garfield Inn in honor of the connection between the Learned’s and President James Garfield. H38.8 Jenks 44o 01.400 N 083o 02.450 W Roadside Park

H38.8 JENKS ROADSIDE PARK

H39.9 PORT CRESCENT STATE PARK

H40.6 PORT CRESCENT STATE PARK DAY USE

H42.6 MC GRAW COUNTY PARK

Jenks Roadside Park H 38.8 Contact: 877-404-7447 www.huroncountyparks.com 3 miles west of Port Austin on M-25. Amenities: Restrooms, sandy beach, parking, free launch. Park Closed 10pm. H39.9 Port Crescent 44o 00.579 N 083o 03.199 W State Park

Port Crescent State Park H 39.9 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467 Contact: 989-738-8663 or [email protected] Reservations: 800-447-2757 Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, sandy beach, playground, telephone, cabins. Camping rates vary with the seasons. A Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter all areas of the park. Port Crescent H 40.6 44o 00.252 N State Park Day Use 083o 03.734 W Port Crescent State Park Day Use H 40.6 Contact: 989-738-8663, 800-447-2757 or [email protected] The entrance is approx. 6 3/4 miles west of Port Austin on north side of M-25. Amenities: Restrooms, parking, sandy beach, sand dunes, swimming, hiking, picnic area. A Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter all areas of the park. PORT CRESCENT HISTORY 1963 was the first official camping season for Port Crescent State Park. Located on the site of the former town of Port Crescent, the Campground and Organization Area consist of approximately 250 acres and covers about 1.5 miles of Saginaw Bay shoreline. The only visible remnant of the old town is an eight foot chimney monument which was built using bricks from the original 120 foot Pack & Woods sawmill chimney. The Day Use Unit, the area to the south and west of the Pinnebog River, consists of another 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline. This area boasts wetland swales, interdunal wetlands, and upland beach ridges. Fox, deer, songbirds and waterfowl can be seen by the diligent observer. Marram, or dune grass, grows abundantly in the foredune, and acts as a dune stabilizer provided there is minimal human disturbance. McGraw H42.6 44o 00.177 N County Park 083o 06.224 W McGraw County Park H 42.6 Contact: 877-404-7447 www.huroncountyparks.com McGraw County Park is located 7 miles southwest of Port Austin on M-25 Amenities: Restrooms, parking, picnic facilities. No camping. HISTORY The Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale Complex is a unique habitat found in the Great Lakes region. The habitat is a complex series of upland beach ridges (dunes) separated by wetland swales and is unique to the Great Lakes as a re- sult of the changing levels of the post-glacial Great Lakes. As the Lakes re- ceded, they deposited a series of beach ridges ranging from 1.5 to 12 feet high, generally parallel to the existing shoreline ranging up to two miles inland. The beaches going southwest from Port Austin afford excellent swimming, fishing and recreational opportunities. Two state parks are located in this region. H 43.8 Oak Beach 43o 59.839 N 083o 07.599 W County Park

H43.8 OAK BEACH COUNTY PARK

H47.3 PHILP COUNTY PARK

H47.9 SLEEPER STATE PARK

Oak Beach County Park H 43.8 3356 Port Austin Road, M25 Contact: 877-404-7447, 989-856-2344 www.huroncountyparks.com Amenities: Restrooms, picnic facilities, pavilion, 55 camping sites (from rough camping to full utilities), swimming beach. H 47.3 43o 58.923 N Philp County Park 083o 11.519 W Philp County Park H 47.3 Contact: 877-404-7447 www.huroncountyparks.com Philp County Park is a day use park located 5 miles northeast of Caseville on M-25 in what was once the center of the lumber industry. Amenities: No restrooms, parking, swimming beach, picnic facilities.

HISTORY M-25 is part of the Lake Huron Circle Tour. A Native American trail once ran around the perimeter of the Thumb, following the sand ridges above the Lake Plain marshes. Sleeper H 47.9 43o 58.927 N State Park 083o 12.420 W

Sleeper State Park H 47.9 6573 State Park Road Caseville MI 48725 Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected] Open April - November Sleeper State Park has a half-mile stretch of sandy bach, affording views of both sunrise and sunset. Along with the nearby Rush Lake public area, there are 2,723 acres of forested area, containing 4 miles of maintained trails and many more miles of “deer run” type trails. A Picnic area and modern campground are within easy walking distance of the beach. Most of the park consists of ancient sand dunes, now covered with forests of Oak, Maple, Pine and Birch. Avoid paddling through the swimming area which is marked off by buoys. The water trail sign is located at the east of the park’s 1/2 mile shoreline. Rustic camp sites are always available for bicyclists, canoeist and kayakers with- out reservations. Amenities: Restrooms, parking, sandy beach, pavillions, drinking fountains, swimming, hiking, free launch from beach, picnic facilities, grills, camping for a fee, fire rings and firewood. Party store nearby. A Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required for all vehicles to enter all areas of the park.

