Things to Do in Port Austin, Michigan
The best things to do in Port Austin, Michigan, are kayaking to Turnip Rock, spending a day and a night under dark skies at Port Crescent State Park, and browsing the Saturday farmers market. Port Austin is a village of 622 people in Huron County, right at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb on Lake Huron.
This is one of the few places in Michigan where you can watch the sun both rise and set over the water. Lake Huron wraps around the tip of the Thumb here, and waves have carved the limestone shore into sea caves, stacks and the famous undercut pillar of Turnip Rock.
Turnip Rock by kayak
Turnip Rock is a limestone stack in shallow water off Pointe aux Barques, undercut by waves until its top is wider than its base. It sits on private land with no road or foot access, so you have to come by water. The usual kayak route is a 7-mile round trip from Port Austin past Thumbnail Point and sea caves, about 3 to 4 hours at an easy pace.
★ Good to know Only paddle when waves are 2 feet or less and winds are light, stay in your kayak near the rock, and don’t climb it; Port Austin Kayak rents boats and runs guided trips.
Turnip Rock boat tours
If you’d rather not paddle 7 miles, Turnip Rock Tours runs guided boat trips with licensed captains. The tours last 75 to 90 minutes and cover the area’s history and geology along the way.
★ Good to know Boat tours are the better choice for young kids or anyone who hasn’t paddled open water before.
Port Crescent State Park
Just southwest of town, this 640-acre state park runs along 3 miles of sandy Lake Huron shoreline and the Pinnebog River. It sits on the site of Port Crescent, a vanished lumber town. There are trails, fishing, paddling and a campground with geodesic domes, cabins and cottages.
★ Good to know The day-use area and campground are two miles apart with separate entrances, and you’ll need a Recreation Passport on your vehicle.
Stargazing at the Port Crescent dark sky preserve
Port Crescent was named a Michigan dark sky preserve in 2012. The DNR calls the stargazing here exceptional, and the park has a dedicated viewing platform.
★ Good to know The park’s viewing platform near Parking Lot D is the best place to set up.
Port Austin Farmers Market
The downtown Saturday market can draw 120-plus vendors, selling produce, breads, meats, flowers, crafts and art. Local musicians play on the market stage through the morning. It runs rain or shine from mid-May into late October.
★ Good to know Pets aren’t allowed, even in strollers or carriers; working service dogs are welcome.
Port Austin Reef Light
This lighthouse stands on a rocky reef about 2.5 miles north of the harbor, marking a real hazard off the tip of the Thumb. It was first lit in 1878 and rebuilt in 1899 after a fire, and it still works as an automated beacon.
★ Good to know It stands offshore on the reef, so plan to look at it rather than walk to it.
Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse
East of town in Lighthouse County Park, this light dates to 1848 and is one of the oldest in Michigan. It’s still an active aid to navigation, and the restored keeper’s house and tower hold historical exhibits.
★ Good to know Pair it with Grindstone City and the restored lumber town of Huron City, which sit along the same stretch of shore.
Port Austin History Center and Community Playhouse
The History Center fills a 1904 Maccabee Society building and covers Port Austin, Grindstone City and Port Crescent. Downtown, the Port Austin Community Playhouse stages plays through the year.
★ Good to know Look for the painted barns around the area too; the 53 North project has turned several into large outdoor artworks.
Also in town
Bird Creek Park and Port Austin State Harbor are the usual kayak launch points, Port Austin Kayak also rents paddleboards and bikes, and the Thumb Quilt Trail’s painted quilt blocks decorate barns across the area.
Can you walk to Turnip Rock?
No. Turnip Rock and the surrounding shore are private property with no road or foot access. You reach it by kayak, about a 7-mile round trip from Port Austin, or on a guided boat tour.
How long does it take to kayak to Turnip Rock?
About 3 to 4 hours round trip at a relaxed pace from Bird Creek Park or the Port Austin State Harbor. The chamber considers it an intermediate paddle, so beginners should take a guided tour.
When is the Port Austin Farmers Market?
Saturday mornings from mid-May through late October, downtown, rain or shine. Hours can shift for special market days, so check the chamber’s calendar.
Is Port Crescent State Park good for stargazing?
Yes. It has been a designated Michigan dark sky preserve since 2012, with a viewing platform near Parking Lot D. For more lakeshore towns, see our small towns in Michigan, including Marine City on the St. Clair River.
Where to find them
- Turnip Rock Pointe aux Barques, Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
- Port Austin Kayak Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
- Port Crescent State Park 1775 Port Austin Rd., Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
- Port Austin Farmers Market Downtown Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
- Port Austin Reef Light Lake Huron, Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
- Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Lighthouse County Park, Port Hope, MI 48468 Website Directions
- Port Austin History Center Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
- Port Austin Community Playhouse Port Austin, MI 48467 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Port Austin, see Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce →
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