What to do in Michigan’s Thumb
Often overlooked by vacationers, Michigan’s Thumb has a vibrant history rooted in lumbering, farming, and recreation. A handful of quaint, friendly small towns are awaiting you on the shores of Lake Huron, separated by farmland, and we’re here to help you navigate it all!
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A brief history of Michigan’s Thumb
Michigan’s Thumb would rise to prominence as a lumbering area; however, before that, it was home to thousands of beavers that would be hunted and their pelts sold to the fur trade. As the Industrial Revolution paved the way for modern technology and bolstered major cities of the Midwest, much of the country’s lumber came from Michigan. The Thumb was huge in the lumbering industry, and sand mines were here to make glass, too. In 1871 and 1881, fires swept through the Thumb, ending most of the timber businesses in the area. After that, the Thumb mainly became farming communities. Despite its serene beauty, the thumb is often forgotten when it comes to vacationing and has many budget-friendly destinations. Plus, it’s only two hours from Detroit!
Where to stay in Michigan’s Thumb
Michigan’s Thumb isn’t as developed as other areas of Michigan’s coastline, and most of the places you’ll stay are campgrounds, private rentals, or small motels. There are some larger hotel chains in the cities, but in Huron County, those are far and in between. We prefer to camp; however, there are options for everyone here!
Stafford County Park is one of our favorite campgrounds in Michigan, and that’s saying something. Located on the shores of Lake Huron, the park offers stunning sunrise views, dozens of full hook-up sites, and some rustic camping right on the shores of Lake Huron. Port Hope is a short walk away, a village brimming with historical significance and a handful of shops and restaurants to explore. Plus, the park has sports equipment, playgrounds, and a beach. Whether you’re bringing a large camper, only have a tent, or want to rent a small cabin, Stafford County Park has you covered!
We haven’t camped at Lighthouse County Park yet; however, we’ve visited dozens of times and can vouch for its merits. Located in the shadow of Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse, Lighthouse County Park offers stunning Lake Huron views, quick access to the lighthouse and keepers quarters, and the playground. There’s no beach here, as the shoreline is rocky, but you can access the water at a few points throughout the park. If you love lighthouses and want to watch the sunrise over the lake every morning, Lighthouse County Park is calling your name!
We stayed at the Harbor Beach Inn on a bitterly cold winter weekend, but the warmth of the service we received has enforced this recommendation. Located within walking distance of downtown Harbor Beach and Judge Lincoln Park, this budget-friendly motel was clean and worth looking at if you visit the area.
Outdoor activities in Michigan’s Thumb
One of the more shocking realizations we had on our first few trips to Michigan’s Thumb was that there aren’t many longer hiking trails. Short paths are scattered around the region, but there aren’t many longer ones to spend a day exploring. That said, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in Michigan’s Thumb, from state parks to nature sanctuaries and rock beaches!
Albert Sleeper State Park is one of the Thumb’s finest parks and has excellent options for camping, hiking, and swimming. The trails aren’t very long; however, you can extend your walk by heading over to the beach after walking the shoreline. Located close to Caseville and Port Austin, this is one of our favorite places to take a break from driving down M25.
Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary sits on the shores of the Whiskey Harbor, an undeveloped slice of land on Lake Huron. At one time owned by the Kernan Family, this land was donated in 1989 and has been preserved since. The harbor was said to have been used to smuggle booze in from Canada during prohibition. Regardless of the folklore behind the harbor’s name, there are hiking trails here and the opportunity to examine the harbor’s unique ecosystem. In the winter, the bay completely freezes over most years, which is a unique site!
Located just north of Port Huron, Lakeport State Park is one of the premier rock-hunting locations in Michigan’s Thumb. There’s camping here, too, and a couple of playgrounds. You can hike through the woods, wander down the beach, and hunt for rocks on the shoreline. Depending on water levels, there’s more or less beach here; however, there’s almost always enough space to walk the beach. At just over an hour from Detroit, this is a stellar place to get out and stretch your legs.
