The region
Eight communities along the Thumb Coast
The shoreline changes character as you move north from the St. Clair River to the tip of the Thumb. Start with the town that matches the trip you want.
Algonac
Where the St. Clair River meets the lake run
Algonac sits at the southern gateway of the Thumb Coast, on the St. Clair River where freighters pass close to shore.
Explore Algonac →Marine City
A walkable river town on the St. Clair
Marine City sits on the St. Clair River between Algonac and St. Clair, with freighter traffic passing close to shore and a compact downtown of restaurants, theaters, and shops within walking distance of the water.
Explore Marine City →St. Clair
Boardwalk town on the St. Clair River
St. Clair is known for its riverfront boardwalk, wide public park space along the water, and a downtown that stays open through the shoulder seasons.
Explore St. Clair →Marysville
Quiet river access just south of Port Huron
Marysville offers river access and a large waterfront park a few minutes south of Port Huron, with easy reach of both the Blue Water Bridge area and the southern river towns.
Explore Marysville →Port Huron
The Blue Water city at the head of the river
Port Huron anchors the southern Thumb Coast where Lake Huron narrows into the St. Clair River beneath the Blue Water Bridge.
Explore Port Huron →Lakeport
Quiet shoreline just north of the city
Lakeport is a small shoreline settlement a short drive north of Port Huron, best known for its state park beach.
Explore Lakeport →Lexington
Harbor town with a village center
Lexington pairs a protected harbor with a compact village of shops, music, and restaurants steps from the water.
Explore Lexington →Port Sanilac
Lighthouse village and refuge harbor
Port Sanilac is a small harbor village midway up the Thumb Coast, marked by its 1886 lighthouse.
Explore Port Sanilac →Harbor Beach
The largest man-made freshwater harbor
Harbor Beach sits behind a massive breakwall on the eastern edge of the Thumb, with a protected swimming beach and a small downtown.
Explore Harbor Beach →Port Austin
The tip of the Thumb
Port Austin sits at the very tip of the Thumb, where sunrise and sunset both meet water and Turnip Rock draws paddlers each summer.
Explore Port Austin →