innkeeper's blog

Sunrise Side Wine & Hops Trail

Winter may be one of the best times to enjoy the Sunrise Side Wine & Hops Trail. With seven wineries and three microbreweries (and no crowds!), you’re guaranteed to have a great time discovering the flavors of our region on Michigan’s friendliest wine trail. As you travel, take in the views of the picturesque scenery, wildlife, and pristine natural beauty of winter in Michigan. Below, check out all the stops that make up the Wine & Hops Trail and plan your taste-testing adventure with a stay at the Huron House today!

Hale Yes Winterfest

The drive west to Hale for the township’s annual Winterfest is half the reason why you should go. With twenty miles on River Road, the National Scenic Byway that follows the Au Sable River, you’re guaranteed to catch sight of some breathtaking views of our pristine winter landscape. Snow-capped trees and untouched, snow-covered ground along the shores of the scenic Au Sable River will make you want to stop (even in the cold!) and take in the view.

Huron Snowmobile Trail

Oscoda is the eastern gateway to Michigan’s snowmobile trail and at the Huron House, your location couldn’t be any better. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, thrill-seeker, or winter sports fanatic, Oscoda is the town for you this season. The Huron Snowmobile Trail connects to hundreds of miles of trails across the state with five possible trailheads in Iosco County alone. Take your pick, gear up, and get ready for your snowmobile adventure!

Ski the Corsair Trails

On full moon nights, locals ski through the paths lined with snowcapped trees and when daylight is its brightest, adventurers stop to soak in the breathtaking view of the Au Sable River Valley. For Tawas and Oscoda, the Corsair Ski Trail System makes snow days extra special. Comprising 44.5 miles of trails, the system is one of the best that the country has to offer.

Shop for Artisan Jewelry in Tawas

There’s plenty to do in and around Oscoda, but taking a short road trip south to East Tawas and the Tawas Bay ensures you’ll never run out of activities and sightseeing locations. It’s also a prime spot for some serious retail therapy (commonly referred to as “shopping”) with its dozens of specialty stores, artists and artisans, and retail meccas.

Bike Along the Shoreline of Lake Huron

Few things can compare with a Sunrise Side bike excursion along the shoreline of Lake Huron. As one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the entire state, the Huron coast features marshes, cobble and sand beaches, low dunes, meadows, ferns, conifer forests, islands, and swamps providing critical habitats for rare and endangered species. So, whether you’re in it for the scenic views, majestic wildlife, or just plain love biking, the Huron Shores Greenways is a system of trails that won’t disappoint.

Fall Foliage at Foote Pond Overlook

Located at the mouth of the Au Sable River, Oscoda is known for its proximity to the huge Huron National Forest. Within its wild borders, visitors will find the River Road National Scenic Byway and all it has to offer: scenic vistas, endangered wildlife, and access to hiking and driving tours. The 22-mile road parallels the historic Au Sable River (River of Sand) providing visitors access to lush forests and breathtaking views, especially during the fall season.

Get it Fresh: Oscoda’s Farm Market

To truly get to know a place, you have to eat its food. So, it’s only natural that we suggest some fresh, locally-grown food and produce during your stay. There’s no better place than the Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market held every Wednesday from 9AM to 2PM at Shoreline Park. Staying for the weekend? Every Saturday, 8AM to 1PM, the market is also located at Gateway Park in Tawas City. Grab a light lunch, stock up on some tasty ingredients for the fridge back home, or ask a Michigan State University Master Gardener the toughest green thumb questions.

Put Your Golf Game to the Test at Tawas Creek

A staple in the community since the 1940s, Tawas Creek Golf Course offers a pleasant experience for golfers of any skill level. Located just south of the Huron National Forest along the shores of Lake Huron, the tranquil setting in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is unparalleled. The eighteen-hole course with almost 6,527 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 72 has a slope rating of 126 on Rye grass and a course rating of 71.9.

Your Last Chance at the Beaches

Summer is just about over so it’s now or never if you’re visiting and want to experience some of the area’s beaches. It is the Great Lakes, after all, and you shouldn’t be heading home without first pushing your toes into our famous sugar sand and sharing a romantic walk along the miles of coastline. Check out these beaches and plan your trip to these sandy, freshwater oases. Don’t forget... you’re always welcome to stay in and just enjoy that breathtaking view we have right from the Huron House.

Three Mile Beach