Searching for a laid-back Great Lakes getaway? Discover Port Austin at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb! With its scenic shoreline, iconic rock formations, and small-town charm, Port Austin is a favorite for kayakers, beachgoers, and art lovers alike. It’s where Lake Huron meets relaxed summer fun.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Port Austin is late spring through early fall (May–September). Warm weather is perfect for kayaking to Turnip Rock, browsing the farmers market, and enjoying Lake Huron’s beaches and sunsets.
How to Get There
- By Car: Port Austin is located at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, about 2.5 hours from Detroit and Flint via M-53 or M-25.
- By Plane: The nearest commercial airports are in Saginaw (MBS) and Flint (FNT), both about 2 hours away by car.
- By Boat: Boaters can dock at Port Austin Marina, located right downtown on the Lake Huron shoreline.
Where to Stay
- Lake Street Manor – Cozy B&B with a historic touch, just steps from the beach and downtown shops.
- Blue Spruce & Lucky Horseshoe Motel – Family-friendly lodging with fire pits and a short walk to the lake.
- Vacation Rentals – Cottages, lakefront homes, and cabins offer great options for families and longer stays.
Top Attractions
⮕ Sail Back in Time with a View of Port Austin Reef Light
Out on the reef, about a mile from from the coast, stands the Port Austin Reef Light on its own octagonal concrete island. It marks the turning point at the junction between Lake Huron and the Saginaw Bay. The sides of the base are 34 feet each. There are two structures on the base, namely the six-story light tower and the shorter, larger fog signal building. The light is 76 feet above the mean low tide. The light was automated in 1953 and decommissioned in 1979. It was rescued from dismantling and has been placed in the Registry of Historical Places.
8265 N. Van Dyke Rd. Port Austin, MI 48467
⮕ Hook Big Thrills on the Water with Fin-Lander Sport Fishing Charters
Captain Dennis Cook has 30 years' fishing experience and received his chartering license in 2009. The Fin-Lander is a 31 foot, open Tiara with an enclosed cabin with plenty of seating space. It is fitted with the latest fish-finding technology. Fishermen and -women of all ages and skill level are welcome as Captain Dennis is eager to teach newcomers to the sport. All safety equipment and fishing gear are provided. Fish are cleaned and bagged on the boat. The boat leaves from Frankfort in Lake Michigan for most of August and from Grindstone in Lake Huron for the rest of the season.
3337 Pointe Aux Barques Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Where to Eat
⮕ Savor Farm-to-Fork Flavors at The Farm Restaurant
After attending culinary school and extensive travel through the USA, Europe and Asia, Pamela Gabriel Roth opened her own restaurant in 1994. It is situated in a rambling house in the middle of farmland six miles from Port Austin. Comfort food, made from the finest and freshest, local ingredients is served in a country atmosphere. Everything on the menu is prepared from scratch. Each entree is accompanied by seasonal vegetables, a house salad and homemade bread. This can be followed by a selection from the dessert tray. The Farm Restaurant is open from 5-9pm daily.
699 Port Crescent Road, Port Austin, MI 48478, Phone: 989-874-5700
⮕ If You Love History Served with a Side of Elegance, Dine at The Bank 1884 Food & Spirits
For the century before this restaurant was opened, the historic red brick building in which it is housed was a bank, a library and a bicycle repair shop. In 1984, the first of the four owners of the enterprise opened its doors to the dining public. The restaurant seats 130 in two separate areas. It is open 7 days a week, for brunch, lunch and dinner in summer, and from Friday to Sunday in spring and fall. In fine weather, seating is available on the sidewalk and once a year the restaurant hosts a Street Party. It is a participating member in the Port Austin Pub Crawl.
8646 Lake Street, Port Austin, MI 48467, Phone: 989-738-5353
More Local Attractions
- Turnip Rock – Paddle out by kayak to see this famous offshore rock formation carved by Lake Huron’s waves.
- Port Austin Farmers Market – One of Michigan’s best markets, featuring fresh produce, crafts, and live music (Saturdays, summer only).
- Port Crescent State Park – Explore sandy beaches, trails, and stargazing at this dark-sky-friendly park.
- Bird Creek Park & Pier – Ideal for a stroll, sunset view, or quick dip in the lake just off downtown.
- Huron County Nature Center – Hike wooded trails and learn about local ecology in this peaceful preserve.
Local Events
- Port Austin Art in the Park (Summer) – Open-air art show featuring regional artists and live performances.
- Independence Day Fireworks (July 4) – Celebrate with fireworks over the harbor and lakeside festivities.
- Port Austin Porch Fest (August) – Musicians play from front porches around town in a quirky, fun-filled afternoon.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Port Austin, Michigan
- Caseville (25–30 min) – Attend the Cheeseburger Festival, relax on sandy beaches, or kayak Saginaw Bay.
- Grindstone City (10–15 min) – Visit historic quarries, enjoy famous ice cream, or walk along the shoreline.
- Port Crescent (5–10 min) – Hike dunes, swim at the state park, or stargaze in a designated dark sky preserve.
- Pointe Aux Barques (15–20 min) – Tour the historic lighthouse, explore dramatic cliffs, or birdwatch along the coast.
- Bad Axe (25–30 min) – Shop local stores, visit area museums, or stop for a bite in this central Huron County town.
- Harbor Beach (25–30 min) – Walk the breakwall, tour the lighthouse, or relax in the marina park downtown.
- Kinde (15–20 min) – Visit a local farm stand, explore open country roads, or stop for classic Midwestern eats.
- Bay Port (25–30 min) – Try fresh-caught fish, tour the harbor, or explore this quiet Lake Huron town.
- Filion (20–25 min) – Enjoy a scenic country drive, visit roadside markets, or take in peaceful rural views.
FAQ
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Where is Port Austin located?
- Port Austin is a village at the tip of the Thumb of Michigan. It has a total area of just over a mile square.
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What natural wonder is found in Port Austin?
- It is the home of one of Michigan's natural wonders, the Turnip Rock, a sea stack just offshore which has been undercut by waves. The top, which is inhabited by trees, is substantially larger than the base. It is privately owned, and concrete has been cast around the base to prevent further erosion.
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What is the tourism season like in Port Austin?
- Port Austin has a short tourism season with just four viable months.
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What activities can visitors do in Port Austin?
- Besides water-related activities, there are opportunities on land to walk, hike, ride horses, and cycle.
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