If you enjoy Art, Theatre, and Movies…

The Grand Lake area has a number of art galleries, movie theaters, and summer playhouses to entertain you during your stay. Some of these attractions in the area include:

The Grand Lake area has a number of art galleries, movie theaters, and summer playhouses to entertain you during your stay. Some of these attractions in the area include:

Because of the proximity of Grand Lake to Lake Huron, visitors can enjoy wonderful auto and motorcycle tours of Lake Huron, inland lakeshores, historical sites, or the wide-open spaces of little-traveled rural Northern Michigan.  Some suggested tours include the following:

Alpena to Oscoda Tour

A trip to Oscoda follows US 23 South along the Lake Huron shore for approximately 75 miles.  You pass through the communities of Alpena, Ossineke, Black River, Harrisville, and end up in Oscoda.  Take a side trip around Hubbard Lake in Alcona just south of Ossineke to view a spectacular inland lake.  Have a fine dining experience at Churchill Pointe Inn, a historic country inn, at 5700 Bennett Road, Hubbard Lake.  Call for 800.727.2078 for dinner times and reservations.

Grand Lake Loop

A trip around Grand Lake is approximately 35 miles.  Take Black Bass Bay Road to County Road 638E toward E. Grand Lake Highway and turn left.  Stop at the Presque Isle Harbor store for an ice cream and then visit the New Presque Isle Lighthouse and Keepers Museum at the Presque Isle Township Park.  Easy walking trails at the park offer wonderful views of Lake Huron and an old growth cedar forest.  Return on E. Grand Lake toward the village of Presque Isle to visit the pioneer Kaufman Homestead in the village. Continue on E. Grand Lake Highway and turn left at Besser Bell Nature area for views of an old growth White Pine forest and an isolated stretch of Lake Huron.  Return to E. Grand Lake Highway and turn left at the Presque Isle Township Hall.  Stop at the Hide-A-Way Tavern on US 23 for their famous beef spare ribs or turn right and return by US 23 North to visit the Grand Lake Daily Limit Bar for some buffalo burgers.  Both of these taverns are typical northern Michigan bars with old-fashioned pool tables and dartboards.  Return to cottage by County Road 638E.

Historic Sites Tour

There are nine State of Michigan designated historical sites within Presque Isle County.  Four of the nine are only a few miles away from Grand Lake and all of them can be visited in a day.  All identify key events in the development and history of the County.  The sites include the following: 1) Bearinger Union School, 2) Burnham’s Landing, 3) Elowsky Mill, 4) Lake Huron, 5) the Metz Fire, 6) Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, 7) Presque Isle Electric Co-operative Monument, 8) Presque Isle Light Station, and 9) the World’s Largest Limestone Quarry.  Full details and maps to each location can be found www.michmarkers.com/menus/PresqueIsle.htm.

Ocqueoc Falls to Grand Lake Tour

The Ocqueoc Falls to Grand Lake loop is approximately 75 miles and follows US 23 North to M-68 for 20 miles.  Turn left on M-68 for about 15 miles to Ocqueoc Falls, the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula, is actually two waterfalls about 300 feet apart.  Ocqueoc (ah-key-ock) is a Native American word meaning “sacred’ and the river is one of the few rivers in Michigan that flows south to north.  Below the falls is a popular spot for swimming while above the falls is popular for wading.  There is ample space in the meadow for sunbathers.  Several miles of trails are available for hiking.  For a beautiful return drive around small inland lakes and a rural countryside, follow M-68West to the turnoff for the Village Millersburg; follow the road towards Lake Nettie and the Village of Hawks.  By the Night Hawk Tavern turn right on F 21 for about 3 miles toward Hillman, and then turn left on Highway 634 towards Posen.  Follow County Road 634 East for 8 miles to arrive at the Village of Posen.  Turn left at M-65 and have lunch at the Route 65 Diner, a 50s-60s decorated bar/restaurant.  Continue for a mile North on M-65 and turn at Grand Lake Highway by St. Casimir’s Church and cemetery.  Follow Grand Lake Highway (the locals call it “Snake Highway” back to US 23).  Turn left and take US 23 North back to County Road 638E and Black Bass Bay Road. 

