PORT HURON, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – The Lake Huron coastline is known as the “Sunrise Side” of Michigan. The “Sunrise Side” extends from the Mackinac Bridge all the way to Port Huron.

One of the most beautiful sections of the “Sunrise Side” sits in Alcona County where Harrisville, Michigan is found. Harrisville is home to the original Michigan Quilt Block Trail, the Harmony Weekend arts and crafts street fair, Negwegon State Park with its wilderness trails and mysteries, a famous Wine and Food festival, and historic lighthouses. All make for a great long weekend getaway.

Day 1: Scenic drives.

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This region of Michigan has preserved the look and feel of times gone by, with deep silent forests, fantastic lake views, and unmatched natural beauty. The Quilt Block Drive meanders all over the county.

When approaching Harrisville, you will see huge quilt blocks mounted on barns and other historic structures. You can tour nearly the entire county on this drive. It is so popular that small quilt blocks now adorn many of the local businesses. A map is available at businesses in downtown Harrisville.

About eleven miles south of town you can find the River Road, one of two National Scenic Byways in Michigan. This drive starts at Lake Huron, in downtown Oscoda, and follows the Au Sable River all the way to Route 65. This drive is gorgeous any time of year with several places where stopping is a must, including scenic overlooks of the river, the awesome Iargo Springs, and the Lumberman’s Monument.

This whole drive is a favorite color tour when autumn arrives. At Route 65, turn north and enjoy the winding road through the forest for about ten miles. You will pass through Glennie and get to Route 72. Go east back to Harrisville.

Day 2: Nature areas.

Much of this region is within the Huron National Forest, so nature areas are all around. The Harbor of Refuge in Harrisville is one of the most beautiful on Lake Huron. Lake Hubbard, and the Alcona Dam Pond, are favorites with boaters and fishermen. Almost anywhere you go, there are nicely groomed hiking trails. This part of the Sunrise Side has two of the most unique nature areas anywhere in Michigan, Iargo Springs and Negwegon State Park.

Iargo Springs.

Iargo Springs is found out along the River Road. This is easily one of the most beautiful, and least known, spots in northeast Michigan. Far down the cliff side, are pools of pristine spring waters, that have been used, and revered, since prehistory. The pools are broad, and the water is so clear that you don’t realize that it is several feet deep in places. Revered as a sacred place by natives, marveled at by explorers, discovered, forgotten, and rediscovered, these magical springs will remain in your memory, and call you back again and again!

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Being at the springs in the quiet glade, and hearing the cry of a Bald Eagle overhead, is a great experience. When you visit Iargo Springs you will need to be prepared to handle the steps, some 300 of them, so take your time. Iargo Springs is presented as a Michigan interpretive site. There are minimal facilities, good parking, and an information kiosk.

Negwegon State Park.

When we think of state parks in Michigan, we think of camping and roasted marshmallows. Most state parks are convenient places to take a camper. They provide facilities, showers, and beautiful campsites in the trees. There are a few that are more rustic, and one, Negwegon State Park, is one of the only unimproved parks left.

The park is reached by land after driving along a very rough sandy trail for several miles. It is actually easier to get to the park by canoe or kayak. There is a gravel parking lot at the entrance and you can use the nearby comfort facilities. In addition, there is an artesian well flowing so you can fill your canteen.

No vehicles are allowed in the park, so you hike to your campsite. There are only four rustic campsites spread along the two-mile main trail. The northernmost campsite, 4, is in view of the Bird Islands. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, food pole, and its own private beach on Lake Huron.

Between campsite 3 and campsite 4 the trail splits. The branch to the right will take you across a prairie to campsite 4. Exploring the prairie will reveal an old stone water well, and the foundations of an old cabin. The story is told that during the 1800s, a free black man lived here, all alone, and disappeared without a trace. Hike into this remote place during the winter and you will wonder how anyone could survive in this isolated location 200 years ago all alone.

If you take the trail to the left, before you enter the prairie, you can hike for a couple more miles as the trail loops back toward the parking area. You will cross a small stream, a hundred yards or so, along the left branch. Down that stream, deep in the swamp, are old stone walls and cairns, built long ago by parties unknown.

Negwegon State Park is located on the shores of Lake Huron a few miles north of Black River. Take Route 23 north from Harrisville and follow the signs to Black River. Route 23 and the Black River Road are paved. The road to the park is gravel and sand and can be rather rough.

Day 3: Historic places.

Historic sites include the Craftmakers Cabin, the Bailey One Room Schoolhouse, the Lincoln Train Depot Museum, and others. Two unique destinations are the Lumberman’s Monument and the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.

The Lumberman’s Monument is just a few miles from Iargo Springs. It was erected in 1931, as a memorial to the lumberjacks, who harvested Michigan’s giant white pines in the 1800s. The 14-foot bronze statue overlooks the beautiful Au Sable River (“River of Sand”). The three figures represent various stages of the historic lumbering operation.

In the center, the “timber cruiser” holds a compass. To his left, a “sawyer” holds an ax and crosscut saw. On the right, is the “river rat” using a “peavey”. Outside, visitors view the Lumberman’s Monument statue up close, take pictures, and enjoy the overlook of the Au Sable River, a beauty that draws people back to its banks year after year. In the outdoor exhibit area, large scale replicas of a Rollway, logjam, comfort station, wanigan, hands-on peavey, and log stamping areas, add to the story of the lumbermen. The outdoor displays and trails highlight the “River Rats” and driving logs to the sawmills.

The Sturgeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1869 and has been in continuous service for 128 years. A museum, on the grounds, holds examples of boats, rudders, and Lake Huron equipment. The gift shop has plenty of cool items, and there is excellent rock and shell hunting along the shore. The keeper’s house is now a museum and is open Memorial Day – mid September. In addition to that, the old Bailey One Room School is also on adjacent grounds. After you tour the buildings, consider a walk from the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, out to the point.