Port Austin truly is a destination. Located at the tip of Michigan's Thumb, where the sun rises and sets over sandy beaches, endlessly blue waters, and vibrant rural landscapes, lies the picturesque town of Port Austin, Michigan. Here you will find unique rock formations among a wide array of other exciting attractions. Art continues to become a rising star in the community with boundless opportunities to buy, create, share, and enjoy.
Water sports, fishing, hiking, shopping and dining are popular activities shared amongst residents and visitors alike. Gift shops, a top rated farmer's market, and pop-up shops offer a shopping experience unlike any other. There are also a variety of parks, campgrounds, and accommodations available to visitors and affordable real estate opportunities for those who desire to stay a little a longer.
If you’re picking up what we’re laying down, keep reading. We have more for you to peruse at your leisure.
Tourist Destination
Port Austin’s population in the spring, summer and fall seasons continues to see exponential growth. In the summer months the population has been known to triple overnight. Port Austin contains a number of state and county parks with sizable campgrounds, as well as a vast number of summer cottages and second homes. Campers, hikers, hunters, fishermen, bird-watchers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts, frequent the Port Austin area throughout the seasons. And let’s not forget about the good-old-fashioned tourists! As the art scene continues to expand it also draws an ever-increasing number of new audiences and artists to the area.
On it’s own Port Austin has a very strong and vibrant population, but if that’s not enough to get your attention the city of Bad Axe, the largest city in the upper-Thumb, is only 17 miles south of Port Austin, further expanding your reach. Year round residents consist of a large number of families and retirees ready to test out your latest concoctions.
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What makes Port Austin Special?
Unique features of Port Austin
Travel West on M-25 and find the shoreline dotted with parks, beaches and recreational facilities. Turn East and visit historic areas such as Grindstone City and harbor, the restored lumber town museum of Huron City, and Lighthouse County Park featuring historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse. Regardless of which direction you turn you can find something fun and exciting to do or see.
Recently, the area’s Barn Art Projects have received regional attention with a feature in Under The Radar Michigan in episode number 912, “The Barn Project Port Austin.”Also featured was Grindestone General Store; only a stones throw away in a unique hamlet just east of Port Austin.
In addition to the spectacular displays of art in and around the community the area offers ample opportunities to experience live music. An annual free festival centered completely around music (Porch Fest in Port Austin) continues to thrive from year to year, drawing in large numbers of musicians and audiences from around the country. Local establishments line up artists to perform every weekend from May to October, and the Port Austin Farmers Market hosts a variety of artists at Live On Stage! Art… Music… Do we have your attention?
The Port Austin Farmers Market has been featured as one of the state’s top ten farmers markets and offers a vast array of vendors and events. The pop-up shops on the Village Green, can be found smack-dab in the middle of the farmers market on Saturday mornings and afternoons throughout the season, and being located in the heart of downtown Port Austin, doesn’t hurt either. This location offers budding entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to sell their wares in a space that won’t break the bank while providing droves of shoppers before, during, and after the popular farmers market. Quaint shops line the streets with a variety of both the fanciful and functional.
Paddlesports have been a huge boon for the Port Austin area. A unique rock formation called Turnip Rock is a draw for people from all over the world to visit Port Austin. It has been featured in magazines and many ad campaigns, including Pure Michigan and Labatt Brewing. Along with Turnip Rock, there are various other rock formations to paddle on and around on the Broken Rocks Water Trail as well.
Dining here in the Port Austin Area has been known to get regional attention at places like The Bank 1884 and The Farm Restaurant, and offers a great number of opportunities for entrepreneurs and hungry/thirsty travelers alike. The area boasts a lively backyard beer garden called PAK’s Backyard which offers hungry/thirsty kayakers, music buffs, and beach-goers a waterfront haven to have a good time. Walk the sidewalks and you will find a number of other open doors to step into and forget about the real world for a little while.
We could go on and on, but really you ought to experience it for yourself. Port Austin, like many of the communities on the Forgotten Coast have a lot to offer a craft beverage maker like you. You’re important here!
Community Projects & Developments
Arts & Placemaking
Port Austin has established itself as an arts destination over the last several years. They have 3 completed barn art projects, a permanent DIA Inside|Out art walk, and much more!
Live music & Entertainment
Port Austin has become THE place for live music in the Thumb. In addition to the extremely popular Porch Fest event and the weekly live music at the Farmers Market, venues in the village are also hosting live music and events on a regular basis.
Butterfly House & Garden
The Butterfly Garden in Tower Park is a vibrant destination for visitors of all ages. Learn about several different species of Michigan butterflies while walking a winding path surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.
Dark Sky Preserve
Nearby Port Crescent State Park is recognized as one of six dedicated dark sky preserves in the State of Michigan. It’s one of the best spots around for viewing the night sky…any maybe catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
Tour di Lago
This fun and relaxing ride, featuring either low-traffic paved or gravel roads, will take you on a tour of the “Thumb”. This family-friendly ride takes you along the lake shore and into the country. Along the way you will see stunning views of Lake Huron, beautiful rural scenery, lighthouses, quaint towns, and windmills.
Outdoor Fitness Park
Get some exercise with a great view of Lake Huron at Port Austin’s outdoor fitness park. With 7 different pieces of equipment, you’ll be able to find something that’s right for you! Located at Veterans Waterfront Park