Campground Office Open Memorial Day to Labor Day

Sleeper State Park Headquarters Open All Year H52.8 Caseville 43o 57.015N 083o 16.456 W County Park

H52.8 CASEVILLE COUNTY PARK

SETTING: Gradual deepening beach and waters surround area. Appro- priate for beginners to explore. Use caution in this high traffic area.

Caseville County Park H 52.8 6400 Main Street / M-25 Caseville / Port Elizabeth Contact: 989-856-2080 for Information and Reservations www.huroncountyparks.com Amenities: Restrooms, paved parking, sandy swimming beach, pavilions, shel- ters, picnic facilities, 214 camp sites (from rustic camping to full utilities), playground equipment, bathhouse, concession, walking distance to shopping, restaurants, miniature golf, water craft rentals, fishing, fishing charters, marinas and breakwall. HISTORY

The first non-native settler in the Caseville area was Reuben Dodge from Maine. In 1840, he built a cabin at the mouth of the Pigeon River. The community of trappers, hunters, fishermen, and small farmers that subsequently developed was known as the Pigeon River Settlement. In 1852, the town was named Port Elizabeth in honor of the wife of William Rattle, an agent for Leonard Case of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1856, the timber and mill operation was purchased by Francis Crawford and George Martin. The town was named Caseville. Recently the U.S. Postal Service has recognized the 48725 zip code as Port Elizabeth or Caseville.

Caseville thrived because of its location, natural resources, and by the energy and ingenuity of its people. The first industries in Caseville were based on log- ging and sawmills that prepared timber to be floated down the river and across Saginaw Bay. Naturally occurring salt brine beneath the town made Caseville a salt producer, using waste from the sawmills to fuel the salt evaporators. Ship- building and iron-making were also early industries.

After the Fire of 1881, Caseville turned to the land and to the lake for its livelihoods, becoming a commercial fishing center and a resort community that capitalized on Lake Huron and the village’s accessibility by boat, by rail, and later by highway.

President William McKinley Sr.’s connection to the Caseville area goes back to 1873 when he arrived in Caseville to manage the furnaces at the Pigeon River Salt and Iron Works as Superintendent, and later became part owner.

McCaffey Hall Restored by Caseville Historical Society H53.1 Caseville 43o 56.597N 083o 16.497 W Municipal Harbor

H53.1 CASEVILLE MUNICIPAL HARBOR

Setting: Kayakers must take caution when paddling in the Municipal Harbor due to extensive boat traffic. Pad- dling south from Caseville, you approach Sand Pointe that extends 7 miles into the Bay. This area is lined with private residences and there is no public access.

Caseville Municipal Harbor H 53.1 Main Street, Caseville / Port Elizabeth Contact: Caseville Chamber of Commerce 800-606-1347 www.casevillechamber.com

Amenities: Restrooms, ramp, shower facilities, walking distance to shopping, restaurants, Caseville County Park and community activities. Community room near the ramp can be used for gatherings or shelter during inclement weather.

Power Boat Amenities: 68 seasonal and transient boat slips, gasoline and die- sel fuel, water, electricity, cable TV, ship to shore radio, dock attendant and hold- ing tank pump-out. HISTORY

The shipping industry was very important to the towns along the shores of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. The coastal towns developed around the deeper waters of the river mouths. Sebewaing, Bay Port, Caseville, Port Austin, Port Hope, Harbor Beach — All had natural harbors that were improved; whereas, Port Crescent and Grindstone City built wharves to get their timber and stone to market.

Saginaw Bay with its shallow waters has been a rich fishing ground that has attracted settlement to its shores. The Native American speared the plentiful Lake Sturgeon, and also caught the Northern Pike and Walleye that were found in the shallows and river mouths. The Europeans that settled around the lakeshore also took advantage of the fishing that could be found here. The fisherman caught Whitefish, Lake Trout, Yellow perch, Lake Herring, and Walleye in large quantities.

Fishing around the Thumb Trails

Walleye populations in Saginaw Bay are again well established through breed- ing, stocking, and habitat restoration.

