Why Lake Huron is a Hidden Gem for Vacationers

February 28, 2025

When travelers think of the Great Lakes, destinations like Lake Michigan and Lake Superior often come to mind. But Lake Huron, with its pristine shorelines, maritime history, and outdoor adventure opportunities, remains one of the most underrated gems in the region. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, scenic drives, or fascinating historical sites, Lake Huron has something special to offer. Here’s why this lake should be at the top of your travel list.


1. Unspoiled Natural Beauty

Lake Huron boasts the longest shoreline of all the Great Lakes, stretching over 3,827 miles. This expansive coastline offers a mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush forests, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts is Tawas Point State Park, often called the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." This scenic destination features sweeping sand dunes, hiking trails, and a historic lighthouse perfect for an afternoon adventure.

For those who love kayaking and paddleboarding, the clear, shallow waters near Oscoda and Harrisville provide calm, picturesque paddling routes with incredible views of the lake.


2. A Deep Maritime History

Lake Huron’s waters hold centuries of maritime history, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, located off the coast of Alpena, Michigan, is home to one of the world’s largest collections of shipwrecks. Over 200 well-preserved wrecks rest beneath the surface, making this area a prime destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours. Visitors can explore the eerie remains of sunken steamers and schooners dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich nautical past.


Another must-visit historical site is Mackinac Island, where visitors can step back in time with horse-drawn carriages, historic forts, and stunning Victorian architecture. The island, nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, has remained car-free for over a century, preserving its 19th-century charm and tranquil atmosphere.


3. Stunning Beaches Without the Crowds

While Lake Michigan and Lake Erie tend to draw large crowds in the summer, Lake Huron’s beaches remain peaceful and uncrowded.

For soft sand and clear, shallow waters, Harrisville State Park is a top pick. This family-friendly beach offers picnic areas, walking trails, and breathtaking sunset views.


If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, Rockport State Recreation Area is an off-the-beaten-path spot perfect for fossil hunting, kayaking, and exploring rocky coves. With fewer visitors than Michigan’s more famous beaches, it’s a hidden paradise for nature lovers.


4. Outdoor Adventures Year-Round

Lake Huron isn’t just a summer destination—it offers adventure in every season:

  • Spring & Summer: Boating, fishing, and hiking along scenic coastal trails. Fishing enthusiasts will find world-class opportunities for walleye, bass, and northern pike.
  • Fall: The shoreline comes alive with brilliant fall foliage, making the Huron Shores Heritage Route one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest.
  • Winter: Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing transform Lake Huron into a winter playground. The frozen landscape offers breathtaking scenery, and snow-covered trails provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.


5. Affordable and Family-Friendly

Compared to more commercialized destinations like Traverse City or Mackinac Island, Lake Huron offers an affordable getaway without sacrificing breathtaking scenery or unique experiences.


Smaller lakeside towns like Oscoda, Harrisville, and Tawas City provide cozy cabin rentals, locally-owned restaurants, and free nature-based activities, making it the perfect spot for families looking for an affordable vacation with plenty to explore.


6. Unique Island Getaways

While Mackinac Island is the most well-known, Lake Huron is home to several lesser-known islands that offer unique escapes:

  • Drummond Island: Known as the "Gem of the Huron," this island features off-roading trails, kayaking routes, and incredible wildlife viewing.
  • Bois Blanc Island: A quiet alternative to Mackinac, this secluded island is perfect for hiking, fishing, and unplugging from modern life.


For those seeking an adventurous island experience, these lesser-visited destinations offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.


Final Thoughts

For travelers looking for stunning scenery, rich history, and outdoor adventure without the crowds and high prices of more tourist-heavy destinations, Lake Huron is an underrated paradise. Whether you’re drawn to its maritime heritage, pristine beaches, or endless outdoor activities, this Great Lake is a hidden gem worth discovering.



And if you’re planning your visit, Sunny Side Cottages offers the perfect lakeside escape—conveniently located near Lake Huron’s best beaches, hiking trails, and small-town charm. Book your stay today and start exploring!

