The Most Scenic Stops Along the AuSable River

The River Road Scenic Byway is easily one of the most breathtaking drives in Michigan. Winding for 22 miles through the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, this protected ribbon of road follows the elevated ridges of the southern bank of the AuSable River, stretching from the rolling inland hills near Hale all the way to the shoreline of Oscoda on Lake Huron.

It was officially designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005, and it earns that title every single season. While the physical drive takes under an hour to complete straight through, rushing misses the entire point. The magic of River Road lies in its stops, the sweeping bluffs, hidden natural springs, historic monuments, and quiet river access points tucked just out of sight from the asphalt. To truly experience it, you have to turn off the engine and get out of the car.

Because the byway cuts directly through pristine federal forest land, you won’t find commercial strip malls or fast-food chains along the route. If you’re staying at Huron House, adding our Picnic Package to your stay is the perfect solution. We’ll have a premium lunch packed and ready for your adventure, leaving you completely free to explore.

If you are starting your day with us, we recommend driving straight out to the western edge near Hale first, then taking your time working your way back east toward the lake. Here is your stop-by-stop guide to the ultimate day on the river.

Stop 1: Westgate Welcome Center & Scenic Overlook

Located at the intersection of M-65 and Rollways Road, the Westgate Welcome Center serves as the official western gateway to the byway. It’s the perfect place to pull over, stretch your legs, and orient yourself. Pick up a map at the info kiosk, use the restrooms, and step onto the sprawling timber viewing deck for your first panoramic look at Loud Dam Pond, where you can use the interpretive displays to map out your route.

Before you get back in the car, take the short, winding hillside trail that drops down from the overlook to the Rollways Picnic Area. It places you right at the edge of the AuSable River, surrounded by towering pines.

Along the Way: Loud Dam, Five Channels Dam, and a Local Pitstop

As you follow the AuSable eastward, you'll pass two of the river's historic hydroelectric dams. Loud Dam is a favorite local spot for shoreline fishing. A few miles further down the road, the Five Channels Dam (built in 1912) offers a fascinating look at early Michigan engineering.

Stop 2: Iargo Springs

Iargo is the Ojibwe word for “many waters,” and once you’re standing at the bottom of the boardwalk looking at the Iargo springs, the name makes complete sense. Native Americans used these springs as a gathering place long before European settlers arrived. Today, the site is an outdoor education area with interpretive displays on the history, geology, and plant and animal life of the AuSable River corridor.

The main experience here is the descent. A sturdy wooden boardwalk of roughly 300 stairs winds down a steep, 90-foot clay bluff through a dense cedar forest. At the bottom, you are treated to an interconnected network of boardwalks built directly over crystal-clear underwater springs feeding into the river.

If you or your partner prefer to skip the stairs, you don’t have to miss out. The upper viewing platform offers an incredible, accessible view of the river bend far below.

Want to explore further? Iargo Springs serves as the western trailhead for the scenic Highbanks Trail.

Stop 3: Canoer’s Memorial

Perched on a high bluff overlooking Cooke Dam Pond, the Canoer’s Memorial was erected to honor the athletes of the legendary AuSable River Canoe Marathon, a grueling, 120-mile nonstop race from Grayling to Oscoda that has taken place every July since 1947.

The monument itself is a striking tribute to the grit of the paddlers, but even if you aren’t familiar with the sport, this pull-off is a must. The elevation here provides one of the most sweeping, unobstructed, panoramic vistas along the entire byway, giving you a true sense of the river’s massive scale.

Stop 4: Lumberman’s Monument & Visitor Center

Lumberman’s Monument is the undisputed centerpiece of the River Road Scenic Byway. A magnificent, 14-foot bronze statue of three loggers stands at the edge of the high banks, dedicated in 1932 to the pioneer lumbermen who helped build Michigan.

The log-cabin visitor center features excellent interactive exhibits detailing the logging boom of the 1800s, showing how AuSable timber literally helped rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. Afterward, follow the stairs down the face of the sand dune to the water’s edge to explore a replica wanigan, the floating raft kitchens that followed the rugged river men during the spring timber drives.

Before heading back to the car, take the short, sandy path out to the Dune Overlook.

Stop 5: Foote Pond Overlook & Champagne Hill

Following River Road about nine miles west of Oscoda, you'll reach the Foote Pond Overlook. This stop features a beautifully paved, universally accessible path leading out to a large wooden observation deck. It’s a common spot for bald eagle nesting, and if you bring a pair of binoculars, you have a very high chance of spotting them soaring above the tree canopy.

The deck sits at the very peak of a massive, towering sand bluff known locally as Champagne Hill, named for the distinct champagne-glass shape the sand forms as it sweeps down to the water. While the view from the top is effortless, hiking down to the water's edge via the steep sand slope is for the more adventurous.

Stop 6: Foote Site Park

As you edge closer to Oscoda and enter the historic area known as Foote Village, the high bluffs give way to wide, accessible shorelines. Foote Site Park (1775 E. River Rd.) is a magnificent place to pull over and unpack your picnic. It features the only designated swimming beach along the byway, making it a favorite spot for couples to dip their toes in the water on a warm afternoon.

Stop 7: Whirlpool River Access

Located at 5761 N. Skeel Ave., the Whirlpool River Access is a beautifully maintained, fully accessible site that gets you right to the water’s edge without navigating steep terrain. Featuring a paved parking lot and a smooth wooden boardwalk, it’s the premier spot on the lower river to watch fly-fishermen casting for steelhead and salmon.

If you’ve been dreaming about kayaking and canoeing near Oscoda during your stay, this is a wonderful vantage point to get out onto the water or to observe the gentle flow of the current and watch paddlers smoothly glide downstream toward the lake.

Stop 8: Eagle Run Trail System

Before the byway officially comes to an end on the outskirts of Oscoda, you’ll find the entrance to the Eagle Run Trail System. With seven miles of flat, immaculately marked loop trails, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and walk off the drive.

If you happen to be taking your road trip during the spring, a stroll along Loop B offers some of the best wildflower viewing along the AuSable River, with thousands of white trilliums blanketing the forest floor.

End Your Adventure at Huron House

Because the River Road Scenic Byway deposits you right at the edge of town, Huron House serves as the most natural home base imaginable for this classic Michigan road trip. After a full day of climbing boardwalk steps, exploring sand dunes, and chasing river vistas, there is nothing quite like coming home to a private lakefront suite.

Turn on the fireplace, step into your private outdoor hot tub to soak your muscles, and enjoy a delivered evening dessert as you watch the stars come out over Lake Huron.

Spontaneous days along the river are what memories are made of. Plan your stay today, pack your camera, and come discover the timeless magic of the Sunrise Side.