What to do and see in Port Huron, United States: The Best Places and Tips

March 28, 2018 Karren Gelb

Port Huron is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of St. Clair County. The population was 30,184 at the 2010 census. The city is adjacent to Port Huron Township but is administratively autonomous. Located along the St. Clair River, it is connected to Point Edward, Ontario in Canada via the Blue Water Bridge. The city lies at the southern end of Lake Huron and is the easternmost point on land in Michigan. Port Huron is home to two paper mills; Mueller Brass; and many businesses related to tourism and the automotive industry. The city features a historic downtown area, boardwalk, marina, museum, lighthouse, and the McMorran Place arena and entertainment complex.
Restaurants in Port Huron

1. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

2800 Omar St, at the East end of Garfield Street, Port Huron, MI 48060-2961 +1 810-982-0891
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 181 reviews

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

The Fort Gratiot Light Station is the oldest lighthouse in Michigan, 2nd oldest on the Great Lakes. The current tower was erected in 1829 and has helped guide mariners and ships for over 187 years between Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. Deeded to St. Clair County Parks & Recreation Commission in 2011, this 5 acre campus has already seen restoration of several of the seven buildings on site, with more improvements planned every year. The Port Huron Museum operates the activities at the site. Various programs include "Overnight at the Light, where groups of 20 - 40 people can spend the night in the remodeled, 1872 Duplex. A beautiful gift shop, guided tours for only $7.00, spacious grounds, programming and exhibits go on throughout the season (May - December). Also available for special events: weddings , reunions, parties and professional & social events. OPEN: Now through November 13,2016: Sat./Sun. only, 11 am - 5 pm November 19 - December 18, 2016: Sat. 11 am - 8 pm for Candlelight Tours;Sundays 11 am - 5 pm December 27-29, 2016 11 am - 5 pm December 30: CLOSED UNTIL MAY 4, 2017, except for special events and Overnights. Looking forward to welcoming you!

Reviewed By carol23k - Saginaw, Michigan

The grounds of the lighthouse are near a sandy beach and used for weddings and special occasions that can affect whether the light keeper quarters are open to view. The former Fort Gratiot hospital building is being renovated after being used as two homes then moved to this location. The 94 steps to the top of the lighthouse yields a panoramic view of Lake Huron & the St. Clair River with a guide to provide valuable historical information.

2. Blue Water Bridge

Port Huron, MI
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Blue Water Bridge

Reviewed By JanetDP - Ontario, Canada

I love to sit and watch the boats and ships go by while sitting under the bridge --- tons of french fry options here if this is your thing. Parking can be hard to find as it is so busy on nice days.

3. Blue Water River Walk

River Shore south of Black River, Port Huron, MI 48060 +1 810-294-4965
Excellent
67%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Blue Water River Walk

Reviewed By LouBobHarborSprings - Harbor Springs, Michigan

One of Port Huron's chief attractions, overlooking the St. Clair River. It is nice to see the city of Port Huron preserve the view for public use rather than allowing commercial construction.

4. Maritime Center at Vantage Point

51 Water St, Port Huron, MI 48060-5478 +1 810-985-4817
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 109 reviews

Maritime Center at Vantage Point

Reviewed By BrklynTravel - Brooklyn, New York

The museum itself doesn't have a lot on display, but it does have good information about the freighters passing by and the staff (and volunteers) are a wealth of maritime information in general. You can walk outside and enjoy riverside viewing, which really gives you a good sense of just how large the freighters are. And, absolutely do not leave until you've bought a donut. They are worth the visit alone, but beware that I've stopped in at mid-day to find the trays empty.

5. Thomas Edison Depot Museum

Thomas Edison Parkway, Port Huron, MI 48060 +1 810-982-0891
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Thomas Edison Depot Museum

Reviewed By tjstyphon - Clarkston, Michigan

We went here with our 4 year old, there were some things to keep his interest so it wasn't totally boring for him. The museum gives free admission to members of the military, so we appreciated that. Otherwise it's $10 for adults. It gives a lot of great information about Thomas Edison as a person, and shows his path through life. It was really interesting, and worth a stop for an hour or so.

6. Thomas Edison Parkway Boardwalk

Along the St Clair River under the Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron, MI 48060
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Thomas Edison Parkway Boardwalk

Reviewed By TomDearborn - Dearborn, Michigan

Watch the freighters and other boats. Fisherman are busy and the view of Canada with the two bridges are memorable. The walk to the Coast Guard boats along the river is pleasurable with the lighthouse ship and added bonus. There is a fee to board, but it is worth it.

7. Pine Grove Park

Port Huron, MI
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Pine Grove Park

Reviewed By TheMItraveler - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The park proudly displays the Huron. A historic site with sign explains the history. Beautiful views of the bridge from here and an easy walk along the water. A short ride south from the lighthouse.

8. HURON Lightship Museum

800 Prospect Pl, Port Huron, MI 48060 +1 810-984-9768
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

HURON Lightship Museum

Reviewed By ElleKitty13 - San Antonio, Texas

I arrived at Port Huron early on a Sunday morning. The Lightship was my second sightseeing stop, and I arrived just after the facility opened to the public at 11A.M. Late in October, traffic for the ship had slowed considerably from the summer months and I was the only guest aboard for the entire time I was there.

Jerry was my tour-guide, and he was welcoming and friendly from the moment I set foot on board. We spent over two and a half hours prowling the ship from top to bottom, aft to stern, port to starboard. Mr. Jerry would give the usual talk and then ask if I had any questions, which invariably led to some discussions that ordinarily wouldn't have been part of the tour.

The officer's quarters contains several displays that were very interesting. There are several very detailed, hand-made miniatures of Great Lakes lightships, and two of the icebreakers-buoy tenders. These were ranged across the seating area. Other displays held samples of the various cargo freighters hauled and some still haul across the lakes. The mapcase hanging on the wall was carved by the individual crewmen shortly before the ship was decommissioned in 1970.

Because this ship is a designated National Historic Monument, a great deal of effort has been put into keeping it as original as possible. The bunks are made, the galley has dishes (some of which have been reclaimed from Lake Huron by divers and donated to the ship!) the equipment is maintained.

If you have an interest in lighthouses or lightships, ships in general, Great Lakes history or other varied maritime interest, this is a must-see stop if you visit Michigan.

9. Lakeside Park

Gratiot Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060 +1 810-984-9760
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Lakeside Park

Reviewed By tiggerthehun - Taylor, Michigan

My GPS routed us to this large parking area rather than the one next to it. So, we took advantage and went down to the beach and walked along the waters edge. There were few people present as, it was a week day and several days before schools summer vacation. The water was clear with a sandy beach. However there is an abundance of rocks mostly varying from three to six inches scattered through the sand. And almost best of all, there are nice restrooms available.

10. Studio 1219

1219 Military St, Port Huron, MI 48060-5420 +1 810-985-2787
Excellent
88%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 23 reviews

Studio 1219

Studio 1219 features six art galleries full of local handmade fine art. All galleries provide a selection of artful gifts and fine art for personal collecting. All galleries are free to visit!

Reviewed By legsbell - California

This is a very nice artist studio which showcases local artist's wares. Lots of nice pottery, stained glass, jewelry, photos and prints to name a few. Many rooms so be sure you see them all.

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