Yellow Perch , also known as Lake Perch, are a major shallow water game fish. The population recovered in the 1990’s. Yellow perch usually occur in schools near shore in shallow waters. The tasty Perch continue feeding year-round, making Perch a favorite of ice fishermen.

Lake Trout, a cold water fish, are recovering after successful lamprey control efforts. They require, cold, clear, well-oxygenated water, so in the Summer they are found almost exclusively in depths range from 50 to 100 feet. In the winter Lake Trout feed near the surface, making them a good draw for ice fishermen.

Salmon as a treasured game fish. Lake Huron is now home to three species of Salmon; the King or Chinook Salmon, the Coho or Silver Salmon, and Pink or Humpback Salmon. H62.3 Beadle Bay 43o 54.527 N 083o 21.369 W Marina

George Beadle created a series of manmade canals throughout Sand H62.3 BEADLE BAY MARINA Point to bring water front property to a greater number of people. H64.39 FILION ROAD PUBLIC ACCESS

Beadle Bay Marina H 62.3 4375 Long Eagle Trail Caseville / Sand Point 989-856-4911 www.tour-michigan.com/~beadle Amenities: Restrooms, parking, ramp (fee), camping, play area, walking trail, inland canals for paddling, small store. Filion Road H 64.38 43o 53.177 N Public Access 083o 19.777 W

Filion Road Public Access H 64.39 West end of Filion Road 989-856-4411 [email protected]

The Filion Road Public Access is located at the west end of Filion Rd. This launch is for small boats only. There is parking available, free launch, no attendant on duty.

Amenities: Restrooms, parking, free launch, good fishing. H 64.4 Bay Port State 43o 51.217 N 083o 22.461 W Boat Launch

H64.4 BAY PORT STATE BOAT LAUNCH

Setting: Shallow water extends a considerable distance off the tip of Sand Point, making this area a haven for bird watchers. Cranes, egrets, eagles and other birds also utilize Wildfowl Bay between Sand Point and Bay Port. Rocky conditions exist along the shores of North Island. Marinas on Wildfowl Bay are heavily utilized by power boaters. Bay Port State Boat Launch H 64.4 Promenade Street, Bay Port Contact: Bay Port Chamber of Commerce 989-551-9929 www.bayportchamber.com Ramp Contact: 989-856-4411 or [email protected]

Amenities: Restrooms, parking, boat launch (small boats only), walking distance to accommodations and restaurant. Find the old Stagecoach Stepping Block on Cedar Street. HISTORY

Settled by Carl Heisterman in 1851, Bay Port was originally called Geneva, then renamed Wildfowl Port before receiving is present name in 1872. Renowned for its fishery, catching, processing and shipping millions of pounds of Lake Herring, Sturgeon, Lake Trout, Walleye, Whitefish, and Yellow Perch, Bay Port continues to be a commercial fishing port and is also now known for its sport fishery. A State of Michigan Historical Marker, at the mouth of the Harbor at Promenade Street, honors the Bayport Fishing District.

In 1883, the Saginaw, Tuscola and Huron Railroad came to Bay Port, bringing tourists from East Saginaw for rock hunting excursions at the Bay Port Quarry, which continues to produce 450,000 tons of decorative stone, base materials, shoreline protection, concrete stone, railroad ballast, asphalt split material and agricultural lime annually.

Just northeast of Bay Port, in late fall/early winter of 1862, Emil Baur, with 50 families, started a colony Ora Labora (Latin for Prayer and labor). Unfortu- nately, this location on Wildfowl Bay was too shallow for large ships; money was scarce, many of the colonists were city folk; many succumbed to malaria and their ranks were depleted by the civil war draft. The women and elders could not sustain the farming operation and though the colony struggled valiantly to survive it collapsed in 1872. H69.2 Sumac Island 43o 47.939 N 083o 25.600 W Access Site

H69.2 SUMAC ISLAND ACCESS SITE

H74.0 SEBEWAING COUNTY PARK

Sumac Island Access Site H69.2 West end of Geiger Rd.

Amenities: Restrooms, free launch, parking. H74.0 Sebewaing 43o 44.180 N 083o 27.667 W County Park

Sebewaing County Park H 74.0 759 Union Street, Sebewaing Contact: 989-883-2033 www.huroncountyparks.com

Encompassing 20 acres, Sebewaing County Park, is one of three locations on the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail located in or near Sebewaing. Amenities: Restrooms, showers, 64 camping sites (from rough camping to full utilities), lodge.

