Port Austin is a little village but with a huge reputation when it comes to attractions. It has a short tourism season that spans over just four months, and unfortunately, it is not one of those destinations you can come to any time and expect to have lots of fun. However, with the short tourism window and a solid list of things to see and do, the time is just enough for you to enjoy the best experiences that Port Austin has to offer. If you are planning a trip here soon, be sure to check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals and Vrbo vacation rentals for a place to stay. Then read this article to see our list of the best things to do in Port Austin, Michigan.
1. Learn about the region’s past at Port Austin History Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Every region has its history—and if you are like most travelers, you will want to learn more about the destinations you visit. In Port Austin, the place to visit if you want such information is at Port Austin History Center. The center is responsible for collecting, pursuing, and presenting the history of the Port Austin area. There are numerous displays that touch on a variety of the region’s past including farming in the region, homemaking, lighthouses, telephone, fanning mill, and even the Great Forest Fire of 1881.
Port Austin History Center
Address: 1424 Pointe Aux Barques Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Austin History Center
2. Spend some time relaxing at Port Austin Marina
Sometimes all you need is to sit back and watch as the seconds turn into minutes and minutes into hours. Port Austin Marina is an excellent place for such a subtle activity. The marina is a huge complex where you can just sit and watch various marine activities going on around. You can also just watch the boats and kayaks getting launched. Aside from that, there is also a café, beer garden, and surf shop which you can also explore during your visit.
Port Austin Marina
Address: 119 E Spring St, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Austin Marina
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Experience real-life racing at Family Go Karts
Family Go Karts in Port Austin is a full-featured go-kart track that will give you a chance of experiencing real-life racing. It is a great destination for adults to take the little ones on a full-throttle ride around the tracks. The facility also has a family fun center with plenty of exciting amenities and activities that will delight the hearts of many families.
Family Go Karts
Address: 8044 N Van Dyke Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Family Go Karts
Opening hours: 12am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 6 USD
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4. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Port Crescent State Park
Port Crescent State Park is one of the best recreational centers in Port Austin that is ideal for a full-blown family day out. The park is adjacent to Lake Huron and features magnificent camping grounds and facilities. Its direct access to Lake Huron Beach implies that you will have plenty of opportunities for fun on the lake including swimming, boating, and simply relaxing by the shore to enjoy the sand and sun.
Port Crescent State Park
Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Crescent State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Appreciate nature at Huron County Nature Center & Wilderness Arboretum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Huron Country Nature Center & Wilderness Arboretum is open all year round. Since this nature preserve is open to all, you don’t have any reason not to visit if you are in the area. The site preserves plants, animals, fungi, insects – both dead and alive. The goals are to provide enjoyment and education for the public as well as create awareness about the importance of preserving the natural environment.
Huron County Nature Center & Wilderness Arboretum
Address: 3336 Loosemore Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Huron County Nature Center & Wilderness Arboretum
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
6. Explore Port Austin on kayak at Port Austin Kayak & Bike
A bike or a kayak will give you incredible opportunities to reach places that wouldn’t have been possible if you were on foot. Consider kayak rentals to explore the breathtaking shorelines of Lake Huron or get on a bike to explore most of the inland attractions within a very short time. Bike and kayak rentals are available for both adults and kids, so you and your family can take in the sights and have incredible fun together.
Port Austin Kayak & Bike
Address: 119 E Spring St, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Austin Kayak & Bike
Opening hours: Wed: 11am - 11pm (closed from Thu - Tue)
7. Catch a fish at Fin-Lander Sport Fishing Charters
If you are a fishing enthusiast, this is a must-try activity for you when visiting Port Austin. The fishing charters are available for anglers of all skills. With this, you get a chance to experience some really great lake fishing under the guidance of an expert. Whether or not you have tried fishing before, you will get all the lessons you need to enjoy catching a fish in a very calm environment.
Fin-Lander Sport Fishing Charters
Address: 3337 Pointe Aux Barques Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Fin-Lander Sport Fishing Charters
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Sample fresh produce at Port Austin Farmers Market
Port Austin Farmers Market opens every Saturday morning during summer, and it is a great place to sample some of the fresh produce from the region. Here, you will find fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables, smoked fish, and craft foods. If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home with you, this market also sells handcrafted items, antiques, and collectibles. Since it is located right at the center of Austin, you have no reason not to visit. It is one of the best places you can spend your time on a Saturday morning.