Straits of Mackinac Tour 

A round trip to Mackinaw City is about 150 miles and follows US 23 North along the Lake Huron shoreline for approximately 75 miles.  Spectacular views of the Lake Huron, scenic roadside parks, and views of the Mackinac Bridge, and Mackinac Island can be seen along the route.  You pass through Rogers City, Cheboygan, and end up at Mackinaw City.  Visit the Old Mill State Park (south of Mackinaw City or Fort Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City.

 Back to Top

If you enjoy Biking, Rollerblading or Walking…

1. Alpena Bi-Path. Approximately 16 miles long, the path travels through several of Alpena’s scenic parks and beaches along the Thunder Bay River and lake Huron. Parking is available at several sites along the path. An excellent tour of the city by foot, rollerblade, or bike. For more information, call 989.3545052.

2. Assisinabi Trail, is a paved walkway that links Presque Isle Harbor with the community of Presque Isle and follows East Grand Lake Road. It is approximately three miles long and offers wonderful views of the forests, Lake Huron, the Presque Isle community, and cottages along Lake Huron and Grand Lake.

3. Presque Isle Harbor Association. While this association property is not an official path or trail, the many miles of paved roads with little vehicular traffic is a wonderful place to enjoy pristine forest landscapes, inland lakes (Lake Esau and Grand Lake), the shore of Lake Huron, Presque Isle harbor, and area lighthouses. For more information visit www.presqueisleharbor.org

4. Huron Sunrise Trail is approximately 8 miles long and is located in Rogers City. The trail begins at Lakeshore Park and then follows Lake Huron from the City’s Boat Harbor and Fishing Pier through several city parks, follows the Trout River with spurs connecting to Hoeft State Park and the Herman Vogler Recreation Area.

 1. Bay Mills Resort and Casino. This casino is located on the Bay Mills Indian Reservation at 11386 West Lakeshore Drive in Brimley off the shores of Lake Superior. It is 30 minutes from Sault Ste Marie (second oldest city in the United States) in the Upper Peninsula. Combine a visit to the city and the Soo Locks with a gambling excursion. For more information, call 888-4-Bay Mills or visit the website at www.4baymills.com.

2. Kewadin Casino at Sault Ste Marie is operated by the Sault Tribe of the Chippewa Indians. The casino is the flagship casino of the five casinos operated by the tribe. It offers more than 37,000 square feet featuring the hottest slots and table games. It is approximately 110 miles from the cottage. Additional amenities include an on-site hotel, the Rapids Lounge, Dream Catcher’s Restaurant, Signatures Bar, and Dream Maker’s Theater. For more information call 906. 632.0530 or visit the website at www.kewadin.com.

3. Kewadin Casino at St Ignace is operated by the Sault Tribe of the Chippewa Indians. The casino is located at the Gateway to the Upper Peninsula and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is located on the shores of Lake Huron and offers a variety of Vegas-style gaming including Blackjack, Poker. Let It Ride, Craps, 3-Card poker Live Keno and a variety of slots. It has a first-class restaurant, on-site hotel, sports bar and lounge. It is approximately 90 miles from the cottage. Take US 23 north; cross over the Mackinac Bridge (save your bridge fare receipt for reimbursement at the casino); and follow I-75 north for a couple of miles to the Casino exit. For more information, call 1-800-Kewadin or visit the website at www.kewadin.com.

4. Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey is operated by the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. It is located at 1760 Lears Road in Petoskey. Combine a Northern Michigan Shopping adventure in the beautiful city of Petoskey with a gambling excursion. The casino offers the ultimate gaming experience with 1,500 ticket-in ticket-out slots, 36 table games, including a poker room, and over 100 plasma screen TVs. Multiple dining options include fine dining at the Sage Restaurant, the Waas-no-de’Buffet, with over 100 food varieties, and the Copper Café for deli-fare, baked goods, and coffees. Take US 23 north to M-68 east. Follow M-68 to Alanson and follow US 131 into Petoskey. Approximately 95 miles to the casino. For more information, call 877 4-Gaming or visit www.odawacasino.com.

