You made the trip all the way to Port Austin and we cannot let you kayak because of weather--what a bummer.
We hate when that happens and we hate disappointing our guests. Luckily there are a lot of cool things to do around Port Austin other than kayak to Turnip Rock. We don’t want your trip to Port Austin to be wasted so we came up with a list of other fun things you can do during your visit.
Paddle the Shipwrecks
Harbor Beach (30 min drive) has 2 shipwrecks just a short paddle from their kayak rental kiosk.
Both wrecks are inside the harbor walls, so even if it's too windy for Turnip Rock, this may be an option for a unique adventure.
Harbor Beach Kayak - (30 minute drive from Port Austin) 1 Trescott St, Harbor Beach, MI 48441
Canoe the Pinnebog River
Canoe or kayak down the Pinnebog River through beautiful Port Crescent State Park to one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in Michigan. Highlights include woods, wildlife, sand dunes, eagles and 3 miles of undeveloped beach.
Tip-A-Thumb Canoe Rental - (10 minute drive) 2475 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Take a Hike
Port Crescent State Park - (10 minute drive) Miles of hiking trails, wildlife, 3 miles of undeveloped beach, sand dunes.
Huron County Nature Center - (12 minute drive)
Port Crescent behind Buccaneer's Den - (9 minute drive, park next to Buccaneer’s Den and cross the bridge)
Port Austin Breakwall, in town (5 minute walk) Take a half mile stroll on the Port Austin Breakwall. Great views of the Lighthouse and shoreline.
Enjoy a Craft Beer Outside
PAK'S Backyard Beer Garden - (next door) 119 E. Spring Street, Port Austin
Dark Sky Lodge & Tavern (5 min Drive) 1884 Port Austin Road, Port Austin
The Bank 1884 - (3 min walk) 8646 Lake Street, Port Austin
Tap Room at Bird Creek Farms - (10 minute walk, 5 minute bike ride, 2 minute drive) 282 Grindstone Rd, Port Austin
Pub at Bird Creek Golf Course - (15 minute bike ride, 5 minutes by car) 7850 N Van Dyke Rd, Port Austin
Captain Morgan’s Grindstone Bar & Grill - (10 minute drive) 3337 Pointe Aux Barques Rd, Grindstone City
Shelley’s Bar & Grill - (11 minute drive) 8745 Pearson Rd,Grindstone City
See Some Local Art
Barn Art Projects - 3 large scale outdoor art pieces created by Detroit area artists using local barns.
DIA Inside|Out Gallery - See high-quality reproductions from the DIA's collection outdoors around the village.
Sculptures & Placemaking Projects - From the gridmen statues to the adirondack chairs at Veterans Park, the area continues to support new and interesting projects.
The Cove - (in town, 5 minute walk) 8685 Lake St, Port Austin, MI 48467
White Church Gallery - (Grindstone, 10 minute drive) 8686 Rouse Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Visit the Farmers Market
8am until 1pm Saturdays (walking distance)
Port Austin has one of the largest and most vibrant farmers markets in Michigan! Each week you will find a wide variety of produce, meats, fish, arts & crafts and more!
Each week the market also hosts live music from 10am - 1pm
Port Austin Farmers Market - West State Street, Line Street, the South Gym Parking Lot, and the Gym grass.
Enjoy Live Music
The area offers multiple music venues, including our own PAK’S Backyard, Bird Creek Farms, Live on Stage at the Farmers Market, and more!
Do Some Shopping
The Port Austin area has many small boutique shops for you to enjoy. For a list, check out the Port Austin Chamber of Commerce site here.
Visit the Butterfly House
Butterfly House & Garden - (3 minute walk) At the corner of Adams and Madison St., downtown Port Austin
Take a Bike Ride
Route maps & bike rentals available at our shop
Get a Huge Ice Cream Cone
Grindstone General Store - (10 minute drive) 3206 Copeland Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Go Horseback Riding
Knoblock Riding Stable - (5 minute drive) Knoblock Riding Stable offers trail and pony rides in Port Austin. They welcome beginners to seasoned riders