MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS
by Janis Stein

Answer the call of the Great Destinations of Michigan. The Reward will be a season to remember.

Looking for an exciting adventure this summer to share with your friends and family? Look no further than Michigan! From April through September, The Lakeshore Guardian will be featuring "Michigan Destinations", which will highlight some of Michigan's greatest attractions.

From fine dining to playing on legendary golf courses to lodging at a quaint bed and breakfast, Michigan offers residents and visitors alike a unique slice of Americana. Outdoor enthusiasts revel in Michigan's opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and camping. Nothing says summer better than the taste of a burger grilled over the campfire or the mouth-watering aroma of salty French fries at the many and grand hometown fairs and festivals.

Surrounded by the Great Lakes, Michigan ports are home to many a freighter, and maritime enthusiasts enjoy exploring the state's museums and lighthouses. Early pioneers relied on Michigan's waterways not only for feeding their families but also for transportation routes. Michigan is rich with maritime history; come and explore!

Whether a Michigan resident or an out-of-state visitor, The Lakeshore Guardian invites one and all to celebrate the bounty of our great state. In making this summer's travel itinerary, The Lakeshore Guardian invites our readership to visit the advertisers who made our top must-see Michigan Destinations: Acheson Ventures, LLC in Port Huron, Apple Mountain in Freeland, Lake Huron Campground in Port Sanilac and McGregory Manor in Cass City.

Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail

Ever look at something from a different angle only to discover its beauty for the first time? The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail, a non-profit citizens' organization, is stirring up some excitement by working with the Huron County Parks and Recreation to establish and maintain a Water Trail along Michigan's Lake Huron shoreline. Water enthusiasts will be afforded the opportunity to discover the Thumb's hidden jewel with over 90 miles of shoreline to explore.

According to their Web site (www.thumbtrails.com), "water trails are routes on navigable waterways such as rivers, lakes and canals for people using small non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes, rafts or rowboats. The trails are designed and implemented to foster an interactive historical educational experience. A guide provides a more detailed presentation of the historic material in addition to acting as a more conventional water trail guide with maps, put-in points, take-out points, rest stop locations, water and paddling conditions."

Jim Iseler, the organization's president, stated to date there are 17 launches and landings established along the trail between White Rock Park and Sebewaing in Huron County, and four additional sites have been set up in Tuscola County.

"Our goal is to develop and maintain a water trail that highlights the natural, cultural and historical attributes of our unique corner in Michigan. We want to promote tourism, economic development and the numerous recreational opportunities available in the Thumb. We have this great resource of water at our fingertips; we want to make people aware of it by encouraging them to discover the beauty of the Lake Huron shoreline," said Iseler.

The Water Trail, which is best utilized via sea kayaks by people who have had proper sea kayaking instruction, consists of camp sites and rest areas spaced out along the shore. The trail is still being developed, so there are several large sections with no public landing sites.

Kayakers can enjoy the recently built state park at White Rock before paddling north to spend a night camping at Wagener County Park. Other non-motorized boaters will enjoy stopping to see the sights in historical Harbor Beach and Port Hope. Discover the grindstones that put Grindstone City on the map, and learn about Port Austin's long ago lumbering industry.

Paddlers are cautioned that the reef at the Port Austin Reef Light is shallow and extends from the shore out to the light. Caseville, Bay Port and Sebewaing offer their own tourist attractions. Moving along the shoreline, Tuscola County will offer landings at Fish Point Lodge, Thomas Marine, Oakhurst-Allen Road and the Quanicassee River Public Access.

The Water Trail officially opens on May 19 with a ribbon cutting ceremony to be held at the Trescott Street pier in Harbor Beach. Ray Dano, representing East Coast Paddlers, will be on site to discuss the importance of safety. According to Iseler, "Kayaking is a risky sport. Always wear a life preserver; notify where you will be paddling; and be sure your equipment meets the criteria for your expertise and the trail you are paddling." The waters of Lake Huron can be as treacherous as they are beautiful, so those operating the craft should respect the power of the lake.

The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail is a non-profit corporation and is dependent on public support for its existence and growth. Help support Michigan's Heritage Water Trail by subscribing to Whisper in the Woods, Michigan's nature journal (866-943-0153). A portion of your initial subscription will be donated to Michigan Heritage Water Trails when you mention the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail when you subscribe.

Residents interested in doing their part to ensure the Water Trails success can help in many ways. "The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail has tri-fold brochures available for distribution, which includes a map of the landing sites. We also invite everyone to attend the ceremony on May 19th, and encourage residents and visitors to make use of the Water Trail," added Iseler. For more information on the Water Trail or if you would like to get involved, contact Chris Boyle at 989-269-7151 or Julie Arndt at 989-712-0042.

The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail presents a new and exciting way to take advantage of the endless tourism opportunities in Huron and Tuscola Counties, making the Water Trail one of the Guardian's must-see Michigan Destinations!