Tawas Point State Park, located on the end of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay along Lake Huron, is home to 183 acres of lakeside recreation and has been referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." The park is a stopover site for hundreds of migrating birds in the spring and fall, making it a favorite spot for many bird watchers from all over the Midwest.
The park is home to a modern campground, overnight lodging facilities, a popular buoyed beach area, a picnic area and nature trail along the picturesque Lake Huron coast. From the park, visitors can access the Alabaster Pathway & Tawas Bay Bike Path, part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. The Tawas Point Lighthouse is a fascinating attraction for maritime buffs. It serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station built on the Great Lakes. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center
Tawas Bay is renowned for its excellent sailing conditions, thanks to its steady winds and protected waters. It's also a popular fishing spot, offering great opportunities for both open water and ice fishing. Several boating access sites are nearby and a local reef provides a thriving ecosystem for smaller fish, attracting larger predators. Tawas Bay's shallow, warm waters are perfect for swimming.
The beach house is located on the Lake Huron side of the point, in the day-use area. It features restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor food concessions.
Modern restrooms are located in the day-use area beach house on the Lake Huron side of the point.
A pavilion accommodates up to 75 people and comes equipped with picnic tables, a large charcoal grill, and three convenient 110-amp electrical outlets. For added privacy, the screened shelter is separated from the public restrooms by a partition wall. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
An accessible playground featuring a play structure, swings and slides is located in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point. The surface is rubberized with a sand and woodchipped border. The day-use area also features horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
From the park, visitors can access the Alabaster Pathway & Tawas Bay Bike Path, part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail, along Lake Huron. From the park entrance, it is about 4 miles to East Tawas City Park and continues to Tawas City and the Alabaster Bike Trail Arboretum. The trail is a combination of sidewalk and asphalt suitable for bicycles.
Thyme at The Point - located outside of the beach house in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point - sells Mediterranean food during the summer season.
While it is not groomed, the paved pathway connecting the day-use area and campground is not plowed in the winter, making it a good place for cross-country skiing.
Tawas Bay is a fishing hotspot for various species, including perch, walleye, trout, pike, bass and salmon. A limestone reef added in 1987 has boosted the bay's fish population, attracting larger predators. The nearby East Tawas State Harbor offers easy access with a popular fishing pier.
The park is home to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, with guided tours and self-guided walks provided throughout the summer season by the Michigan History Center. View lighthouse visitor information.
The iconic Tawas Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1876, features a historic Fresnel lens and offers stunning views. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views during seasonal tours. Tickets are available at the museum store. Even when closed, visitors can explore the grounds and historic structures like the oil house and fog signal area. For more info, call 989-362-5658.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Explore Tawas Bay and the Lake Huron shoreline. While there is no carry-in launch, the Lake Huron shoreline is very close to the day-use parking lot and can be used for paddle sports water access.
A pet-friendly section of shoreline, enclosed by fencing, located between the campground and lighthouse. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. Pets are prohibited on all other beach areas and the Sandy Hook Trail.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. Located in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point and near the playground.
The park's sanitation station is located near the campground entrance. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A buoyed swim area is located along Lake Huron.
There is a vault toilet near the lighthouse and near the first parking lot in the day-use area.
Enjoy 2 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. Pets are prohibited on all beaches in the park except for the designated pet-friendly area.
The modern campground is located along the Tawas Bay side of the point and features a designated swimming beach popular for its warm, shallow waters. Some sites with water views, pull-through access or ADA accessibility are available. There is 20/30-amp electrical service available on each site and a sanitation station. Recycling is available.
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The yurt is located within the modern campground and overlooks a pond that is home to turtles and is a stopping point for many species of waterfowl. This 16-foot diameter structure sleeps up to six people and is furnished with two sets of bunk beds (two are full beds and two are twin beds), table and chairs, lighting, a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot and electric heater. Outside there is a deck, picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms with showers and running water are located nearby within the modern campground. You must provide your own linens and cooking supplies. No pets are allowed.
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There are two accessible cabins with beach views and direct beach access located within the modern campground. Each feature two bedrooms, a living room, seating, electric outlets, ceiling fan and lights, refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker and electric heaters for winter use. Restrooms with showers and running water are located nearby within the modern campground and are open year-round. The Tawas Bay cabin sleeps six people and includes two full-size beds, a twin bed and a pullout sofa. The Fox Den cabin sleeps six people and includes two twin bunkbeds and a full size futon. Outside there is a picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill. You must provide your own linens and cooking supplies. No pets are allowed.
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There are two mini cabins located within the modern campground, which each sleep up to six people. Each has a single room furnished with two sets of bunk beds (two are full beds and two are twin beds). There is a counter, two stools, ceiling fan with light, electric wall heater, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, electric outlet and vacuum cleaner. Outside there is a small deck, picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms with showers and running water are located nearby within the modern campground and open year-round. You must provide your own linens and cooking supplies. No pets are allowed.
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