Take the Ultimate Lake Huron Lighthouse Road Trip in Michigan

If Lake Michigan is where the crowds go, Lake Huron is where you go to breathe.

With quieter beaches, hidden harbors, and a shoreline dotted with lighthouses that feel like well-kept secrets, the Lake Huron coast offers a road trip that’s part history lesson, part beach day, and part soul-soothing getaway.

This road trip traces the Michigan shoreline from Port Huron to Mackinaw City, passing through charming lakeside towns, storybook state parks, and some of the most photogenic lighthouses in the Midwest.

Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. And maybe… bring a cooler for all the pie you’ll want to bring home.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

Port Huron, MI

The oldest lighthouse in Michigan still stands tall at the spot where the St. Clair River flows into Lake Huron. Built in 1829, Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is open for tours, and you can climb the 94 steps to the top for panoramic views of freighter traffic and the iconic Blue Water Bridge.

Things to do nearby:

• Watch Great Lakes freighters pass under the Blue Water Bridge
• Walk the scenic Thomas Edison Parkway Boardwalk
• Tour the Huron Lightship Museum, the only lightship on the Great Lakes open to the public

Where to eat:

Freighters Eatery & Taproom — Waterfront dining with upscale pub food and one of the best patios in town

More to Explore: Stay the Night in the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

Port Sanilac Lighthouse

Port Sanilac, MI

This privately owned lighthouse isn’t open for tours, but you can get a great view from the marina or beach. The village itself is adorable — think historic homes, flower-lined sidewalks, and a slower pace that makes you want to linger.

Things to do nearby:

• Explore the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum, complete with vintage buildings and a working general store
• Grab beach time at Port Sanilac Beach
• Browse antique shops and local art galleries

Where to eat:

The Stone Lodge — Rustic lodge setting with fresh lake perch, hearty steaks, and comfort classics like chicken pot pie and seafood mac & cheese.

Roxanne’s — Cozy yellow cottage serving all-day breakfast favorites, homemade pies, and diner-style lunches.

Harbor Beach Lighthouse

Harbor Beach, MI

Sitting a half-mile off the coast on a breakwater in the largest man-made harbor in the world, this 1885 lighthouse is only accessible by boat, but tours are available during summer months.

Even from shore, it’s a jaw-dropping sight, especially at sunrise.

Things to do nearby:

• Walk the Harbor Beach Marina boardwalk for the best views of the lighthouse
• Tour the Grice House Museum for local maritime and pioneer history
• Visit Judge James H. Lincoln Memorial Park for a peaceful lakefront picnic and scenic lookout

Where to eat:

Smalley’s Bar & Grill — Local favorite serving burgers, chicken, and salads with bar games and TVs for catching the game

Eighteen87 — Merging urban flavors with rural charm, this spot serves creative wraps, hearty mains, and house-made specials in a cozy downtown space

Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse

Port Hope, MI

This one feels like a lighthouse should — wind-whipped, wild, and wonderfully remote. Located at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse has been guiding mariners since 1848.

Climb the tower during the summer and explore the small but mighty museum in the old keeper’s quarters.

Things to do nearby:

• Explore the rocky Lake Huron shoreline at Lighthouse County Park
• Hunt for Petoskey stones and beach glass
• Camp overnight in the park for some of the darkest skies in Lower Michigan

Where to eat:

Port Hope Hotel — Neighborhood bar serving up burgers, chicken, and fresh salads, with TVs for the game and bar games like darts for extra fun.

Tawas Point Lighthouse

Tawas Point State Park – East Tawas, MI

Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” this elegant lighthouse sits on a narrow spit of land that curves into Lake Huron. Climb the tower, explore the museum, and enjoy the surrounding beach and trails at Tawas Point State Park.

Things to do nearby:

• Swim, paddleboard, or relax on the sandy shores of Tawas Bay
• Walk the Tawas Bay Pedestrian & Bike Path
• Shop, snack, and people-watch in downtown East Tawas

Where to eat:

G’s Pizzeria — A staple for pizza, pasta, and casual lakeside family dining

Marion’s Dairy Bar — Vintage soft serve and footlong hot dogs just steps from the beach

More to Explore: Best Things to Do, See, and Explore in Tawas, Michigan

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Harrisville, MI

Painted white with a cheery red roof, this lighthouse is straight out of a storybook. It was built in 1870 and still stands tall along a rocky shoreline with a small maritime museum and quiet beach nearby.

Things to do nearby:

• Climb the tower for views of Lake Huron
• Explore the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse Museum
• Take a beach walk or pack a picnic at Harrisville State Park

Where to eat:

Shotmakers Sports Bar — Laid-back spot with burgers, wings, and friendly service

Alpena Light (“Little Red”)

Alpena, MI

It may be squat and square, but this unique lighthouse at the mouth of the Thunder Bay River has big charm.

Nicknamed “Little Red,” it’s a perfect photo stop. Alpena itself is a hub for shipwreck exploration and Great Lakes history.

Things to do nearby:

• Kayak or dive over historic shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• Visit the immersive Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
• Stroll the Alpena Bi-Path for riverside views and public art

Where to eat:

JJ’s Steak & Pizza House — A downtown staple offering an extensive menu of pizzas, steaks, burgers, and more in a casual, family-friendly setting.

Red Brick Tap & Barrel — Upscale pub fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, complemented by a curated selection of craft beers and cocktails in a restored historic building.

Cabin Creek Coffee — Great breakfast sandwiches and a cozy downtown vibe

More to Explore: Find Beauty, Tranquility & Wonder in Alpena, Michigan

Forty Mile Point Lighthouse

Rogers City, MI

Located just outside Rogers City, this classic light station still operates and includes a museum, keeper’s quarters, and a preserved shipwreck just offshore.

You can walk the beach and spot remnants of the 1905 Joseph S. Fay wreck washed up near the lighthouse.

Things to do nearby:

• Visit P. H. Hoeft State Park for camping, hiking, or beach time
• Walk or bike the Huron Sunrise Trail, which connects town to the lighthouse
• Spend time downtown at Lakeside Park or check out the Rogers City marina

Where to eat:

The Lighthouse Restaurant — Downtown favorite known for its award-winning pizza, hearty buffets, and welcoming atmosphere.

Up North 23 Restaurant & Lounge — Rustic-chic spot offering stone-fired pizzas, steaks, and globally inspired entrées in a cozy setting.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Mackinaw City, MI

At the very top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this stately stone lighthouse sits in the shadow of the Mackinac Bridge.

Operating from 1892 to 1957, it now serves as a museum where you can explore the lightkeeper’s quarters, fog signal building, and climb the tower for epic views of the Straits.

Things to do nearby:

• Visit Colonial Michilimackinac, a re-created 18th-century fort and trading post
• Snap postcard-worthy photos of the Mackinac Bridge
• Catch a ferry to Mackinac Island for a day trip of car-free charm

Where to eat:

Darrow’s Family Restaurant — A local legend serving whitefish dinners, homemade pies, and all-day comfort food

Murdick’s Fudge — Because no trip to Mackinaw is complete without at least one slice of fudge

The Other Side of the Mitten

This Lake Huron lighthouse road trip has a different feel than its western counterpart. It’s a little quieter. A little older. A little more rugged. But that’s what makes it magical.

You’ll find yourself pulling off for tiny beaches you didn’t know existed, watching waves roll in from picnic tables, and wondering why you didn’t explore this shoreline sooner.

Take your time. Let the breeze guide you. And don’t be surprised if you start planning your return trip before you even make it to the bridge.