Photo Gallery Friday: Tawas Point State Park
Located just a few hours’ drive (3.5 hours from Grand Rapids, 1.5 hours from Saginaw, 3 hours from Detroit and 3 hours from Mackinaw City) from just about anywhere in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Tawas Point State Park is a popular summer destination on the Lake Huron shoreline. A spacious campground, a historic lighthouse, a nature trail, a swimming beach, and opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding and kitesurfing are some of the attractions that draw visitors to this amazing state park.
The Tawas Point Lighthouse dates back to the 1870s and it is one of Michigan’s most beautiful lighthouses. The tower stands 70 feet tall, and in the summer months it is possible to enter the restored keeper’s dwelling and climb the tower. The Sandy Hook nature trail showcases shoreline on Lake Huron and Tawas Bay while traversing 1.5 miles of the park. This is a major migratory area for birds in the spring and fall, with hundreds of different species spotted.
The Michigan DNR site notes that “Tawas Point Celebration Days is a family-oriented celebration of our American heritage held the second weekend of June each year. There are many activities offered for the entire family. Some of the activities include historical and educational displays, lighthouse tours, demonstrations of traditional crafts such as spinning, weaving, black-smithing, wood carving, children’s activities, fishing derby, guided hikes, traditional music, period encampments with period dress.”
The campground features nearly 200 sites as well as a mini-cabin and a yurt. The facilities are modern, with electrical hookups, RV hookups and restrooms available. The Tawas Point Grille is a popular spot for dining near the beach, and Great Lakes Surf Shop offers kiteboarding lessons as well as the chance to rent kayaks and paddleboards. East Tawas and Tawas City are small towns on the opposite side of the bay that offer options for gas, food and lodging.
Check out our other Photo Gallery Friday features on Michigan State Parks:
Colonial Michlimackinac Historic State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
