🚗 Day 2: Detroit to Lexington

After experiencing the Motor City, cruise along the scenic M-25, hugging the eastern shore of Lake St. Clair. Stop in the charming town of Port Huron and check out the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, stroll along the scenic boardwalk by the St. Clair River, and dive into maritime history aboard the Huron Lightship. The drive from Detroit to Lexington is 83 miles and will take about 1 1/2 hours.

Once you reach Lexington, you will love this quaint harbor town where tree-lined streets invite strolls. The Lake Huron Shores provide time to relax by the water, and the town includes several upscale restaurants with water views. The town is also known for its Music in the Park, free every Friday evening during the summer months.

🌟 Best Bed and Breakfasts to stay at Lexington House Bed and Breakfast– A Night To Remember. They also have an on-site Ice Cream Shop for you to enjoy after dinner

🚗 Day3: Lexington to Bay City

Continue to follow the shoreline northward on M-25. There are many quaint harbor towns, lighthouses, and parks for you to enjoy. Highlighted below are some of our favorites:

• Harbor Beach– A lakeside community that is home to the largest man-made freshwater harbor in the world. It’s filled with maritime history and scenic parks and trails.  The harbor offers excellent fishing from aboard a boat or along the picturesque breakwall. Enjoy a guided boat tour to the lighthouse in the warmer months.
•  Grindstone City- A popular fishing port for anglers searching for salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and small-mouth bass.
• Port Austin– The village of Port Austin is at the “tip” of Michigan’s Thumb. You will find great shopping, paddling, diving, fishing, golf, or relaxing in a beachside park here. Visit nearby Veterans Waterfront Park and stroll along the half-mile breakwater for a great view of Port Austin Reef Light and the shoreline.
• Caseville– M-25 winds through the heart of the city, which offers a wide range of restaurants, shopping, and clear views of Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Sleeper State Park is five miles northeast of Caseville on M-25 and includes a huge stretch of sandy coastline and dunes, perfect for an afternoon hike.

If time allows, we would love to spend the night at the Port Austin Bed and Breakfast.

Once you arrive in Bay City, check out Wenonah Park, which has lush green spaces by the water. Step back in time at the Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum, take a walk along the Riverwalk Pier, and hop on a boat tour at Bay City Boat Lines. After your day of adventure, come back to the Historic Webster House for a relaxing massage or relax in your room with a pampering whirlpool.

The total trip around the thumb via M-25 is under 150 miles.

🌟 Best Bed and Breakfasts to stay at Historic Webster House Bed and Breakfast

🚗 Day 4: Bay City to Oscoda

This area along the Lake Huron Coast is known as the Sunrise Coast of Michigan. If you are an early riser,  you will be rewarded with spectacular colors rising over Lake Huron at sunrise.  Your destination is a special bed and breakfast that sits right on the water. Breakfast will be delivered to your door and outside spaces will beckon you to sit and relax and enjoy the water views. Here are some of our favorite stops along the way:

• Standish- This small town is often called the Gateway to the Sunrise Side of Michigan. This is the place to pick up the Huron Shores Coastal Water Trail, which follows the Sunrise Coast for 200 beautiful miles.200 miles of spectacular scenic views of Lake Huron and an astounding array of large public forests and recreational properties await travelers on the Huron Shores Heritage Route. This route offers some of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula’s most extensive recreational, ecological, historical, and cultural sites. The northern Lake Huron shoreline boasts water, forests, wetlands, lighthouses, parks, trails, museums, small towns, culture, attractions, golf, dining, and other hidden treasures. Visit the US-23 Heritage Route website for more upcoming events and trail details.
• Au-Gres—Nearby, visit the river settlement of Au Gres, home to Modern Craft Wine. Explore the bustling downtown district featuring local shops and restaurants and its quaint and peaceful Chapel in the Park as you travel along US-23.
• The Charity Island Lighthouse is another scenic lighthouse along the lake. It’s on Charity Island in Lake Huron, just off Au Gres. It was originally built in 1857, but it was abandoned in the 1930s for an easier-to-access light and quickly fell into disrepair. Recently, the lighthouse has been updated to preserve its legacy. You can find boat tours of the island and grounds; the boat tours also pass by the unique, art deco-style Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse, which is Instagram-worthy.
• Tawas Point State Park is home to pristine beaches and a beautiful lighthouse.  Expect big waves on the Lake Huron side—a playground for water enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the bay-facing side offers calm waters, ideal for relaxation and family-friendly dips. Wander the nature trails that wind through the park. Enjoy birdwatching and immerse yourself in the coastal beauty. Visit the historic lighthouse—a beacon that has witnessed generations of maritime history. Its Victorian-era charm adds to the allure.
• • If time allows, consider staying overnight in East Tawas at the comfortable Always a Holiday! B&B. 
  • On one side of the Au Sable River, you’ll find the town of Au Sable. The river is a popular spot for canoeing, fly-fishing, and kayaking, so rent a boat here and explore the water and forested landscape around this serene part of the state.
  • The other side of the river is home to Oscoda. You’ll find the Au Sable-Oscoda Historical Society & Museum, Iargo Springs Interpretive Site here.  After your busy day of sightseeing, head off to the award-winning Huron House B&B located in Oscoda.

  🌟 Best Bed and Breakfasts to stay at the Huron House B&B

  If you would like to extend your time in this area, we highly recommend this new B&B, a purpose-built log cabin right on the water in Greenbush- Sweetwater Sea B&B.