Port Austin Farmers Market
Address: 17 W State St, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Austin Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
9. Explore unique art at White Church Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you love arts, then this has to be on your list of the places to visit in Port Austin. At the gallery, you will find various unique arts and displays by Michigan artists featuring fine jewelry, ceramics, wood, wool, eco-friendly furniture, and fine art among others. Some of the works inside this gallery belong to legendary names such as Susan Drescher, Laura Landrum, Duane Bilyeu, and Pat Hardin, to name a few.
White Church Gallery
Address: 8686 Rouse Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: White Church Gallery
Opening hours: Fri: 12pm - 5pm; Sat: 12am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
10. Enjoy a boat tour to Port Austin Lighthouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Port Austin Lighthouse has been guiding both northbound and westbound ships into the Saginaw Bay since 1878. The lighthouse features two conjoined structures with the light tower having a total of six stories, three bedrooms, an oil room, a lamp room, and a watch deck. A boat ride to this tower will also give you the unique chance of exploring the famous Turnip Rock near Pointe aux Barques. The thrill, the views, and the sounds are worth every second of the ride.
Port Austin Lighthouse
Address: Pt. Austin Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Michigan
Website: Port Austin Lighthouse
Price: 50 USD
11. Try your putting skills at Sandy Dunes Adventure Golf
Sandy Dunes Adventure Golf happens to be the biggest miniature golf circuit in Port Austin. Located just a short drive from Port Austin Center, you get to be treated to the real thrill of playing on a real 18-hole golf course but on a smaller scale. You get a nice chance to sharpen your putting skills if you are already conversant with the game. If not, the staff will introduce you to the basics of golfing so that you understand what the sport entails. Once you are done with taking your shots, don’t forget to pass by the on-site dairy bar for some refreshing ice cream.
Sandy Dunes Adventure Golf
Address: 2755 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Sandy Dunes Adventure Golf
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
12. Have some fun family time at Veterans Waterfront Park
Veterans Waterfront Park sits gently on the shores of Lake Huron and is one of the leading recreational centers ideal for both kids and adults in Huron. The park has incredible amenities for fun and relaxation including a volleyball court, quality picnic facilities, a small swimming beach, and very clean restrooms. It also has a picturesque walkway on the breakwater that will treat you to breathtaking views of the marina, the lighthouse, and the expansive Lake Huron. This waterfront park is a wonderful place to visit with the entire family or as a couple for some exciting quiet times.
Veterans Waterfront Park
Address: 98-158 W Spring St, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Veterans Waterfront Park
Price: Free
13. Soak in the breathtaking views of Port Austin State Harbor
After you have explored all the nearby attractions and all you need is to sit back and relax in a place with pleasant views all around, the best place you should consider is Port Austin State Harbor. The harbor sits at the tip of Michigan’s thumb, and it is just a few minutes away from some of the town’s great restaurants, beaches, and shops. Some of the notable amenities and attractions you will find here include a boat launch, a dog run, grills, picnic tables, internet, clean restrooms, and a visitor center among others. If you love the sights of sunsets and sunrises, then this is the place to be early in the morning and late in the evening.
Port Austin State Harbor
Address: 8774 Lake St, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Austin State Harbor
Opening hours: 6am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
14. Book thrilling adventures with Port Austin Outdoor Adventure
Port Austin is blessed with a plethora of opportunities for outdoor fun that will be enjoyed by people with different interests. This village offers more than enough opportunities, so choose the ones you think will bring you the greatest satisfaction. All you need is to find a reliable company to help you decide and organize all the trips that you may be interested in. Whether you are interested in paddling around the ground rock formations or hiking the forests, Port Austin Outdoor Adventure is there to help you with all of that.
Port Austin Outdoor Adventure
Address: 119 E Spring St, Port Austin, MI 48467, United States
Website: Port Austin Outdoor Adventure
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Create beautiful memories in Port Austin
With all the incredible things to see and do in Port Austin, you can bet that you are not going to have a single boring day during your stay. All you have to do is ensure that you have a solid itinerary in advance so that you avoid last-minute confusion. Use our recommendations for the best things to do in Port Austin, Michigan, to help choose the best attractions and experiences.
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