The Sunrise Side Coastal High-way (US-23), stretches 200-miles along the Lake Huron shoreline from Standish to Mackinaw City, providing travelers with unlimited opportunities for exploring the natural wonders of the region, along with its rich history, culture and recreation.
Exploring the River Road National Scenic Byway in Iosco County or hiking at Ocqueoc Falls or the Black Mountain Recreation Area to the north, the region boasts a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Sunrise Side Coastal Highway begins at Interstate 75 Exit 188 in Arenac County (Standish exit). The route continues north through quaint and welcoming communities, past inviting beaches, Great Lakes shipping ports, harbors of refuge for pleasure crafts and wooded forests.
Standish, Omer and AuGres
Once you leave the Interstate 75, you are officially “up north.” Standish provides a warm and friendly welcome to travelers as they begin their journey along the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway. The community is in the process of restoring its historic railroad depot located at the corner of U.S.-23 and M-61 to provide a true Welcome Center to the region. The communities of Standish, Omer and AuGres are the first in a string of unique and interesting places to visit along the route. Omer is home to the Rifle River and canoeing, while AuGres has long been known as the “Perch Capital” of Michigan with its harbor and marina located right on U.S.-23. AuGres is the gateway to Charity Island and Saginaw Bay walleye and perch.
Alabaster, Tawas Bay and Oscoda
Entering Iosco County, visitors will find a gypsum mine where rock from the mine is used to make wallboard (drywall) for the construction industry, along with other by-products. During the shipping season, large lake freighters can be seen at Port Gypsum loading products for worldwide destinations. Tawas Bay is a very popular spot for travelers and anglers alike. The walleye fishery is superb and whitefish are caught at the East Tawas State Dock facility in November. The twin communities of Tawas City and East Tawas share the inner bay --Tawas Bay -- of the Saginaw Bay. The area is known for its spectacular beaches, quaint downtown shopping and fantastic perch and walleye dinners.
Visitors will also find Lumberman’s Monument and cross-country skiing (Iosco County is the Cross Country Ski Capital of Michigan). Oscoda, further north along the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway, is home to the AuSable River and Paul Bunyan. Each year, anglers ply the river and near shore for salmon, lake trout and other species of game fish. The River Road Scenic Byway begins in the downtown area of Oscoda along U.S.-23. Snowmobiling, a great beach and plenty of hiking and biking are available here. Spectacular views of Lake Huron are found north of the community.
Greenbush, Harrisville, Black River
Greenbush is filled with small cottages and summer homes that are often rented to travelers. Visitors find this a great place to stop and stay because the beach, views of Lake Huron and laid back atmosphere make it an ideal place to kick back and enjoy quality family time. Harrisville and the State Harbor of Refuge host a wide variety of watercraft during the summer. The Harrisville State Park, located along the Lake Huron shoreline has easy access to the downtown area of the community. Harrisville sponsors several major events during the year including, the Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival and Harmony Weekend. During early December Christmas in the Village is very popular with visitors. The hills north of town near Black River provide an opportunity to enjoy the woods with great views of Lake Huron. A visit to the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a must.
Ossieneke and Alpena
Ossieneke offers travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the beaches and a little known state park -- Negwegon State Park. This natural, undeveloped state park is an excellent place to hike during the summer months. The beaches along the Lake Huron shoreline have been called some of the best beaches in all of Michigan. While the park is a little difficult to find, it is well worth exploring. The City of Alpena, the largest city in northeast Michigan, is home to the Great Lakes only National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. Tours of shipwrecks, using glass bottom boats, allows even those who are not accomplished divers to enjoy the sights below the water line. The community also sponsors an annual Lighthouse Festival in October. The Michigan Brown Trout Festival, the longest running event of its kind, brings hundreds of boats and thousands of spectators to the community in July of each year. Shipping is a big part of the heritage of the community and is reflected by the emphasis that Alpena has on its harbor in the downtown area.
Presque Isle and Rogers City
As you enter Presque Isle County, you will see Grand and Long Lakes along the U.S.-23 corridor. These are great vacation lakes and the fishing isn’t bad, either. The small harbor community of Presque Isle is home to the old and new Presque Isle lighthouses as well as a superb harbor that hosts countless boats during the summer season as they visit the area on their way to the North Channel of Lake Huron. The area is filled with beautiful white birch forests and outstanding hiking opportunities as well as venturing into another undeveloped state park --Thompson’s Harbor State Park. Traveling north, visitors will come upon the Nautical City --Rogers City. This harbor community features an avenue of flags commemorating the rich history of the shipping industry that called the area their home port for many years. Rogers City is also home to the largest limestone quarry in the world. Visitors can take a view of the quarry at Quarry View, just off U.S. - 23 on the business loop. Downtown is a quaint and fun place to visit, with world famous Plath Meats calling the area home. Just north of town is one of the most spectacular beaches right along side of U.S.-23. The beach is popular in the summer. A new bicycle path follows the shoreline to Hoeft State Park. Also in the area is Hammond Bay and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Research Station. The rocky coastline is extremely photographic and the view shed makes it difficult to leave.
Cheboygan and Mackinaw City
The route continues north to the harbor community of Cheboygan. The community is the home of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and is the terminus of the Inland Waterway. The Cheboygan River also has a set of locks near the downtown area that is an interesting place to visit. The community also features the Cheboygan Opera House, a tribute to the arts that showcases the community’s commitment to history and tradition. A short detour along the river and into the Black Mountain Recreation Area will provide hiking and biking enthusiasts with a great diversion from the automobile ride along the Lake Huron shoreline. Further north, U.S.-23 rejoins Interstate 75 at the Mackinac Bridge. In the community, you will find unique shops and a jumping-off point for Mackinac Island. The 200-mile shoreline route is an ideal alternative to I-75 and the experience and scenery make up for the high speed route to the bridge. The Sunrise Side Coastal Highway continues to develop a marketing program that will enhance the travel experience of those visiting the region. There will soon be welcome centers established in Standish, West Branch and other communities to promote the region’s many attractions. The Welcome Center at the Tanger Outlet Center in West Branch has information about the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway. Additional attractions that are along the route include, but are not limited to, Fletchers Pond, Hillman and its new Grist Mill, Mio and the Kirtland’s Warbler viewing area, and a wide variety of communities that are connected to the heritage route through rivers, streams and roads connecting the shoreline to the inland areas of the region. When you plan your vacation, consider exploring the wonderful coastline communities of Northeast Michigan, while at the same time considering spending more time in the region learning and visiting with us.
Heritage Route Website - www.heritageroute.com
Alcona County's Heritage Route Website - www.us23coastalhighway.com