Gateway to Black River, MI
Sightseeing
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
500 W Fletcher StVisit over 200 historic shipwrecks.
Negwegon State Park
Hiking for all skill levels with amazing views of Lake Huron.
Until the early 20th Century, northern Michigan was almost completely dependent on waterborne commerce for all of its needs. Thousands of sailing vessels and early steamers plied the Great Lakes at a time when there were almost no aids to navigation to guide them along the dangerous coastline with its treacherous rocks, shoals and reefs. One such reef extends 1-1/2 miles out into Lake Huron at Sturgeon Point, just north of Harrisville, Michigan. In 1869, the Lighthouse Service began construction of the lighthouse at Sturgeon Point to mark this hazard. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse became operational in the spring of 1870 and has been in continuous service since 1869. The lighthouse is still operational.
In 1876 the U. S. Life Saving Service established a Life Saving Station at the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. This station provided around-the-clock rescue capability for vessels in distress. With the formation of the U. S. Coast Guard in 1915, Sturgeon Point became a Coast Guard station. The lighthouse was electrified and automated in 1939 and the last personnel left in 1941. The Coast Guard buildings were subsequently destroyed, however, the lighthouse itself survived but was severely vandalized.
In 1982 the Alcona Historical Society leased the lighthouse and began a three - year restoration project. The interior of the keeper's house was completely restored, and the buildings were painted. Almost all of the work was done by volunteers, directed by Floyd Benghauser. The lighthouse is of masonry construction on a limestone block foundation. The tower is 70 feet, 9 inches tall and is 16 feet in diameter at its base. The light is a 3.5 order Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. The Fresnel lens is still in the tower but is no longer in operation The Coast Guard does monitor a LED light to assist recreational watercraft. The keeper's house is now a maritime museum which is open to the public on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend. The lighthouse tower is open to climb periodically throughout the summer season. The grounds are open all year.
19 locals recommend
Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
6071 Point RdUntil the early 20th Century, northern Michigan was almost completely dependent on waterborne commerce for all of its needs. Thousands of sailing vessels and early steamers plied the Great Lakes at a time when there were almost no aids to navigation to guide them along the dangerous coastline with its treacherous rocks, shoals and reefs. One such reef extends 1-1/2 miles out into Lake Huron at Sturgeon Point, just north of Harrisville, Michigan. In 1869, the Lighthouse Service began construction of the lighthouse at Sturgeon Point to mark this hazard. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse became operational in the spring of 1870 and has been in continuous service since 1869. The lighthouse is still operational.
In 1876 the U. S. Life Saving Service established a Life Saving Station at the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. This station provided around-the-clock rescue capability for vessels in distress. With the formation of the U. S. Coast Guard in 1915, Sturgeon Point became a Coast Guard station. The lighthouse was electrified and automated in 1939 and the last personnel left in 1941. The Coast Guard buildings were subsequently destroyed, however, the lighthouse itself survived but was severely vandalized.
In 1982 the Alcona Historical Society leased the lighthouse and began a three - year restoration project. The interior of the keeper's house was completely restored, and the buildings were painted. Almost all of the work was done by volunteers, directed by Floyd Benghauser. The lighthouse is of masonry construction on a limestone block foundation. The tower is 70 feet, 9 inches tall and is 16 feet in diameter at its base. The light is a 3.5 order Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. The Fresnel lens is still in the tower but is no longer in operation The Coast Guard does monitor a LED light to assist recreational watercraft. The keeper's house is now a maritime museum which is open to the public on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend. The lighthouse tower is open to climb periodically throughout the summer season. The grounds are open all year.
Stroll or play mini golf alongside life-sized replicas of dinosaurs, cavemen and other prehistoric animals.
18 locals recommend
Dinosaur Gardens
11160 US-23Stroll or play mini golf alongside life-sized replicas of dinosaurs, cavemen and other prehistoric animals.
Food scene
American fare in a casual environment or take-out. Plus, the only Detroit-style pizza in Northern Michigan.
13 locals recommend
Mountain Inn Inc
5495 US-23American fare in a casual environment or take-out. Plus, the only Detroit-style pizza in Northern Michigan.
Try their own microbrews and pub fare while dining in or outside in their igloos.
11 locals recommend
Alcona Brew Haus
676 N U.S. 23Try their own microbrews and pub fare while dining in or outside in their igloos.
Best brunch and bakery in the area. Known for their giant cinnamon buns. Expect a wait on Sunday morning.
13 locals recommend
Connie's Cafe
11585 US-23Best brunch and bakery in the area. Known for their giant cinnamon buns. Expect a wait on Sunday morning.
Austin Brothers Beer Company
821 W Miller StGreat vibe, lots of beer and yummy food.
Rentals & tours
SunnyBunns
5400 N U.S. 23Rent everything from kayaks and jet skis to pontoon boats