The Thumb is a beautiful area of Michigan surrounded by Lake Huron and the perfect place for a weekend escape!
To best explore the thumb, drive M-25 around the coast with stops at the various small towns and roadside beaches along the way.
This route starts you in the furthest southeast point of the thumb, Lexington, and heads north, but you could also do this in reverse if you’d like!
Lexington
The Wind Jammer: A restaurant right on the marina with lunch, dinner and sushi.
Wander the cute little town full of shops and restaurants.
Tierney Park: Beach access with picnic tables
Port Sanilac
Check out the lighthouse and walk the marina seawalls
4 mile scenic turnout: a roadside park with nice views of Lake Huron
Bird Creek Farms
Port Austin
Kayak to Turnip Rock: Rent a kayak from Port Austin Kayak & Bike and explore Lake Huron! Be sure to check the weather conditions as rentals are frequently cancelled due to the conditions.
Bird Creek Farms Restaurant and Tap Room: A farm-t0-table restaurant with a large selection of craft beers and delicious food. They have a very cute setup with picnic tables, string lights, hops, and yard games.
Pak’s Backyard: A beer garden and restaurant that is open seasonally behind Port Austin Kayak. It is a nice outdoor space with beers, cocktails, wine, and burger menu. They also have coffee, smoothies and pastries in the morning.
Port Crescent State Park: A beautiful state park with sand dunes, beach access, hiking trails and a Dark Sky Preserve. You will need a Michigan Recreation Passport to enter. It is $10 for a day pass for non-Michigan residents or $36 for an annual pass. Michigan residents can purchase an annual pass for $12 with their license plate registration renewal or $17 any other time.
Bird Creek Park: A nice beach area and park. They have a splash pad for kids, a boardwalk and bathrooms with showers.
Veterans Waterfront Park: Another area for beach access with bathrooms and a pavilion. Here you can walk out on the long jetty into Lake Huron.
On your way into Port Austin check out the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse and park.
Brew Moon Caseville
Caseville
Brew Moon Coffee House and Gallery: A coffee shop with pastries along with a shop full of Michigan creators. They also have a cute back garden area!
Thumb Brewery is located here with a solid beer selection and full food menu.
Sleeper State Park: Another state park on Lake Huron. This is more wooded with different hiking trails. You will also need the Michigan Recreation Passport to enter here.
After Caseville there are a few small industrial towns and a plethora of farms, but no other great stops along the shore of the thumb.
Frankenmuth Brewery
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is not technically part of the thumb, but if you are driving downstate it is worth a stop to explore this Bavarian Village! It is a very unique town with a bunch of different themed shops and restaurants to check out.
Frankenmuth Brewery: A solid brewery and winery with a full food menu.
Zehnder’s: A restaurant, hotel and splash village known for their family-style chicken dinners.
Bavarian Inn: A restaurant and lodge also known for their family-style chicken dinners.