As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across Michigan’s Sunrise Coast, Oscoda offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich historic discovery.
This fall, we invite you to slow down and explore our fascinating history from the tales of lumbering days at the Lumberman’s Monument to our memorial honoring the veterans of our region. Pair these experiences with leisurely strolls through forests rich with autumn color and time spent reflecting along the scenic AuSable River for the perfect fall getaway.
In Oscoda, fall isn’t just about breathtaking views—it’s about experiencing the history of a small coastal town while savoring the colorful fall season.
Highbanks Hike to the Lumberman’s Monument
Hiking the Highbanks Trail during the autumn season is a journey through a corridor of blazing fall color, with the AuSable River glistening like a ribbon of silver below. As the path winds east toward the Lumberman’s Monument Visitors Center, the trail opens to reveal three towering bronze figures, standing in silent tribute to Michigan’s lumbering past.
The monument is dedicated to the workers of Michigan’s early logging industry. Standing at 14 feet tall, the bronze statue features a log surrounded by three figures: a timber cruiser holding a compass, a sawyer with his saw slung over his shoulder, and a river rat resting his peavey on the ground.
At the Visitor’s Center you can climb through a log jam, use a peavey, cut a wooden cookie with a cross-cut saw, and learn about the life of a lumberjack. Hike the stairway down to the wanigan, a logger’s floating kitchen, or take the short trail to the dune observation deck with an awe-inspiring vista where the river bends through a canvas of fall color. You’ll appreciate this pause in your hike where history, nature, and season converge in perfect harmony.
Discover the MCRA Canoer’s Memorial
As you continue your way along the Highbanks Trail, the silence of the forest is broken only by the crush of leaves underfoot and the distant call of birds soaring over the AuSable River. Rounding a bend, the Canoer’s Memorial emerges. This memorial, honors those that have paddled and those that continue to paddle the flowing waters of the mighty AuSable River. This monument was erected to honor the members of the Michigan Canoe Racing Association as an elegant tribute capturing the spirit of those who ventured down this storied river.
From the nearby overlook, high above the AuSable, your keepsake photo of this journey will be framed by the vibrant hues of autumn colors. Standing here, you can feel an appreciation for both the natural beauty of the season and the timeless legacy of river travel.
Stroll Veteran’s Memorial Park
Not far from downtown Oscoda, you will find Furtaw Field which is home to Veteran’s Memorial Park. Located on the corner of Skeel Avenue and F-41, the Veteran Memorial Park was established on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2006, and consists of 6 acres under continuing development.
The Circle of Flags, which includes the 54 United States and territorial flags is impressive to behold. You are invited to reflect as you read the names and inscriptions honoring those who served. Surrounded by the beauty of the season, the memorial feels poignant, a place where gratitude and remembrance invite visitors to pause, reflect, and carry forward the legacy of service and sacrifice.
Oscoda welcomes you to explore and discover the rich history of our region while slowing down to take in the splendor of the fall season along the shoreline of Lake Huron. It just might be the perfect place to plan your fall color tour this season.