Tawas Point State Park

686 Tawas Beach Road
East Tawas MI, 48730

989-362-5041
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

183 (Acres)

Required

The park, situated on the end of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay along Lake Huron, has been referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” The Tawas Point Lighthouse serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station on the Great Lakes.
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Event Information

Explorer Programs
Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

Tawas Point State Park, located on the end of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay along Lake Huron, is home to 183 acres of lakeside recreation and has been referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” The park is a stopover site for hundreds of migrating birds in the spring and fall, making it a favorite spot for many bird watchers from all over the Midwest.

The park is home to a modern campground and overnight lodging facilities, popular for their location on Tawas Bay, where the water is shallow and warm for swimming. The park’s day-use area features a popular swimming beach, a picnic area and nature trail along the picturesque Lake Huron coast. From the park, visitors can access the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trails, part of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, along Lake Huron or explore nearby historical, natural and cultural areas along the Lumbermen's Monument Auto Tour.

The Tawas Point Lighthouse is a fascinating attraction for maritime buffs. Although it has been remodeled several times, the station serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station built on the Great Lakes. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center.

Thanks to the Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park for supporting the park.

track chair iconComing soon! The park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – will expand access beyond areas traditional wheelchairs can reach. The chair will be available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

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Campgrounds

Tawas Point-Camper Cabin
800-447-2757
(2)
Tawas Point-Mini Cabin
800-447-2757
(2)
Tawas Point-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(193)
Tawas Point-Yurt
800-447-2757
(1)

Trails

Tawas Point Sandy Hook Nature Trail
Trail Length: 1.50 (Miles)
Tawas Point-Lumbermen's Monument Auto Tour
Trail Length: 68.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Tawas Point is located off U.S. 23, just 2.5 miles southeast of East Tawas on Tawas Beach Road. The park is just over an hour drive from the Tri-Cities and only three hours from the Detroit area.

Tawas Bay has long been considered one of the finest sailing areas in the country due to the winds and protected waters. The area is also a great fishing destination, including ice fishing on Tawas Bay. Several nearby boat launches are available, including a DNR-managed boating access site located on U.S. 23 behind the State Police post. Boats can be moored in the bay off the campground. Many charter boats in the area are available as well. In 1987, a 800-foot by 25-foot limestone reef was constructed along the northern side of Tawas Bay, and it has helped to make the area a great fishing destination. The reef provides habitat for smaller bait fish, which in turn attracts larger predator fish, and it has greatly improved fishing for walleye, pike, perch and smallmouth bass.

Discover US-23: The Huron Shores Heritage Route.

Activities (Display as List)

Biking Item is accessible.
Biking: From the park, visitors can access the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trails, part of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, along Lake Huron. From the park entrance, it is about 4 miles to East Tawas City Park and continues to Tawas City and the Alabaster Bike Trail Arboretum. The trail is a combination of sidewalk and asphalt suitable for bicycles.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing: While it is not groomed, the paved pathway connecting the day-use area and campground is not plowed in the winter, making it a good place for cross-country skiing.
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Tawas Bay is a great place to fish for perch, walleye, brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, bass, coho and Chinook salmon. In 1987, a 800-foot by 25-foot limestone reef was constructed along the northern side of Tawas Bay, and it has helped make the area a great fishing destination. The reef provides habitat for smaller bait fish, which in turn attracts larger predator fish, and it has greatly improved fishing for walleye, pike, perch and smallmouth bass. The fishing pier at nearby East Tawas State Harbor is also a popular fishing spot.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
History Programs Item is accessible.
History Programs: The park is home to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, with guided tours and self-guided walks provided throughout the summer season by the Michigan History Center. View lighthouse visitor information.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that neither damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity can take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Explore Tawas Bay and the Lake Huron shoreline. While there is no carry-in launch, the Lake Huron shoreline is very close to the day-use parking lot and can be used for paddle sports water access.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: A pet-friendly section of shoreline, enclosed by fencing, is available on Tawas Bay between the campground and the lighthouse. Pets are allowed off leash within the designated area but must be on a 6-foot leash while entering and exiting and under an owner’s immediate supervision. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. The pet-friendly area is the only shoreline area in the park where pets are allowed. Pets are prohibited on all other beach areas as well as the Sandy Hook Trail.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: The beach house is in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point and includes restrooms and changing rooms with food concessions outside.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: Thyme at The Point – located outside of the beach house in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point – sells Mediterranean food during the summer season.
Lighthouse Item is accessible.
Lighthouse:

The Tawas Point Lighthouse was built in 1876 and is equipped with a Frensnel lens built in Paris in 1880. The Coast Guard station, located adjacent to the park on Lakeview Drive, is the only surviving example of the First Series Life Saving Stations built on the Great Lakes. Although it has been remodeled several times, the station serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station built on the Great Lakes. In 1991 the Coast Guard built a new station just outside the park entrance and decommissioned the old station.

The lighthouse is open for tours seasonally, which offers a unique opportunity to walk to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of Tawas Point. Tickets are available at the museum store. When the lighthouse is not open for tours, visitors can enjoy its exterior and grounds as well as other historic structures such as an oil house and a fog signal area. View lighthouse visitor information or call the lighthouse directly at 989-362-5658 or Michigan History Center at 517-930-3806.

Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: Modern restrooms are located in the day-use area beach house on the Lake Huron side of the point.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. Located in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point and near the playground.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: A pavilion that can accommodate groups of up to 75 people located in the day-use area includes picnic tables, a large charcoal grill and three 110-amp electrical outlets. The shelter is screened and separated from the restrooms by a partition wall, and restrooms remain open to the public during rentals. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: An accessible playground featuring a play structure, swings and slides is located in the day-use area on the Lake Huron side of the point. The surface is rubberized with a sand and woodchipped border. The day-use area also features horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located near the campground entrance. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet: There is a vault toilet near the lighthouse and near the first parking lot in the day-use area.
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

Enjoy 2 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. Pets are prohibited on all beaches in the park except for the designated pet-friendly area.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water. DO NOT swim near or jump off break walls or navigational channel walls and pay attention to changing conditions.

Yurt Item is accessible.
Yurt