Catch the sunrise, and more at these Michigan towns. 5 things to try in the Tawas area

A trip to Michigan's "sunrise side" this summer boasts two towns on the shore of the Tawas Bay overlooking Lake Huron that offer sandy beaches, a state park, fishing and more.

Northeast Michigan, along the coast of the Great Lake features the waterfront communities of Tawas City and East Tawas and draws in multitudes of tourists each summer.

While in town, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, beaches, camping and a historic lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park while surrounded by nature. The Tawases also offer local shopping and dining.

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"We'll charm you with our hospitality and send you home with a refreshed and strengthened spirit. Escape to our coastal community and gain a renewed sense of tranquility," Pure Michigan says about Tawas City. "Breathe in the fresh air as you skip stones on Tawas Bay, stroll out onto our pier, spend a day browsing our quaint shops, photograph our natural beauty, and enjoy a truly restful night."

"Beautiful scenery abounds in every corner of the Tawas Bay area, from the shoreline of Lake Huron to the storied Au Sable River," Pure Michigan says about East Tawas. "This area provides a hundred reasons to have one great vacation for the entire family."

Here's what to know about the Tawas area.

Where is Tawas City?

Tawas City is a northeast Michigan city along the Lake Huron coastline in the Lower Peninsula. The town of about 1,800 residents is part of the Tawas area, a popular region for tourism.

How did Tawas City come to be?

Tawas City was established in the mid-19th century as a lumber town along Tawas Bay leading into Lake Huron, the Iosco County Historical Society notes.

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Gideon O. Whittemore, a judge and state official originally from Vermont, founded Tawas City in 1854 after moving north from Pontiac, an 1888 biography states. The Whittemore family played a key role in the city's early years.

The area was originally home to a tribe of the Saginaw band of Chippewa Indians, now part of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the city's website notes. Thus, the region is part of the Saginaw Chippewa, or Ojibwe, people's ancestral homeland. The Ojibwe are an Anishinaabe people who form part of theCouncil of Three Fireshistoric alliance.

Why is it called Tawas City?

The city's name comes from the name of Chief O-ta-was, the chief of the local tribe of the Saginaw band of Chippewa people, the city's website explains. The name Tawas City was selected by the Whittemore family, the city's website says.

Where is East Tawas?

East Tawas is a city on Tawas Bay along the shores of Lake Huron in the northeast of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The small town of about 2,600 residents is a popular tourist destination next door to Tawas City.

When did East Tawas get its start?

East of present-day Tawas City, land for a mill was established in 1864 and the East Tawas settlement quickly grew, becoming a village in 1887, according to a draft of the city's history by Neil Thornton on the city's website.

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East Tawas eventually became a city in 1895, Thornton's account says.

Relax at Lake Huron beaches, dive in the waters

The Tawas area is home to Lake Huron beaches along Tawas Bay, offering visitors a chance to enjoy sunbathing and swimming, sailing, kiteboarding, power boating, fishing, paddling and wave running, the Tawas Bay Tourist and Convention Bureau says.

Local beaches include Shoreline Park in Tawas City, East Tawas City Park, Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas State Harbor, Sand Lake Beach in the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Long Lake Public Beach and Loon Lake Public Beach.

Check out downtown shopping

In downtown East Tawas, a variety of shops line the streets near the waterfront, flanked by wide brick-paved sidewalks, the Tawas Bay Tourist and Convention Bureau notes.

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Shopping options include antiques, sporting goods, hardware supplies, shoes, gifts, boutiques selling apparel, florals, jewelry, art and more.

Visitors can check out these products at shops like The Ladies' Room Boutique or Precious Petals by Jamie, Blue Moon Gallery or Branham's Jewelry.

Visit Tawas Point Lighthouse

At Tawas Point State Park, Tawas Point Lighthouse offers stunning views overlooking Tawas Bay and Lake Huron. The historic lighthouse was built in 1876 and operated until 2016, replacing an earlier structure built in 1853, according to the Michigan History Center.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse with a volunteer keeper, including a stop at the lighthouse's museum, and a climb up the tower's 85 stairs to the top for panoramic views. Officials recommend at least two hours for visits to the lighthouse.

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Tawas Point Lighthouse is open for hourly tours from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, the Michigan History Center's website says. Admission is $5 for adults ages 18 and older, $2 for youth 6 to 17 and children 5 and under free. Wednesday and Tuesday tours are by donation.

You need a Recreation Passport to visit Tawas Point State Park by vehicle. The Michigan Activity Pass offers a free day visit to the state park and one night of camping through your local library. Additional fees may still apply.

Savor local dining, sweet treats

Between East Tawas and Tawas City, the area offers a variety of dining from local restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream stores, bars and more.

Options include classic American far, sushi, beer, Mexican cuisine, ice cream, pizza, coffee beverages, chocolates and candy, Chinese cuisine, baked goods and beyond.

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Tourists can eat at The Northwoods Steakhouse, Mangos, Tawas Bay Pizza Company, Mr. Jack'ss Sports Bar and Grill or China Buffet and grab a hot or iced beverage at SunnySide Coffee or Cozy Cup Coffee Company. If you're craving something sweet, stop by Village Chocolatier, Marion's Dairy Bar or the Blue Moose Bakery Cafe. Venues like Bikinis Beach Bar and The Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery offer alcoholic beverages.

Explore camping, great outdoors at area parks

The Tawas area features opportunities for outdoor exploration at state and local parks and beyond.

Area trails, including along the Lake Huron shoreline, offer a tranquil environment to walk, hike or bike. This includes the Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path and the Highbanks Trail and Corsair Trail System. Additional trails and camping areas can be found in the nearby Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Local parks include Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas City Park, Robert C. Bolen Memorial Park, Tawas City Park, Dewey Durant Memorial Park, Tom Dillon Memorial Park, Harbor Park and Gateway Park, according to the Tawas Bay Tourist and Convention Bureau.

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Campgrounds in the Tawas area include Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park, Brown's Landing RV Park, Russell Canoe Livery and Campgrounds, Tawas RV Park and Trails End Ranch Campground, the tourist bureau says.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi:[email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tawas area offers activities in northern Michigan. 5 things to know