Presque Isle County is shaped by 72 miles of Lake Huron shoreline and three lighthouses. The landscape has also been formed beneath the surface: the region is known for karst formations with underground rivers and sinkholes. Coastal history and geological features sit side by side here—and can be discovered in a wide variety of places.
Shorelines, Rocks and Trails
At P.H. Hoeft State Park, a mile of sandy Lake Huron shoreline stretches along the water. Near the park entrance, a 10-foot-wide paved trail connects to the Huron Sunrise Trail. This 11-mile paved trail system connects parks and outlying attractions in Rogers City. The connection at Hoeft State Park offers a practical starting point for exploring the trails and park landscape together.
On the southeast shore of Black Lake, Onaway State Park offers a different kind of shoreline. Across its 158 acres, a cobblestone shoreline meets large, distinctive rock outcrops, and a three-mile loop trail winds through the park. At Rockport State Recreation Area, remnants of a 300-acre limestone quarry recall a very different landscape history. The area also has eight miles of marked trails for horseback riding. Horseback riding is limited to these marked trails.
At Thompson’s Harbor Natural Area, you can see forested dunes and swales formed as lake levels fell. The area is home to one of the world’s largest known populations of the threatened dwarf lake iris. Hiking, wildflower viewing, nature study, photography and wildlife viewing are all possible there. The combination of landforms, plant life and activities makes Thompson’s Harbor a special destination for nature lovers.
At Ocqueoc Falls, different routes lead to the water: the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway runs from the state forest campground to the falls, while a paved trail leads from the parking area to the waterfall. Accessible picnic areas and benches are available nearby. Steelhead, salmon, trout and smallmouth bass are found in the Ocqueoc River, where fishing for these species is possible.
Maritime History and Local Memories
Since 1954, the Presque Isle County Historical Museum has been dedicated to protecting, preserving and presenting the history of Northeast Michigan. Artifacts from local businesses and schools offer a glimpse into local life. The exhibits on display may change. The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum offers a different perspective on the Great Lakes: its historical interpretation has focused on uniforms, navigation instruments and stories told by former sailors.
Built in 1870, New Presque Isle Light is the tallest lighthouse tower on the Great Lakes that is open to the public. The restored 1905 Keeper’s House serves as a museum about local maritime history and the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families. Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Several walking trails in New Lighthouse Park are accessible year-round.
At Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, the fourth-order Fresnel lens has been in operation since May 1897. The pilothouse of the steamer Steamer Calcite has also been preserved there. Built in 1912, the vessel was the first self-unloading steamer on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse park is open to the public year-round; the lighthouse museum, pilothouse and gift shop are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Glawe School is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Check seasonal hours before your visit.
Shoreline Experiences and the Seasons
In Rogers City, Lakeside Park has a Lake Huron swimming beach and hosts concerts throughout the summer. The city’s annual Nautical Festival is also held in the park; if you’re planning a visit around the festival, check the event dates. South Shore Park offers a 0.5-mile Lake Huron swimming beach and a fossil park. Along the shore, you can choose between a beach visit and a place with a geological theme.
Activities at inland waters also vary by season and interest. Herman Vogler Conservation Area has seven miles of trails, offers cross-country skiing in winter and includes a fishing platform. Black Lake, which lies in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties, is a destination for ice fishing for walleye, yellow perch and lake trout. Along with walking trails, beaches and summer concerts, winter activities are also part of the region’s offerings.
Explore more destinations: Rogers City, Crawford County, Roberts County, Mackinac, Allegan County, Baraga County, Berrien, St. Joseph.
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