Bounded by the Huron National Forest
on the west, the shoreline to the east and the famous
AuSable River on the north, today’s visitors
will find that a rich heritage remains, balance with
unlimited recreational opportunities, historic sites
and cultural offerings.
It was the establishment of the roads
here in the 1920s that lead to touring in the Tawas
area. Today, several historic and scenic routes wind
through the area, providing unlimited opportunities
to get off the beaten path. U.S. 23 is the Sunrise
Side Coastal Highway, which parallels the Lake Huron
shore. M-55 is one of only three state highways that
stretch from shore to shore — from Tawas on
the Lake Huron coast west to Manistee on Lake Michigan.
River Road, a newly designated National
Scenic Byway, meanders 22 miles and follows the historic
AuSable River. Celebrating the area’s colorful
lumbering history, this route boasts The Lumberman’s
Monument, built in 1932 in remembrance of the timber
cruiser, the sawyer and the river men who all cleared
the way for the county’s future.
Along this byway, the Iargo Springs
provide an unparalleled dramatic view of the AuSable
River Valley from a 30-foot-high observation deck.
Walk down the nearly 300 steps and along the elevated
boardwalk that wind through large hemlock, pines
and cedar to the mystical place where the underground
springs come together and form cold water streams.
Native Americans — who considered this a holy
place, as the waters were believed to hold magical
powers — gathered for tribal powwows at this
site.
Situated in the heart of Iosco County,
this remote shoreline area of northeast Michigan
is commonly referred to as the “Sunrise Side” — and
with good reason. The majestic waters along this
coastline provide a shimmering stage, where daily
sunrises draw top billing as one of the best shows
around.
Tawas Bay averages 15 to 25 feet in
depth offshore, with a near-shore average water temperature
of 70 degrees in summer. Established in 1897, the
Tawas Bay Yacht Club hosts several events each summer
out on the bay, including a regatta in July and a
Venetian Night Festival in September.
Nearby, the sheltered East Tawas State
Dock provides 30 seasonal and 110 transient slips
with all the modern-day conveniences. Anglers consider
the bay a hot spot for perch, brown trout, walleye,
lake trout and salmon, making recreational fishing
vital to the area’s growing resort and tourism
industry.
Maritime history takes many forms here
in Tawas. Step aboard the 85-foot Appledore IV, which
offers nearly two dozen tall ship excursions out
on Tawas Bay, June 20-22 and August 29-31. Whether
you choose the public sail, sunset adventure or dinner
cruise, you’re sure to find it a relaxing sightseeing
adventure.
Learn more about East Tawas and
surrounding travel destinations in the May/June
2008 issue of Michigan BLUE Magazine. Tai Alexander
is a West Michigan-based freelance writer.
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