HISTORY

Sebewaing, originally Auchville, was founded in 1845 by the Rev. J.J.F. Auch, a Lutheran missionary, who came to preach to the Chippewa. In the same year, Reverend Auch helped settle German missionary settlers on the Cass River at what became Frankenmuth. Reverend Auch with the help of the local Chippewa, built a log house, was joined in 1849 by his brother and other German missionar- ies. When the Township was organized in 1853, the village was renamed Sebewaing after the River. By 1854, the Chippewa had left the area. The first school in Sebewaing was taught by Reverend Auch in 1854. The school was attached to the Auch’s Lutheran church and the first class had a dozen students. Later the mission house was moved to 590 East Bay Street in Sebewaing and set up by the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod as a museum, The Luckhard Museum—Indian Mission. This location is identified by “The Indian Mission of 1845” Historical Marker.

The Chippewa (Ojibwe), the original people of Saginaw Bay had a village north of Sebewaing near Shebahyonk Creek. The Chippewa call themselves Anishinabe, in their language meaning original men. The name Chippewa comes from an Algonquian word “otchipwa” meaning to pucker, deriving from the Chippewa’s distinctive puckered moccasin seam. H74.5 Sebewaing 43o 44.048 N 083o 27.451 W Harbor Marina

H74.5 SEBEWAING HARBOR MARINA

H75.0 SEBEWAING ROAD VFW

WILDFOWL OF SAGINAW BAY A mecca for hunters and birders, Saginaw Bay, is a major nesting area and rest stop for migratory waterfowl. With the lakeshore plain, wet prairies, dunes and swales, and shallow lake bottoms the bay is a major habitat for North American birds. This area is a major rest and feeding stop for migratory song birds and waterfowl on the Central Flyway. Wetlands are host to Canada Geese, Snow Geese, and Tundra Swans. Mallards, Grebes, and Wood Ducks nest here, while other waterfowl include Green Winged Teals, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Pintails, Ring Necks, Scaups, Longtails, Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, and Loons. The Bay also has waders including Herons and Bitterns, Yellowlegs, Sandpipers, Dunlins, and Sandhill Cranes. One can spot Terns and Cormorants fishing in the Bay. A birder may spot Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Hawks circling above. The inland forests and thickets are home to Neotropical migrants as well as less migratory species of songbird including Warblers, Finches, Thrushes, Nuthatches, Wrens, Titmice, Kinglets, Wax- wings, and Sparrows. The wetlands are also home to large numbers of Red- Wing Blackbirds and Swallows. Sebewaing Rd / Bay St H 75.0 43o 43.531 N V F W 083o 28.281 W Sebewaing Harbor Marina H 74.5 700 West Sebewaing St Contact: 989-883-9024 Amenities: Restroom, ramp (fee), convenience store

Sebewaing Road VFW H 75 Contact: Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce 989-883-2150 www.sebewaingchamber.com Amenities: No restroom, free launch at end of Sebewaing Rd.

HISTORY

Sebewaing, from the Chippewa for “little crooked creek,” was a center for fishing, shipping, sugar, and beer making.

Sebewaing, also similar to the Ojibwa word “sibi-wan” means “rivers, streams.” One reference indicates the translation to mean “where the river is”; another reference says it refers to “crooked creek”. The River is seen on some old French maps as the Du Fill (Thread) River. In the 1860’s cooperage (barrel making) was a thriving industry, using the plentiful oak trees of the region. Other early industries in Sebewaing included farming, coal mining, fishing, shipping and ship building. Sebewaing later became a center for making beet sugar with a major factory of the Michigan Sugar Company built here in 1902.

The town was once famous as home of the Sebewaing Brewing Company which produced beer for almost a hundred years until shutting down in 1965. The brewery began life as the E.O. Braendle Brewery in 1880. A fire destroyed the wood frame building in 1893. It was rebuilt with brick walls three feet thick and prospered until Prohibition outlawed beer making. The Sebewaing name began during Prohibition when in 1927, the Sebewaing Products Company was organized to produce malt extract. After Prohibition, Sebewaing again brewed beer until financial pressures in the 1960’s shut down most of the independent breweries in the United States. T 77.2 Fish Point 43o 43.069 N 083o 30.965 W Lodge

T77.2 FISH POINT LODGE

Fish Point Lodge T 77.2 4130 Miller Ave, Unionville, MI Contact 989-674-2631 www.fishpointlodge.com