Share to social media

More posts

August 19, 2025
The backpacks are packed, the buses are rolling, and suddenly boom—summer is officially over
July 18, 2025
There’s something about summer that just feels different, isn’t there? The days stretch longer, the sunsets linger in shades of gold and pink, and time seems to slow down—if only for a little while. At Sunny Side Cottages, that feeling isn’t just a happy accident; it’s the heartbeat of what we do here. Whether you’re here for a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a long-overdue reunion with your favorite people, Sunny Side offers something you can’t find just anywhere: a place where the simple joys of summer are alive and well. And if you’ve been searching for the perfect cabin rental in Michigan or browsing through endless lists of Michigan vacation rentals, you can stop now—you’ve found the spot.
June 16, 2025
Let’s face it: planning a group getaway—whether it’s your extended family, a company retreat, or your old college crew—can feel a little like herding cats. Different personalities. Different schedules. That one person who always forgets their toothbrush. But here’s the good news: the magic doesn’t happen despite all that—it happens because of it. And when you host your next big gathering at Sunny Side Cottages , it’s less stress, more s’mores. Whether you’re reuniting the whole clan, rallying the office team, or celebrating something special with your favorite humans, Sunny Side delivers all the charm, comfort, and character you need to make memories that actually stick. 🌟 Why Group Getaways Are So Good for the Soul (and Sanity)  1. Time to Reconnect (Without WiFi Battles) Let’s be honest—when was the last time your family or team had real quality time together? No Zoom calls, no deadlines, no “I’ll get back to you next week” emails. Just uninterrupted time to laugh, relax, and have actual conversations not involving emojis. Whether it’s catching up with cousins you haven’t seen in a decade or bonding with coworkers outside the break room, group trips foster connection like nothing else. 2. Shared Experiences = Shared Joy There’s a reason inside jokes, late-night card games, and paddleboard wipeouts stick in our memory bank. Shared experiences build trust and strengthen relationships—whether you’re related by blood, business, or bunk beds. 3. It’s Good for Mental Health, Period. Science says stepping away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in nature actually reduces stress, improves focus, and increases creativity. Add in sunshine, laughter, and a cozy lakefront view? Now that’s what we call team building. 🏡 Why Sunny Side Cottages Is a Total Group Gathering Win Now that we’ve got you craving a group getaway, let’s talk venue. Because location matters—and Sunny Side Cottages doesn’t just tick the boxes, it decorates them with fairy lights and a side of sass. Here’s why we’re the dream destination for reunions, retreats, and all your “we-should-do-this-more-often” moments: 1. Cabin Cluster Vibes With multiple cozy cottages grouped on one property, you get the perfect mix of togetherness and privacy. Grandma and Grandpa can enjoy peace and quiet in their own space, while the kids run wild (respectfully!) with cousins next door. And if it’s a corporate retreat? Assign teams their own cabins for breakout time that doesn’t involve a whiteboard. 2. Common Areas Made for Connection From our game room where competitive Uno thrives, to the campfire circle where marshmallows and stories flow freely, Sunny Side was practically built for bonding. Morning coffee chats on the porch? Check. Evening sing-alongs under the stars? You better believe it. 3. Private Beachfront = Instant Memory Maker A private resort beach means no crowds, no chaos—just your group making splashy memories. It’s ideal for sunrise yoga, lakeside ceremonies, or just throwing on your swimsuits and letting the kids live their best lake life. 4. Quirky, Charming, and Instagrammable AF Let’s be honest—we all love a good photo op. Sunny Side Cottages delivers with wood-clad interiors, pops of nature and beachy décor, and just enough quirk to keep things interesting. It’s rustic-meets-playful, and the vibe? Pure personality. 5. Close to Adventure, But Feels a World Away Located near the beauty of Lake Huron (and not too far from Michigan vacation rental hotspots), Sunny Side is easy to get to but feels delightfully off the grid. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip, and a scenic drive to day trip gems like Manitoulin Island or nearby fishing and hiking spots. 🥂 Reunions, Retreats & More: What Can You Host Here? Glad you asked! Sunny Side is the perfect backdrop for: Family Reunions (yes, even if Uncle Bob snores) Company Retreats and remote team gatherings Small Weddings or vow renewals (lakeside “I do’s”? Yes please.) Friendcations —those friend groups that became family Birthday Bashes, Anniversaries, Retirement Parties —if it’s worth celebrating, it’s worth celebrating here. And if you want to rent the whole property for a more private, curated experience? Let’s talk. We love helping guests turn the entire resort into their own personal lakeside playground. Final Word: Don’t Just Get Away—Gather Somewhere That Gets You Sunny Side Cottages isn’t just a pretty place to crash—it’s a backdrop for your best group memories. It’s where grandma teaches the grandkids to fish, your team finally feels like a team, and friends toast to ten more years of friendship over firelight and waves. So whether you’re planning a grand reunion or a mini retreat, bring your people, your sense of adventure, and maybe a few extra marshmallows. We’ll handle the rest—with lake views, cozy cottages, and plenty of that “you just had to be there” magic.
More Posts