For diving in locations near Presque Isle County contact the following:

1. Great Lakes Divers on 301 N. Third Street in Rogers City. Great lakes Divers offer recreational and extended range wr4eck diving charter opportunities from Alpena to Whitefish Point. A full-service dive shop, sales, repairs, air, nitrox, trimix, rentals, PADI and PSAI training. For more information contact the shop 989.734.7590 or visit www.greatlakesdivers.com

For diving in locations near Alpena County, contact one of the following:

1. Captain Mike’s Dive Charters at 7406 US 23 North, Suite B in Alpena. Captain Mikes’ 30-foot Island Freighter II provides divers with lots of room for donning gear and easy entry and exit form the water. Room for nine divers. Diving form Presque to Thunder Bay Island with extended range. For more information call 989. 619.1013 or visit www.middleislandlodge.com.

2. Great Lakes Dive Charters can be reached at 989.356.2908 or by visiting www.greatlakesdivers.net

3. Thunder Bay Scuba at 413 South Ripley Blvd. in Alpena is open-round, weekdays 9 AM-5:30 PM, weekends Memorial Day to Labor Day 11 AM-4 PM, open by appointments as well. Air/Nitrox fills, equipment rentals, snorkel and dive charters, information center, and full-service dealer. For more information call 989.356.6288 or (888) 4-Alpena or visit www.TBscuba.com.

4. UpNorth Charters at 2961 Werth Road in Alpena has a 25-foot Sea Ray, dive ready, for up to 6 passengers. Captain Paul Labreeque is a 100-ton US Coast Guard certified master. For more information call 989.464.7241.

1. Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) at 235 W. Chisholm, Alpena, MI 49707. For more information, call the CVB at 1.800.4.Alpena or 989 354.4181 or visit the website at www.alpenacvb.com.

2. Rogers City Chamber of Commerce. The visitor center is open during the summer months and is located off of US 23 as you enter the city form the South. For more information, call the Rogers City Chamber of Commerce at 800.622.4148 or visit at www.rogerscitychamber.com.

Fishing Boat An aluminum boat with oars is available for your use. Life preservers and seat cushions can be found in the cottage bathroom cabinet. Feel free to use the white dock bumpers to protect your boat while it is docked. Make sure that the enough life preservers are in the boat before using the boat. Life preservers can be found in the bathroom cabinet. Be sure that children under eight years of age wear them. It is the law in Michigan.

You can land your boat at the public launch at the curve down from the cottage on Black Bass Bay Road or at the public landing near Sand Bay Marina on Highway 638E. Of course, if you belong to the Presque Isle Harbor Association, they have a wonderful launch site at the PIHA Grand Lake access and beach area on McCreery Hwy.

Daily and weekly rentals of small boat engines and pontoons are available from the Sand Bay Marina, 14313 Highway 638E, Presque Isle, MI 49777. Please call Bonnie or Jeff Latz at 989.595.2502 for prices and availability. Fishing bait is also available there.

If you have a boat with a trailer and want to try you luck at other inland lakes, Presque Isle County is a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Near Hawks, Lakes Nettie and May and their sister lakes are always popular fishing spots. Public landings are located on each of the lakes. In Alpena County the Thunder Bay River and Fletcher’s Pond, just outside of Hillman, offer opportunities to catch perch, bluegill, trophy-size pike, trout, and bass.

If you are interested in Great lakes fishing, there are several fishing charters to choose from in the area:

1. Bounty Hunter Fishing Charters at 4029 El Cajon Beach Road, Alpena uses a 27 ‘ Sportscraft for up to 6 fishermen and women. Salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and brown trout. U.S. Coast Guard certified. Private marine toilet. For more information, call 989.354.3855, cell phone 989.350.2168, or visit the website at www.bountyhunteralpena.com.

