Presque Isle

Presque Isle is French for “almost island”, which is an accurate name for this town. It lies on a narrow strip of land between Lake Huron and Grand Lake, in Northeast Michigan. At the south end of town, that thin strip of land opens for Lake Esau. Presque Isle is indeed almost an island and a lovely one at that.

Thompson’s Harbor State Park, at the north end of Presque Isle, is a wonderful spot to reconnect with nature. It stretches 7.5 miles along the coast of Lake Huron and has a good 6 miles of woodland trails. Hike to solitude here or cross-country ski in the winter. Fish here, and walk along miles of limestone cobble beach. Be sure to tuck into a hearty breakfast at a bed and breakfast before heading out to explore this rustic park.

Guests of bed and breakfasts are fortunate to have so much wilderness so close at hand. Ocquenoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway in Ocquenoc Falls State Forest is a truly fantastic spot to ski, hike or bike. This is the largest waterfall on the Lower Peninsula, and trails run right alongside them, overwhelming hikers and skiers with the roar of rushing water.

A good way to travel around this region of Northern Michigan is to bike, cross-country ski, or snowmobile the Top of Michigan Trails. The Huron Sunrise Trail starts just a few miles from our bed and breakfasts, in Rogers City. It stretches ten miles north along the coast, and will ultimately join with the Alpena to Mackinaw City trail – a truly fantastic trail. The stretch from Alpena to Cheboygan is 70 miles and is a bit rough in some areas, while the stretch from Cheboygan to Mackinaw City is newly resurfaced and one of the most popular trails in the Midwest.

There are several Michigan Lighthouses on this land surrounded by water, easily accessed by bike or car. The pretty Old Presque Isle Lighthouse was built in 1840 and is now a museum Presque Isle Lighthouse was built in 1870 on the southwest shore of the harbor. It resembles more of a schoolhouse than a lighthouse and is today a private residence. Forty Mile Point Light is a lovely square structure in P.H. Hoeft State Park, six miles north of Rogers City.

Enjoy a holiday at a bed and breakfast any time of year. Sleep in, be pampered and enjoy the views, or to get out in nature. You’ll be happy you came.