Presque Isle County, Michigan Travel Guide: Best Things to Do

Presque Isle is one of my favorite destinations in Michigan — a peaceful, rocky peninsula tucked into the northeast corner of the Lower Peninsula. Surrounded by Lake Huron, Grand Lake, and Lake Esau, it’s the kind of place where time slows down. With two historic lighthouses, aqua-blue waters, and a handful of quirky local stops, Presque Isle feels like a hidden gem on the Sunrise Side of Michigan.

Where is Presque Isle County, Michigan?

Presque Isle County is located just north of Alpena in Michigan’s Northeast Lower Peninsula. It is located on the shores of Lake Huron on the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail.

Presque Isle Harbor

The only natural harbor on Lake Huron, Presque Isle has long been a destination for boaters. The harbor is well-equipped with water, restrooms, showers, diesel, electricity, a pump-out station, gasoline, a launch, fishing pier, dog run, and grills — everything you need for a comfortable stopover. Best of all, the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is just a short walk up the path, so you can combine a harbor visit with one of the area’s must-see attractions.

The Beauty of Presque Isle’s Lakes

Lake Huron

The coastline here along Lake Huron north of Alpena is striking — rugged, rocky, and windswept, with water that shimmers in the most incredible shade of turquoise. This isn’t the kind of place where you find long sandy beaches; instead, you get dramatic rock formations, clear water, and endless views that feel wild and unspoiled. It’s perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone who just wants to sit on the rocks and watch the waves roll in.

Grand Lake

Just inland, Grand Lake stretches 12 miles long and three miles wide. Its limestone bottom keeps the water clear and gives it a brilliant aqua hue. With depths up to 25 feet (and plenty of shallows), it’s ideal for swimming, boating, and paddling. Public access points along US-23 make it easy to launch a boat or take a dip on a hot summer day.

Lake Esau

Tucked away between Grand Lake and Lake Huron, Lake Esau is a little gem. Spring-fed and crystal clear, it’s great for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. There’s a paved boat launch, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon out on the water.

Two Lighthouses Worth the Trip

One of the most unique things about Presque Isle is that you can visit two historic Lake Huron lighthouses within walking distance.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse (1870)

Standing at 113 feet, the New Presque Isle Lighthouse is the tallest climbable lighthouse on the Great Lakes. I remember my husband and daughter making the climb years ago and proudly sporting the “I Survived the Climb” t-shirt. The lighthouse includes a small museum with engaging exhibits about the keepers’ lives, plus the restored 1905 keeper’s residence. The grounds also feature a 99-acre park with a playground, picnic pavilion, and nature trails.

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (1840)

This is my favorite lighthouse in Michigan — it’s smaller, more romantic, and some say haunted! The grounds are gorgeous, with turquoise views of Lake Huron, and the keeper’s house displays 19th-century artifacts. It’s one of the most picturesque stops on the Sunrise Side.

Sunrise & Sunset Magic

Because of the peninsula’s geography, Presque Isle is one of those rare Michigan places where you can watch both sunrise over Lake Huron and a gorgeous Michigan sunset over North Bay in the same day. Bring your camera — it’s breathtaking.

Where to Eat & Shop

Birch Hill Grocery

This cozy, family-run store is part bakery, café, gallery, and library. Owners Kris and her son, Christopher, bake everything from baguettes and brownies to one of the best sour cream coffee cakes I’ve ever had. Sandwiches, Neapolitan pizzas, dips, and brewed teas round out the menu. Don’t miss the “Living Room Library,” where Kris lends out her well-curated book collection. In summer and fall, check their site for Paired Tapas and Wine Tastings — it’s a local favorite.

The Portage Deli and Store

I never walk out of here empty-handed. Pizza, sandwiches, ice cream cones, and Michigan-made goods make this a must-stop. You’ll also find t-shirts, toys, wine, and unique home goods — including a UPF-50 sunhat I picked up on my last visit.

Range Light Beach

Most of Presque Isle’s Lake Huron shoreline is rocky — dramatic and beautiful, but not always ideal for wading or swimming. That’s what makes Range Light Beach such a gem. It’s one of the few sandy stretches in the area, with shallow, clear water that’s perfect for families.

The beach has a handicap-accessible pavilion and picnic area, along with restrooms, making it an easy spot to spend a summer afternoon. Plus, the views of Lake Huron and the harbor from here are absolutely picture-perfect.

Hiking, Paddling & Exploring: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

North Bay Trail & Huron Trail

Both of these trails are near the New Lighthouse and are perfect for stretching your legs. You’ll find wooded paths, plenty of birds, and water views in every season.

Kayak Over Shipwrecks

One of the coolest things to do in Presque Isle is paddle over shipwrecks in the Besser Natural Area. The wreck of the Portland lies just offshore near Bell Bay. Spotting it beneath crystal-clear water from your kayak is an unforgettable “wow” moment.

Besser Natural Area & Ghost Town of Bell

This is my go-to place for hiking and birdwatching. A one-mile trail winds through the ghost town of Bell, where you’ll find remnants of old buildings, a lagoon, and a sandy beach. A stand of virgin white pines towers overhead, and wildflowers change with the seasons. Bring your binoculars — the birdwatching here is fantastic.

Where to Stay

Presque Isle Lodge

This rustic lodge is a great basecamp if you want to linger in the area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s full of historic charm, with proximity to the lighthouses and easy access to the lakes. It’s the perfect weekend escape if you love that classic “Up North” lodge feel.

Fireside Inn on Grand Lake

For a different kind of stay, check out the Fireside Inn, an all-inclusive resort on Grand Lake. Here, meals, activities, and lake fun are all bundled together, making it a stress-free getaway. It has that nostalgic summer-camp vibe, with the bonus of modern comforts and beautiful lakefront views.

Why I Love Presque Isle

Presque Isle has everything I love about northern Michigan in one place: lighthouses, aqua-blue lakes, quirky local stops, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re climbing the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, paddling over a shipwreck, or enjoying coffee cake at Birch Hill Grocery, this little corner of northeast Michigan is pure magic.

My favorite times to visit are summer and fall. Summer is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and long evenings by the water, while fall is absolutely stunning — the mix of Michigan autumn colors against the turquoise water and white pines makes this one of the most beautiful places on the Sunrise Side.