Exploring the Sunrise Coast: A Guide to Oscoda’s Beauty

From sandy beaches with unparalleled sunrises to forested hiking trails with remarkable birding opportunities, Oscoda has it all. Our beachside town on the Sunrise Coast of Michigan offers plenty of relaxing activities. There’s something for everyone whether you prefer the charm of local shopping or serene river fishing.

Read on to discover the best ways to enjoy the “Sunrise Side” of Michigan during your stay at our Michigan bed and breakfast.  

The Natural Side of Oscoda

Our small community on the shores of Lake Huron is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Both experienced outdoorsmen and casual explorers will enjoy this tranquil haven. There are endless activities from riveting ATV trails to stunning birding hotspots. Plan a day sunbathing at a lakeside beach, fishing on the Au Sable River, or hiking forest trails for an unforgettable outdoor getaway.

Oscoda is legendary for its many sandy lake beaches within a short driving distance. Several local beaches offer an abundance of swimming, watersports activities, and even hiking. Visit Oscoda Beach Park, one of the most popular local beaches, for a sandy shoreline complete with a boardwalk, pier, and plenty of outdoor grills. For beachside hiking or biking, Huron Sunrise Park offers several trails. There’s also plenty of shoreline for swimming, sunbathing, or fishing.

Birdwatchers will love spotting different species in the woodland habitat of Au Sable Shoreline Park. This birder’s paradise is a notable stop on Michigan’s Sunrise Coast Birding Trail due to the many common and endangered birds found in the area. Grab your binoculars and settle into a spot on the observation deck. You’ll have a chance to see species like the Trumpeter Swan, Upland Sandpiper, and Golden Eagle. 

Outdoor Sports & Adventure

Get outdoors and enjoy a day on the waters of Lake Huron or a game of golf set among lush fairways.  Oscada's landscape is filled with watercraft outfitters and golf courses to cater to all your recreational needs.

Oscoda is home to numerous golf courses including the sprawling Lakewood Shores Golf Resort. Pack your clubs and set off to explore the resort’s three courses, each with different scenery and challenges. Master all three courses at the resort or visit another Oscoda golf destination like the Greenbush Golf Course located right on the shores of Lake Huron.                                                                       

Explore the waters of Oscoda by boat or jet ski with a rental from one of several watercraft outfitters. Tubes, canoes, kayaks, and more are available to rent from outfitters like Oscoda Canoe Rental, Alcona Canoe Rental, and North Country Canoe Rental. SunnyBunns Watercraft Rental even offers rental pontoon boats, jet skis, and wave runners for the perfect day on the lake or river.

Historic Sites & Museums

You can learn about the history of our small town with a visit to a local museum or interactive historic site. The Au Sable-Oscoda Historical Museum illustrates the story of the Oscoda area through artifacts, historic maps, documentary videos, and more. You’ll learn about the legend of Paul Bunyan, the area logging industry, the history of commercial fishing, and more. On your way out, visit the gift shop for a uniquely Michigan souvenir mug, coloring book, or novelty.

Visiting Lumberman’s Monument and Visitor Center will give you a glimpse into the history of the lumber industry on the Sunrise Coast. The location is dominated by artist Robert Ingersoll Aitken’s Lumberman’s Monument, a fourteen-foot bronze statue. Visitors to the monument can snap a commemorative photo before learning about the lumber industry through historic displays, video presentations, and hands-on activities.

Oscoda Dining & Shopping

Plan your tour of the Sunrise Side’s flavorful cuisine with our list of local restaurants. You’ll want to start your day with our gourmet breakfast before hitting the town to explore one-of-a-kind boutiques and cafés.

Come dinner time, unwind with a casual meal at the Office Lounge and Grill, a local restaurant serving up everything from fish fry platters to chicken nachos. For a fine dining experience or romantic date night, reserve a table at Tait’s Bill of Fare for gourmet plates of pork ribeye, shrimp alfredo pasta, and baked Mahi Mahi. End your evening with a large scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream from Parkside Dairy Shoppe or a craft beer from Hilltop Bar and Grill, Michigan’s oldest bar.

Between meals and excursions, explore the vibrant local shopping scene in downtown Oscoda. Find Michigan-made souvenirs like jewelry and soaps at To The Moon and Back, or visit the Tea Corner Emporium for locally sourced looseleaf tea. The Tea Corner Emporium even offers elegant high tea services complete with delectable sweets for some added sophistication to your stay.

A Destination for Any Season

The beauty and charm of Oscoda can be experienced any time of year. Plan a summer vacation to relax on the sandy beaches of Lake Huron, prepare for a fall hike, or gear up for snow sports set among a blanket of Michigan snow.

Spring

Visit us in the spring for remarkable hiking and wildlife watching. The forests are teeming with birds, and springtime is an ideal time to hike the birding trail. You can also plan to rent a boat and water skis to enjoy the lake or visit the lush fairways of our golf courses.

Summer

The sunrise side of Lake Huron makes the perfect summer vacation destination. Go for a dip in the cool waters, sunbathe on the sandy beaches, or cast your line to reel in walleye, trout, and salmon. Oscoda comes alive with all kinds of summer fun in the warmer months. Many visitors enjoy the free movie screenings on the pier at Oscoda Beach Park in July and August.

Fall

Marvel at stunning, colorful foliage set against crystal blue waters in the fall. Oscoda transforms into an autumnal wonderland as chilly temperatures set in. The wooded surroundings are a great destination for a fall hike. Stroll through the Huron-Manistee National Forests or book a river tour on the Au Sable River Queen for the perfect autumn getaway.

Winter

Winter brings a glistening blanket of snow and plenty of cold-weather activities to Oscoda. Hit the icy trails on a snowmobile or mountain bike or pack up your tackle box and try your hand at ice fishing. If you get too chilly in the snow, cozy up around one of the outdoor firepits at our Lake Huron bed and breakfast.

Oscoda is a remarkable vacation destination all year round. Whether you’re traversing the beautiful waters of Lake Huron by boat or exploring charming downtown boutiques, you’ll want to stay another day, or even another week.

Book your stay to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sunrise Coast of Michigan from the comfort of the Huron House.