Make the Most of Your Family Vacation
Fill your vacation with family fun in Oscoda! Thinking about plans for a getaway to the shores of Lake Huron this summer? Let us help you craft an itinerary of fun things to see and do during your visit. Spend a day at the beach, explore a museum, rent a Waverunner for big lake adventure, paddle the river, or take a walk in the woods. No matter how you choose to spend your days, Oscoda is the perfect destination for summer family fun.
Day One: Sun & Sand
Our shoreline location makes Oscoda your perfect destination for days on end of sunshine, sand, and water. All of the ingredients you’ll need for a day of summertime fun. Start the day with an iced coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Sunrise Kava Cafe and make your way to Oscoda Beach Park.
Toes in the Sand
Oscoda Beach Park is one of the region’s most popular beach destinations, and it isn’t hard to see why. Spend your morning strolling the sandy beach, fishing from the pier, enjoying a picnic, or cooling off on the splash-pad, all in one place. When you are dreaming of a day at the beach, this park checks all of the boxes for summertime fun!
Your afternoon adventure depends on whether you want to take to the lake or paddle the river.
Water Adventure
If you are ready to get out on the big lake, SunnyBunns is ready with everything you will need for bid water fun. Choose a high-octane adventure on a waverunner or for a more relaxing ride you may enjoy a pontoon on Foote Pond or one of the inner lakes. Their full-service boat rentals make getting out on the lake super easy and simply fun. Plan ahead and reserve the watercraft of your choice, they will handle all the rest.
Maybe instead the river is what you had in mind. The mighty AuSable River flows through our county before spilling into Lake Huron. Located just west of town, Oscoda Canoe Rental invites you to paddle your day away on one of Michigan’s most scenic waterways. They have everything you will need to outfit an epic canoe, kayak, or tubing adventure. They offer 2-hour to full day trips, allowing you to choose a paddle that is just right for you. Advanced reservations are recommended to be sure they have space for your family.
Winding Down Day One
Bet you are hungry after all of that sun and sand. In downtown Oscoda, you can find something to please everyone’s taste buds. G’s Pizzeria & Deli is a local favorite when you are craving a slice of pizza or a hearty sandwich or the Hilltop Bar & Grill is a favorite for sitting down to dine out of the sun. And of course, everyone wants an ice cream cone on a hot day and Parkside Dairy Shoppe, Twist Frozen Yogurt or the Dairy Queen are standing by ready to serve your favorite flavors.
If you happen to be in the area mid-week, every Wednesday night in July & August join our community at Oscoda Beach Park to spread out your beach blanket and enjoy free movies right on the beach! Make your way to the park at dusk, bring your lawn chairs or blankets and sit back and enjoy a family friendly movie. For more information, follow our Facebook page for movie title announcements.
You’ve had a great day enjoying the water, now it’s time to wind down and cozying up to a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories of your daily adventures. Along the Lake Huron shoreline you will find locally owned cabins, motel and hotel properties located right on the beach. A familiar feature at these resorts is a beach bonfire. So, find your spot, stock up on s’more fixings, and head to the lakeshore to make great summertime memories around the bonfire.
Day Two: Trails & History
Today is another day of fun, but from a different point of view. The Oscoda region is rich with history and our trails and museums offer a tour of the highlights that make our destination truly unique. Biggby Coffee is ready to brew your favorite beverages and morning treats to fuel your adventure.
Follow the Trails
Today’s adventure begins on the Highbanks Trail, a 7-mile point-to-point, non-motorized trail that follows the banks of the AuSable River. A perfect spot to start your exploration is Iargo Springs where you will find picturesque viewing decks and a boardwalk through natural springs. Continuing on the trail, make your next stop the Canoer’s Memorial at the scenic overlook of the AuSable, a not-to-miss picture spot. Continue to Lumberman’s Monument Visitor’s Center, home to a 14-foot bronze monument to Michigan’s early logging industry. This is a favorite destination for explorers of every age and ability and a great spot to visit even if you don’t want to hike but are just interested in learning more about the history of the logging industry in or region.
It’s lunchtime and you won’t have to go far to find some great grub. Desi’s Family Dining is just up River Road and serves quality food at fair prices. Here you can find Mexican and American food favorites that everyone will love.
Travel Back in TIme
The afternoon itinerary takes you back in time. First at Wurtsmtih Air Museum at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport. The museum is host to 3 hangers of aeronautic history for visitors to enjoy. Explore artifacts and memorabilia of the military and displays of several aircraft, including a UH-1H (Huey) Helicopter, a T-33 Jet Trainer and several civilian General Aviation aircraft. This truly unique historical spot is sure to be a favorite for explorers of all ages.
Next stop is the Oscoda Historical Museum. immerse yourself in the history of the region when you explore exhibits including Indian artifacts, commercial fishing, shipping, Lake Huron shipwrecks, logging, Paul Bunyan legend, railroads, lighthouses, the AuSable River and its dams, details of the fire of 1911, and more about the Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
Time to Dine
End your day with a special dining experience at Tait’s Bill of Fare in Downtown Oscoda or venture out to Greenbush to try the Red Fork. Tait’s offers a relaxed dining atmosphere serving everything hearty beef dishes to light salads, and of course you won’t want to miss out on dessert menu. The Red Fork has flavors from all around the globe from Great Lakes whitefish to dishes with Thai or Mediterranean flair. You can’t go wrong, whichever you choose!
Day Three: More to Explore
After a relaxing evening, you will be ready for another day of exploration. Day three begins with breakfast at Mama’s Country Kitchen, a local favorite serving a menu of traditional breakfast dishes. After you get your fill, it’s time for a walk on the beach.
Huron Sunrise Park
A popular park with the locals is located a bit north of downtown Oscoda, Huron Sunrise Park. Sink your toes in the sand along 2,600 feet of Lake Huron shoreline. As the park’s name suggests, this is the prefect destination for starting your day with a stroll along the shore of crystal-clear Lake Huron to experience daybreak as the sun rises from the horizon line. Also enjoy sunbathing, swimming, wildlife viewing or fishing at this serene beach. If you are inclined to bring bikes on your trip, you can also access a newly completed, paved bike path that links with a state roadside park.
Trail Time
Heading east on River Road you will find Eagle Run Hiking Trail. This 7-mile looped hiking trail is very well maintained and offers 3 looped trails making it the perfect spot to build a hiking or biking adventure of just the right size. Whether you brought your bikes for an afternoon ride, or hiking is more your speed you’ll enjoy this trail featuring trails under a canopy of trees home to wildlife, wildflowers, and plenty of fresh air.
Downtown Discovery
After you’re a day enjoying the natural beauty of our region, you might want to make a stop downtown for a little retail exploration. While there, you won’t want to miss To the Moon & Back, a specialty shop featuring enchanted treasures and a calendar of workshop and events.
After a great day exploring the outdoors, it’s time for some casual dining and maybe a movie. Downtown Oscoda is home to the Office Lounge where you can enjoy a burger and a beer. And to cap off another perfect day, head across the street for a first-run movie at the newly restored Lake Theater.
These are just a few ideas of things to see and do while exploring the Oscoda area. Whether you only have time for a quick visit, or you have a more extended period of time to enjoy a vacation, our region, surrounded by natural resources provides the perfect destination for your next family vacation. Don’t let summer slip away without a visit to Oscoda. We have prepared an Adventure Guide to help you plan your stay. Download the guide today!