2. J.C. Charters uses a 25-foot Sportscraft for sport fishing out of the Rogers City Harbor or the Presque Isle Harbor. For information, call 740.627.7376, or visit the website at www.rogerscitychamber.com/JCCharter.htm.

3. Lake and Stream Fishing Charters at 13395 Park Road, Lachine uses a 30’Sea Ray with the latest equipment and tackle for a fish-catching, safe, comfortable trip on Lake Huron. Private bathroom, comfortable seating area. For information, call 989.379.2617, cell 989.464.6436, or visit the website at www.fishalpena.com.

4. Wipe Out Charters at 916 Ford Avenue in Alpena uses a 27 Sportscraft, fully equipped, DNR inspected, U.S. Coast guard licensed, and insured. For information, call 989356.3220 or visit www.wipeoutcharters.com.

1. Alpena Golf Club. This golf course is located at 1135 E. Golf Course Road in Alpena. Experience two different styles of golf. For more information, visit www.alpenagolfclub.com or call 989.3545052.

2. Rogers City Country Club. This golf course is a public 18-hole course located 15 miles north of Grand Lake off of US 23 and south of Rogers City. For more information, hours of operation, and tee times call 989.734.4909.

3. Stoney Links Golf Course is another public 18-hole course located two miles east of Onaway. For more information, hours of operation, golf fees, cart rentals, and tee times call 989.733.2683.

4. Thunder Bay Golf Resort is a premier golf course located on M-32 just east of Hillman along the Thunder Bay River. For more information about golf packages, golf, and cart rentals visit www.thunderbaygolf.com or call 800.729.9375.

The Grand Lake area has lots of places to take a hike. Some of the hiking trails in the area include:

Can be found of off East Grand Lake road, just past the village of Presque Isle. This area follows deep pine forest, and has a secluded beach on Lake Huron, and the remains of the old town of Bell.

This trail begins at the pier and goes through a cedar forest and ends at the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse. The trail portion is free, but if you want to visit the Old Lighthouse, there is an admission charge. Of course, walking the Harbor pier is also available. After your hike you can get an ice cream cone at the Portage or Pizza shop at the Harbor.

Trails can be found on either side of the New Presque Isle Lighthouse. The trails follow the Lake Huron Shoreline. There is an admission charge to climb the Lighthouse tower, but admission to the museum and museum store are free.

This state park has numerous trails running through it. Detailed maps of the various trails can be found at the parking lot which is approximately one mile off of US 23 North. This state park is designed to be a wilderness area, so only day use is available.

This museum is located in Rogers City approximately 18 miles north of Aunt Ella’s Cottage off of US 23. The museum contains artifacts and memories of the Great Lakes maritime industry and celebrates the lives of those who served in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Among the exhibits are ship models, drawings, and historical photographs. Read and hear accounts of the loss of the Cedarville and the Carl D. Bradley where many men from the Rogers City area lost their lives. For more information, visit www.gllmm.org or call 989.734.0706.

This museum is located in Rogers City approximately 18 miles north of Aunt Ella’s Cottage off of US 23. This museum is located in "The Bradley House", a sprawling craftsmen-style bungalow, that was built in 1914. From 1915 until 1928 it was the home of Carl D. Bradley, President of Rogers City’s Michigan Limestone and Chemical Company and the Bradley Transportation Line. Three floors of exhibits on Great Lakes Shipping, Native American artifacts, and early life in Northern Michigan. Visit the Victorian music room, general store, one-room school, and view historic children’s toys. For more information call 989.734.4121.

This museum is located approximately 25 miles south of Aunt Ella’s Cottage on 500 W. Fletcher Street in Alpena. The museum preserves a national treasure of nearly 200 historic shipwrecks in and around the bay. You can explore the history and archaeology of these wrecks at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage museum. In addition, the museum houses a "hands on" discovery center, with life-size recreations of historic ships and shipwreck sites, artifact displays, and interactive learning stations on technology and diving. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.thunderbay.noaa.gov.org or call 989. 356.8805.