Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and is located on the border of the United States and Canada.
This massive body of water offers travelers a wealth of opportunities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Whether you're looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing getaway, Lake Huron has something for everyone.
Sunset over Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron
Michigan is home to many of the best beaches along the lake, including Port Austin and Caseville. These bustling resort towns offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as exploring the lighthouses, charter fishing, and checking out the shipwrecks.
The Canadian side of Lake Huron offers a different and unique perspective, with its charming seaside towns and beautiful scenery.
Lake Huron is the second largest by surface area and the third largest by volume in the Great Lakes system. It is located east of Michigan's "Mitten", which forms the eastern border of the state, including the distinctive "Thumb". The Thumb is dotted with port cities and shelters Saginaw Bay.
Lake Huron is bounded on the north and east by the province of Ontario in Canada.
Map of towns on Lake Huron
The lake is approximately 206 miles long from northwest to southeast, and its maximum width is 183 miles. It has an average depth of 59 meters and is about 750 feet above sea level.
The lake is fed by several rivers, including the St Marys River, which connects it to Lake Superior, and the St Clair River, which connects it to Lake St Clair. It also receives water from Lake Michigan through the Straits of Mackinac.
Georgian Bay and the North Channel are important parts of the Lake Huron landscape.
Often referred to as the sixth great lake, Georgian Bay covers approximately 15,000 square kilometers in the eastern part of Lake Huron and offers stunning scenery with more than 30,000 islands, most notably Manitoulin Island.
Many of the islands are protected as part of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
The North Channel, on the other hand, is a popular sailing destination for its pristine waters and scenic coastline stretching along the northern shoreline from Georgian Bay to Sault Ste. Marie.
Lake Huron has a rich historical timeline with events significant to both First Nations and European settlers:
Prior to European contact, the Lake Huron region was home to a variety of indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe groups of Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa), Odawa, and Potawatomi.
French explorers Étienne Brûlé and Samuel de Champlain were among the first Europeans to pass through the area in the 17th century. The French used the lake as an important route for exploration and trade.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Lake Huron served as a major hub for the fur trade among French and later British traders.
During the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, Lake Huron was the site of several military engagements, including the Battle of Mackinac Island.
Numerous shipwrecks have occurred on Lake Huron, the most notable being the sinking of the SS Daniel J. Morrell in 1966 and the freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior but had been a regular vessel on Lake Huron.
Labor Day walk across Mackinac Bridge on Lake Huron
The Mackinac Bridge, completed in 1957, connected Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas across the Straits of Mackinac and brought significant social and economic change to the region.
The U.S. and Canada have established several protected areas around Lake Huron. In Canada, Bruce Peninsula National Park was established in 1987, and in the U.S., Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 2000 to protect the lake's significant number of shipwrecks.
Mackinaw City is a popular tourist destination located at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and is a gateway to the Upper Peninsula as well as nearby Mackinac Island. Visitors can also explore the nearby Colonial Michilimackinac State Park, which offers historic sites and reenactments.
Mackinac Point lighthouse just outside Mackinaw City
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Alpena is a city located on the Thunder Bay River, which flows into Lake Huron. It is the main gateway for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to more than 100 shipwrecks protected by the cold waters of the lake. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena is the visitor center for the sanctuary.
The Alpena drawbridge opening to allow access from the Thunder Bay river to Lake Huron
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Port Austin is located on the tip of the 'Thumb' of Michigan's 'Mitten'. It is known for its beautiful sand beaches, which are perfect for swimming, boating, and relaxing in the sun. Visitors can also explore the nearby Port Crescent State Park, which offers hiking trails and a beach. The much-photographed Turnip Rock is just a few miles to the east.
Turnip Rock near Port Austin, Michigan
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Once a lumber settlement, Port Sanilac is said to have been named in honor of a Wyandotte chief, Sanilac. The town is home to the Port Sanilac Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1886, and an 1850 Victorian mansion that now serves as a museum. A number of shipwrecks lie off the coast of Port Sanilac.
Port Sanilac Lighthouse
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Located at the southern end of Lake Huron, Port Huron is a charming city with many activities for visitors. The Blue Water Bridge connects Port Huron to Canada, making it an international gateway. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk, visit the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse or explore the Huron Lightship Museum.
Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron with Ontario
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Grand Bend attracts tourists during the summer season primarily for its beautiful sandy beach and adjacent Pinery Provincial Park. The town is home to approximately 2,000 residents and buzzes with energy during high season as visitors enjoy water sports and entertainment at the beach bars and restaurants.
The harbour at Grand Bend, Ontario
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Marketing itself as "Canada's Prettiest Town", Goderich features a unique hexagonal town square and several historic sites. Courthouse Square is an architectural treasure and from here it is a short stroll through a designated heritage district to the lakefront.
Goderich Lighthouse
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Kincardine is known for its Scottish heritage. With a population of approximately 11,000, the town hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, with the Scottish Festival & Highland Games being a notable highlight.
Kincardine Marina
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Sauble Beach is recognized as the second longest freshwater beach in Canada, stretching approximately 11 kilometers. The town comes alive in the summer, attracting visitors who enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball and swimming. Adding to the town's charm is Sauble Falls Provincial Park, which offers stunning views of natural waterfalls.
Sauble Falls near Sauble Beach, Ontario
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Tobermory, known as the "Scuba Diving Capital of Canada", is located on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. The natural attractions of this small community of approximately 4,000 people include the Bruce Peninsula National Park and charming Flowerpot Island. Tobermory is also the gateway to Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Flowerpot Island near Tobermory, Ontario
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Mackinac Island is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its historic downtown, which is home to several shops, restaurants, and museums. Visitors can also explore the Mackinac Island State Park, which offers hiking trails, beaches, and historic sites.
Mackinac Island
Famous for being the largest freshwater island in the world with a population of about 13,000. It is home to more than 100 inland lakes and is known for its First Nations cultural experiences. Little Current is the major town on Manitoulin Island and attracts tourists with its preserved heritage and the historic swing bridge.
Sunset at Little Current marina on Manitoulin Island
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Lake Huron is home to many historic lighthouses that are well worth a visit. Many of these lighthouses have been guiding ships for over a century and offer stunning views of the lake. Some of the most popular lighthouses to visit are Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, Tawas Point Lighthouse, and Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse.
Lake Huron is also home to many shipwrecks that have become popular dive sites. These shipwrecks offer a glimpse into the past and are a must for history buffs. Some of the most popular shipwrecks to explore are the Sweepstakes, the Monohansett, and the Regina. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects many of the historically significant shipwrecks off the east coast of Michigan.
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Lake Huron has many sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. These beaches offer crystal-clear water and stunning views of the lake. Some of the most popular beaches to visit include the Singing Sands Beach, the Lexington Beach, and the Oscoda Beach Park.
Lake Huron offers some fascinating and photogenic rock formations. Two of the best known are Flowerpot Island off Tobermory and Turnip Rock near Port Austin. The Manitoulin coast also has several hiking trails that take in rocky shorelines originally formed by glaciers.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Lake Huron offers a wide range of options for visitors to choose from. Whether you're an avid fisherman, hiker, camper, boater, or sailor, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Lake Huron is known for its abundant fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from around the world.
The lake is home to a variety of species including lake trout, yellow perch, walleye, Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass.
Sunset fishing in Lake Huron
Several renowned fishing locations such as Saginaw Bay, Thunder Bay, and the waters off Alpena offer a variety of shallow and deep water fishing.
Numerous fishing charters and boat launches around the lake cater to anglers of all skill levels. Each year, fishing tournaments and derbies, such as the Salmon Spectacular, add to the excitement for both local and tourist anglers.
Hiking around Lake Huron offers a variety of terrains, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs.
The Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked trail, features rugged cliffs and breathtaking water views.
Halfway Rock Point in the Bruce Peninsula National Park
Manitoulin Island is crisscrossed with trails that showcase the island's natural beauty, including the Cup and Saucer Trail, known for its impressive cliffs.
Michigan's Thumb region offers trails that wind through forests and along coastlines, while Mackinac Island State Park offers historic walking trails.
Lake Huron, with its wide expanse of open water and numerous picturesque islands, is a prominent destination for boating activities.
Its vast, uncluttered waters are perfect for sailing, power boating, and yachting.
Sailing off Tobermory, Ontario
Many boaters frequent the Saginaw Bay for its calm and shallow waters, and the Georgian Bay for its clear, deep blues.
The North Channel is yet another sailing site, recognized worldwide for its rugged beauty.
With multiple marinas and boat launch facilities around the lake, and plenty of fish for the taking, Lake Huron offers an excellent boating experience catering to both amateur and experienced sailors.