Fish Point Lodge was built near the turn of the century by George Blehm, a commercial fisherman and duck hunting guide and grandfather of the lodge’s current owner, Doug Deming. It was originally known as Sportsman’s Haven, and was a favorite spot for local waterfowl hunters. In the century since the lodge was constructed little has changed. Amenities: The Lodge offers outdoor activities 12 months of the year.. Restrooms, accommodations, cabin rentals, camping, ramp (fee). T 79.9 43o 42.011 N Thomas Marine 083o 33.160 W

T79.9 THOMAS MARINE

THOMAS MARINE T 79.9 5066 West Thomas Rd, Unionville, MI 48767 989-674-2627 989-225-7583 Amenities: Restrooms, Camp sites ,(from rustic camping to full utilities, fees), showers, ice, pop machine, bait, clubhouse always open for shelter during inclement weather, boat ramp other launch points at your discretion (fee). T 82.48 Sunset Bay Marina 43o40.240 N 083o 38.877 W

H82.48 SUNSET BAY MARINA

Sunset Bay Marina T 82.48 5825 Loomis Rd, Unionville, MI 48767 Contact: Manager 989-674-2605, Owner 989-674-2668 Amenities: Restrooms, range markers, launch fee, mini storage, fishing, pay showers, sandy beach, meeting room, marine store, bottled water, pop, night crawlers, picnic area.

T 84.97 Allen Road 43o 38.357 N 083o 36.552 W

T84.97 ALLEN ROAD

Allen Road Access T 84.97 Amenities: None, free dirt ramp launch at end of road, limited parking.

Setting: Public access is limited to the end of the road only. Access to the lake is via Northwest Drain Outlet #3. The trail sign is not visible from open water: you must come up the drain to the access ramp. Please be considerate of the private property on the north side of Allen Rd. Vanderbilt T 88.9 43o 35.880 N County Park 083o 39.818 W

T88.9 VANDERBILT COUNTY PARK

Vanderbilt County Park & Campground T 88.9 4446 Bath Road, Fairgrove, Mi 48733 Contact: Host 989-325-2037 or 989-672-3700 www.tuscolacounty.org/vanderbilt

Open All Year. Main season mid April through September. Call for arrangements at other times during the year.

Amenities: Restrooms, camping, pavillion, play area, picnic area, nature trail (to be completed in 2009), small store 1/4 mile west, restaurant 3 miles west, marina 1 mile on M-25. Quanicassee T 90.44 43o 35.085 N River 083o 40.843 W

T99.44 QUANICASSEE RIVER

Quanicassee River Public Access T 90.44 Barney Road off M25 (follow Public Access Signs) Contact: DNR Bay City State Park, 989-684-3020 Amenities: Restrooms, parking, DNR paved ramp can be used for boats on trailers, restaurants in area. HISTORY A fishing village from pre-settlement times, Quanicassee derives its name from a Native word for “lone tree” and is located on the Quanicassee River, a tribu- tary of Saginaw Bay. Although it’s said to be of Native origin, the name report- edly is not compatible with Ottawa or Ojibwa vocabulary. The site was a gath- ering place for fishing by then Native people and settlers. A post office was established in “Quanicasse City” June 11, 1886, and operated until March 31, 1902. The Detroit, Bay City, & Western Railroad had a station at Quanicassee City from 1915 through 1925. The line was acquired by the Detroit, Caro, and Sandusky Railroad after the bankruptcy of the Detroit, Bay City & Western. Rail traffic through Quanicassee ceased in 1928 when a storm surge from Saginaw Bay pushed up the Quanicassee River and destroyed the railway bridge forcing the Detroit, Caro, & Sandusky to abandon the line from Caro to Bay City. The village is still a center for fishing and a gateway to the Quanicassee State Wildlife Area. NOTES NOTES NOTES Web Links for Quick Reference:

Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail www.thumbtrails.com

Huron County Parks www.huroncountyparks.com

Bayport Chamber of Commerce www.bayportchamber.com

Caseville Chamber of Commerce www.casevillechamber.com

Harbor Beach Chamber of Commerce www.harborbeachchamber.com

Port Hope www.porthopemich.com

Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce www.sebewaingchamber.com

Port Austin Chamber of Commerce www.portaustinarea.com

Huron County EDC www.huroncounty.com

Tuscola County www.tuscolacounty.org

Unionville www.unionvillemi.com TRAIL GUIDE

HURON & TUSCOLA COUNTIES MICHIGAN, USA

This publication is graciously sponsored by:

1-888-282-4932

Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail P.O. Box 92, Caseville, MI 48725 www.thumbtrails.com email: [email protected]