Alpena
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Thompson’s Harbor State Park sand dunes, courtesy Gary Irving.

A pristine nature preserve along the Lake Huron shoreline, Thompson’s Harbor State Park is home to the state of Michigan’s largest population of the State wildflower, the Dwarf Lake Iris, and is one of the state’s newest Dark Sky Preserve Parks.

Thompson’s Harbor State Park
Located 26 miles north of Alpena on US 23 North, this natural area encompasses 5,000 acres of sand dunes, upland and marsh. In Michigan there are fewer than 50 remaining examples of “forested wet swale communities” of this quality. The area supports one of the largest known populations in the world of the federal and state-threatened dwarf lake iris, Michigan’s state wildflower. Thousands of iris shoots, and several other plant species of special concern grow in the area. Situated along seven and a half miles of Lake Huron shoreline, this undeveloped park provides a rustic retreat for hikers exploring the park’s six miles of trails. Park at the trail-head off of US-23.

GPS: 45.335465, -83.603988

Thompson’s Harbor State Park. Photo by Abbey Jo Rehling

Distance from Alpena: 26 miles North of Alpena on US-23 N.
On-site Facilities: Parking area. Vault toilet.

Services nearest Thompson’s Harbor:

  • Dinner:
    McDonald’s (15 miles): (989) 734-7131, 290 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
    Kelly’s Venture Inn (11 miles): (989) 734-2865, 3090 US 23 S, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 4-10 pm
  • Breakfast:
    McDonald’s (15 miles): (989) 734-7131, 290 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am -11 pm
    Kortman’s Restaurant (16 miles): (989) 734-3512, 481 N. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
    Subway (15 miles): (989) 734-4903, 285 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am -9 pm
  • Gas Stations/Convenience Stores:
    Citgo (15 Miles): (989) 734-7133, 153 S. 3rd Street, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am – 11 pm
    Sunoco/Bayport food Store: (989) 734-4903, 285 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 5:30 am – 10 pm