TAWAS POINT STATE PARK
Tawas Point is located off US-23, 2.5 miles southeast of East Tawas on Tawas Beach Road. It is just over an hour drive from the Tri-Cities and only three hours from the Detroit area. The park contains 183 acres situated on the end of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay. It has been referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." The campground is located on Tawas Bay where the water is shallow and warm for swimming. Located within the park is the Tawas Point Lighthouse. Although it has been remodeled several times, the station serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station built on the Great Lakes. Metal detecting area. Tawas Point State Park now has a new camper cabin located on Tawas Bay, the cabin sleeps six. It has two bedrooms, each with its own set of bunk beds, a fold out couch and cot in the living room/kitchen area. The living room/kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, shelves for storing your dishes and supplies, a counter with stools, and a vacuum cleaner. Outside the cabin are a couple of Adirondack chairs for watching the bay, a fire pit, picnic table, and a large grill. Visitors will need to bring bedding, dishes and cooking gear.
Tawas Point is a stop over point for hundreds of species of migratory birds, and it is a favorite spot for many bird watchers from all over the midwest.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Tawas Point-Modern(800) 447-2757 193 site(s)Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms, Playground
The park offers two-miles of sandy beach. The campground beach located on Tawas Bay offers warm shallow water. The day-use beach is located on the Lake Huron side of the point and offers a designated swimming area. Pets are prohibited on all beaches located in the park.
Tawas Bay has perch, walleye, brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, bass, coho and chinook salmon. In 1987 a limestone reef was constructed in Tawas Bay, and it has helped to make the Bay one of the best fishing areas around. The reef is 800 feet long and 25 feet wide. It is located along the northern side of the bay and provides a natural habitat for smaller bait fish, which in turn attracts larger predator fish. Since the construction of the reef, fishermen have found greater success in the walleye, pike, perch and smallmouth bass fishing. In the spring and fall.
Tawas Point State Park is
Children will love the playground and there are horseshoe pits, a ball field and an area for volley ball to enjoy as well. The park also contains a picnic area with tables and picnic grills.
Located on the end of the point is the Sandy Hook Hiking Trail. The trail offers two-miles of guided hiking with interpretive stops along the way. The trail is designated for hiking only, bicycles and pets are prohibited.
Tawas Point-Lumbermen's Monument Auto Tour Trail Length: 68.00 (Miles)
Tawas Point-Sandy Hook Nature Trail Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking
Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," this location offers exceptional birding opportunities, especially during migration seasons. It's recognized for its diverse species including warblers and waterfowl. The park features a designated Birding Trail providing excellent viewing spots. Additionally, annual events like Tawas Point Birding Festival attract enthusiasts from across the country.
Lighthouse:
The Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876, is equipped with a Frensnel lens built in Paris in 1880. It replaced the original Ottawa Point Lighthouse located near the present campground playscape. The lighthouse stands 70 feet above Lake Huron and the walls at the base are 6 feet thick. The Coast Guard station adjacent to the park on Lakeview Drive was also built in 1876 and is the only surviving example of the First Series Life Saving Stations built on the Great Lakes. Although it has been remodeled several times, the station serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station built on the Great Lakes. In 1991 the Coast Guard built a new station just outside the park entrance and decommissioned the old station.
The Tawas Point Lighthouse museum store is located on the lighthouse grounds and is open May-October.
The lighthouse is open for tours on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day. The tour offers a unique opportunity to walk to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of Tawas Point. Tickets are available at the museum store. For tour information please call (989) 362-5658.
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 weekend is sponsored by the Friends of Tawas Point State Park.
Tawas Bay itself has long been considered one of the finest sailing areas in the country due to the winds and protected waters. If you would prefer to fish, several nearby launches are available. Boats can be moored in the bay off the campground. A DNR-owned ramp is located on U.S. 23 behind the state police post. Many charter boats in the area are available as well. Ice fishing is also a very popular sport on Tawas Bay. In 1987 a limestone reef was constructed in Tawas Bay, and it has helped to make the Bay one of the best fishing areas around. The reef is 800 feet long and 25 feet wide. It is located along the northern side of the bay and provides a natural habitat for smaller bait fish, which in turn attracts larger predator fish. Since the construction of the reef, fishermen have found greater success in the walleye, pike, perch and smallmouth bass fishing.
Take US-23 N. through East Tawas and go E. on Tawas Beach Rd. 2.5 miles. From North: US-23 to Baldwin Resort Rd., left at stop sign on Tawas Beach Rd.
I am originaly from Northeast Michigan but no live in Texas. My family and I return to Michigan every year and our favorite place is Tawas Point State Park. My wife says it is her favorite spot peroid.
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