We have collected information and web links related to the area and combined them here with photos we took and video clips from the show in what we hope will be a helpful guide as you plan your trip. Feel free to select only one or two activities per day according to your family’s interests. For assistance or for more information, call the Oscoda Convention & Visitors Bureau - 1-877-8OSCODA Have fun!
The Sunrise Side Coastal Highway (US-23), stretches 200-miles along the Lake Huron shoreline from Standish to Mackinaw City, providing travelers with unlimited opportunities for exploring the natural wonders of the region, along with its rich history, culture and recreation.
Near Tawas City, the Corsair Ski Trails are nestled in the beautiful Silver Valley area, surrounded by the 120,000 acre Huron National Forest. The Corsair system is one of the largest groomed trail networks in Michigan. The 56 kilometers of interconnecting trails cross forest and meadows, hills and valleys. They take you through sunny open vistas, into hushed stands of sweet-smelling fir and towering hardwoods, and along the edge of winding ice-locked streams. Corsair Trails is the site of the Silver Creek Challenge, a citizen race held the last Saturday of each January. The Corsair Trail Council operates and maintains the Corsair Skiing and Hiking Trail and the Highbanks Trails (both are located in the Huron National Forest).
Located on the River Road Scenic Byway, this site, considered a holy place by native Americans, offers a breathtaking view of the AuSable River Valley from a 30' high observation deck. For the adventurous, walk down 294 steps and enter a mystical place where underground springs come together and form cold water streams. Walk along the elevated boardwalk and enjoy the serenity.
The AuSable River and inner lakes of the Oscoda area provide one of the most diverse and beautiful views in the world for canoeing and kayaking or just floating along on a tube and enjoying nature and its surrounding. High banks, endless forests, meadows covered with wildflowers, and wild animals such as Deer, and Bald Eagles, in their native environment allow for a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing get-away.
The Lumberman ’s Monument was erected in 1931
as a lasting memorial to the lumbermen that harvested
Michigan’s giant white pine. A 14 foot bronze statue
overlooks the beautiful Au Sable River. The three
figures represent various stages of the historic lumbering
operation. In the center, the timber cruiser holds a
compass, to his left, a sawyer holds an ax and cross-cut
saw. On the right, is the river rat using a peavey.
The Au Sable River Queen is a top attraction and the only paddlewheel river boat operating in northern Michigan. Two-hour excursions offer a view of wildlife and beautiful scenery and you can relax as the captain narrates this area's colorful history. It is a popular fall color destination, requiring reservations for weekend trips. The Au Sable River Queen is accessible with a heated lower deck, snack bar, and onboard restroom facilities. It accommodates tour bus groups and can be reserved for wedding receptions or other special occasions.
The Eagle's Nest Overlook is one of the most famous overlooks on the Huron National Forest. The Nest is just west of the visitor center and has been used by a pair of bald eagles since about 1985. Rare is the fall day that you do not see eagles soaring over Cooke Pond. The view into the nest is better if you remember to bring binoculars of at least six power.
Whether it ’s the public beach scene on Lake Huron which gives children fun playground activities and safe shallow water depths...or places to launch a watercraft and take advantage of the warm water temperatures and exciting sand hills along one of our inland lakes...or the tranquility of your own private beach where you can experience the most breathtaking sunrises while staying at one of our lodging facilities...you’ll find Oscoda a place worth returning to year after year.