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Harbor Beach, Michigan - Beach, Trail, Marina & More





Harbor Beach is on the northeast side of Michigan's Thumb Region, offering boaters easy access to Lake Huron and swimmers a place to play in the water. It's a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise over the big lake. The city proudly claims its waterfront area as the "world's greatest man-made harbor."

Harbor Beach Parks

Bathing Beach Park is at the east end of Trescott Street. The south side of the park has a nice sandy swimming beach. Playground equipment, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, and restrooms are located nearby. A lengthy pier, called Trescott Street Pier, extends from the parking area, offering a scenic view of the lighthouse and Lake Huron. A kayak can be launched from the north side of the park.

Davidson Park has basketball courts and tennis courts on the south end. A picnic shelter and playground are in the center of the park.

Waterworks Park is home to the Grise House Museum. A paved trail starts in the corner of the park and goes south towards downtown. A playground and picnic shelter are located close to the marina on the east side of the park.

Along Huron Avenue/M-25, a thin strip of land has a veteran's memorial and a fire department memorial.

While not a city park, Zion Lutheran Playground on Garden Street has a playground and basketball court.

Harbor Beach Marina

Located north of downtown, Harbor Beach Marina is capable of hosting many recreational boaters. The facility has 114 boat Slips and six boat launches. The marina offers water, fuel, pumpout, electricity, restrooms, and showers. A fish cleaning station, picnic shelter, and playground are located nearby. For more details, call (989) 479-9707.

Visitors can access the Harbor Beach Trail System from the marina area and use it to visit downtown.

North Park Campground

Located on the west side of M-25, North Park Campground features 184 campsites. All sites offer sewer, water, and electric, with modern restrooms and showers located nearby. It offers a playground, nature trail, basketball courts, horseshoe pits and softball fields. For reservation information, call (989) 479-9554.

Trail System

Starting across the street from the North Park Campground, Harbor Beach has a paved trail for biking, walking, and jogging. The trail goes south towards downtown and turns into sidewalk, near the Community Theatre and Library. It winds its way along Water Street and then crosses towards the Visitor Center on Huron Avenue/M-25.

M-25 Bike Route

Cyclists can enjoy a lengthy ride in Michigan's Thumb Region by using the wide, paved shoulders along M-25. Starting in Harbor Beach, cyclists can ride north and west to Unionville, Sebewaing, Caseville, Port Austin, and Port Hope. You can also ride south to Forestville, Port Sanilac, and Lexington. Through Harbor Beach and other communities, you will need to ride on the outer edges of the road where there no shoulder is present. Sleeper State Park, Port Crescent Park, and several county parks are located along the bike route.

From Harbor Beach, it's 41 miles to Lexington, 25 miles to Port Austin, and 51 miles to Unionville. All distances mentioned are one way.

You can reach the beach at Bathing Beach Park in Harbor Beach by turning east on to Trescott Street from M-25. The park is less than a quarter mile from M-25.

Depending on the time of day and year, M-25 can be busy, but it generally has moderate traffic. You'll experience greater traffic when riding through the villages and communities than you will along the stretches between towns. Use caution and stay alert when riding on the shoulder of M-25.

Before you go, it's a good idea to check the State of Michigan's construction database to make sure there will not be any construction on the road that can interfere with your ride.

Lighthouse

The Harbor Beach Lighthouse was built in 1885 and helps guides passing ships in Lake Huron. The lighthouse is located a mile offshore, at the end of a lengthy breakwater.

Guided tours of the historic lighthouse are available, which include a boat ride to and from the lighthouse. For more information, call (989)479-9707.

Museums

The Grice House Museum features artifacts related to the Harbor Beach area and Great Lakes history. The house was built in 1874, and each themed room contains relics. Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The museum is located at 865 North Huron Avenue, near Waterworks Park.

Near the center of town, the Frank Murphy Museum is the birthplace and law office of Frank Murphy, a former Michigan governor and U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Tours are available Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday-Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A small admission fee is charged. The museum is located at 142 South Huron Avenue.

More About Harbor Beach

In early July, Harbor Beach hosts the Maritime Festival. Live music, food, car show, fireworks, and more are part of the fun, family event.

A few restaurants and stores are located in downtown Harbor Beach.





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