Ezhibiigaadek Asin is a rocky outcropping that has over 150 petroglyphs. Despite the age of the carvings remaining unknown, it’s one of the most unique places in Michigan that you’ve probably never heard of. Plus, a 2-mile hike here follows the Cass River, which is wonderful to complete after learning about the petroglyphs. This site was discovered after the 1881 Thumb Fire and was defaced over the years until it was preserved in the 1990s. The Saginaw Chippewa Nation co-manages the park with the Michigan DNR.
Where to eat and drink in Michigan’s Thumb
Most might not consider Michigan’s Thumb a place for good eats, but those people are wrong. Much of the land here is devoted to farming, and many restaurants here cook with fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through the generations. Michigan’s Thumb has everything from bars to restaurants and ice cream stands!
After going to Chill Zone in Port Hope a few times, we’re convinced that it has to be subsidized by the local government. The flavors are simply too tasty, the servings too large, and the customer service too friendly to make any money. Jokes aside, we really love this place. On warm days in the summer, the line gets a little long, but not long enough to deter you from snagging an ice cream cone. If you stay at Stafford County Park, you can walk here from your campsite and return with a tasty treat. If it’s super hot, be careful of the tasty dribbles that’ll get all over your hand on the journey back!
Murphy’s Bakery in Port Austin is a small storefront with big taste and friendly bakers. Their main operation is in Bad Axe, so you can make a pit stop in either place. The bakery has been in the same family for three generations, and you can taste it in their baked goods. Murphy’s has everything from cookies and donuts to baked breads and wedding cakes. If you want something specific, you should plan to get there early in the morning; the best stuff goes quickly! That said, there’s always something tasty to be had at Murphy’s.
Buck’s Port Hope Diner opened in 2022 and has been one of the most recommended restaurants in Michigan’s Thumb since. It was so good that we visited three times in one weekend, and we were bummed that we couldn’t sneak in a fourth. Specializing in breakfast and dinner, we were treated to berry-topped french toast (an exclusive item only available sometimes), flaky hash browns, and a delectable breakfast sandwich. Lunch is yummy, too, but Buck’s excels at two things more than anything else: breakfast and customer service. The staff was incredibly kind, helpful, and friendly. We chatted with Tarra Hurlburt, who started the restaurant with her husband John, about how the diner is named after her grandpa Buck and how she ran a restaurant with that name in Fair Haven for years. If you’re only eating one place in Michigan’s Thumb, this might be the place to do it!
We never meant to go to Smalley’s Bar; however, we’ve been there four times so far and have been happy after every visit. It’s bar food, plain and simple, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty. Located in the heart of Harbor Beach, you can stop here right when you get into town for a burger and a beer or come here with the family while staying at the campground. If you’re into appetizers, get the fried pickles or pepper jack cheeseballs!
Stores to visit in Michigan’s Thumb
Michigan’s Thumb has a few larger cities; however, most of the region is made up of small towns and unincorporated communities. These places make it so special, and that’s where most of our favorite stores are. From Port Hope to Caseville and Port Austin, if shopping is your thing, you’ll have a great time!
Ray Dillabough’s Port Hope Antiques has only been around for a short time; however, his and his wife’s collection is top-notch, and their conversation is even better. Located in the historic Ogilvie Building, the shop will take you on a trip down memory lane with its vintage charm and antique merchandise. If you’re stopping in Port Hope, stop at Port Hope Antiques!
Originally called the Leuty Store, run by William R. Stafford’s brother-in-law William Leuty, this store has been open for over a century, reopening after a fire in 1918. Leslie, William Henry Leuty's son-in-law's great-great-grandaughter, and her husband, John, opened the Port Hope Mercantile inside the structure in 2017, and it’s a one-stop shop for hardware, souvenirs, pop, and candy.
Port Austin is a vibrant community in the summer months thanks to an influx of tourists flocking to the water; however, one of the best places to visit in Port Austin is on dry land: the Port Austin Farmers Market. In addition to fresh produce and homemade foodstuffs, there are art, mineral, gemstone, and other craft vendors, making the Port Austin Farmers Market a solid stop on your journey if you’re looking for groceries, a bite to eat, or a souvenir. It’s worth looking into the various towns’ around Huron County festival schedules, as there are similar events in most downtown areas throughout the warm weather season!
