Visiting thumb area mid-September

Question

We will be visiting the thumb area in mid-September and are finding that many of the museums and historic places we’d hoped to visit have already shut down. Do you have any suggestions? We are not big foodies or shoppers. We enjoy museums, historic places, scenic areas, walks/hikes and outdoor adventures. I see also that the sailing tours don’t run past the end of August.

Answer

Visiting Michigan’s Thumb region in mid-September can still be very rewarding, even if some museums and historic sites have closed for the season. The area offers scenic drives, state parks, lighthouses, and outdoor activities that are open year-round, which should appeal to your interests in history, walks, hikes, and outdoor adventures.

Here are some suggestions to consider:

Lighthouse visits: Many Thumb lighthouses remain accessible for outdoor viewing in September. Consider Port Huron’s Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and Sand Beach, Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse, and Harbor Beach Lighthouse. While indoor tours may be closed, the grounds and surrounding beaches offer great photo opportunities and walks.
State and county parks: The Thumb has several beautiful parks for hiking and scenic views. Port Crescent State Park, Caseville Park, and Sleeper State Park offer trails, dune walks, and lakefront views along Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay.
Scenic drives: The Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay shoreline drives offer picturesque fall colors in mid-September. Take M-25 for a scenic loop along the coast, passing small towns, lighthouses, and beaches.
Outdoor historical sites: Some outdoor historical landmarks remain open even if indoor museums are closed. Check out Fort Gratiot Light Station, Fort Saginaw Park ruins, and the Bay Port Historic District for a mix of history and walking opportunities.
Nature preserves and wildlife viewing: The Thumb is home to several wildlife areas, such as Huron County Nature Center and Port Crescent Marsh, perfect for birdwatching, short hikes, and enjoying local flora and fauna.

If you enjoy moderate walking and exploring small towns along the way, consider combining several stops into a half-day or full-day loop. For example, start at Port Huron, head up the coast visiting lighthouses and parks, enjoy a picnic at Caseville Park, and finish with a sunset walk at Port Crescent State Park.

Morning: Lighthouse and beach walk at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.
Late morning: Scenic drive north along M-25, stopping at small towns and Port Crescent State Park.
Afternoon: Short hike or nature walk at Sleeper State Park or Huron County Nature Center.
Evening: Sunset at Port Crescent or Harbor Beach for photography and relaxation.

Even without museum access, the Thumb’s natural beauty, historic lighthouses, and scenic trails make it a perfect mid-September destination for outdoor-focused travelers.

Visiting thumb area mid-September

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