Description:
Each morning, rides will start at the Lakeside Park Pavilion in downtown Rogers City.  It will be the “hub” of each day’s ride and activities.

On Friday, June 20th
The first ride of the tour will head north along the scenic sun-kissed shores of Lake Huron.  This area is known for the most uninterrupted shorelines along the Michigan coast.  At this time of year, you will notice some of the rare and endangered native plant life and flora that begins to bloom in and amongst the dunes.  With towering pines and dense woodlands, you will enter Hoeft State Park.  Recognized for its natural and scenic beauty, you can stop and visit the CCC built pavilion nestled along the shores of Lake Huron.

Heading north along the back roads paralleling the lake, and just north of the state park, you can stop and see Sacred Rock.  Known for its ancient Native American legend, it has sacred meaning as a sacrificial rock for the Anishinabe that once traversed this area. 

Continuing north just a short distance is the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse.  Here you can climb the light tower and visit the museum with its extensive nautical history.  For those who want to take in some sightseeing, there is the shipwreck remains of the old schooner, the Faye that lies within walking distance on the shores of Lake Huron.  

Approximately 10 miles north of the lighthouse is the mouth of the Ocqueoc River.  This was once the gathering place for the Anishinabe.  Ancient Indian lore prevails here along the ancient burial grounds of the Anishinabe.  As you continue to travel along US 23, you will see some awesome sights of Lake Huron from an elevated view.  There are plenty of scenic lookouts to take pictures.  Another destination of the day’s ride is at the Hammond Bay Biological Station and historic Life Saving Station.  Here, you can have a guided tour and learn about the most recent advances in controlling the lamprey eel infiltration and the natural marine habitat of the area.  Just up ahead is the Trading Post where you can get snacks, refreshments or just take a break in the park along the riverbank of the Ocqueoc.

Friday night’s dinner is a treat of what the area is known for: outstanding whitefish and Plath’s smoked pork loin dinner with all the fixins.  The Summer Concert Series at Lakeside Park will host a special musical act later in the evening at the band shell

Saturday, June 21st 
Once again the day will start out meeting at the pavilion in Lakeside Park where you will get the day’s itinerary.  Just a few miles from the pavilion, you will be treated to a home-cooked hearty breakfast at the historic St. Michael’s in Bellknap.  Once you’re fueled up and ready to go, you will be heading south there are several destinations of interest. The ride will take you through Presque Isle Harbor where you can stop and see the Antique Wooden Boat Show with dozens of authentic vintage wooden boats on display along with an arts and crafts show.  Further along the route you will ride to the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse and have an opportunity to tour the lightkeeper’s cabin and climb the old light tower.  It has a reputation of being haunted…so they say.  Down the road is the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, keeper’s house and gift shop.  There is plenty of maritime history to keep those afficionados interested.  The picnic grounds are an ideal setting to stop and have a snack. 

Upon your return to the pavilion, there is plenty of après cycling opportunities.  Guided boat charter tours and snorkeling on shipwrecks or perhaps you would like to take a kayak out and tour along the shores of Lake Huron.  You may choose to hike along and explore the shores looking for Petoskey stones and “puddin” stones. The evening will host a down home dinner in the pavilion with evening entertainment.

Sunday, June 22nd
After a hardy breakfast, take the ride due West and explore the backroads of northeast Michigan passing through farmlands and old apple orchards, centennial farms and vistas that go on and on.  The lilacs may still be in bloom.  This is a scent that permeates the country air.  The route leads to the Ocqueoc Falls.  The only falls in northern lower Michigan.  This is perfect setting to take those pictures to last a lifetime.  Much of old legend lies along the riverbanks of the Ocqueoc River where ancient Anishinabe traversed the area and set up encampments. 

There is a unique maritime culture and natural beauty here in northeast Michigan that we hope you will take some time in the future to return to and explore the many historical sites and natural settings.  We hope you come away with an authentic experience that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty of the environs that surround you.  See why so many people call Rogers City, going back in time to a Norman Rockwell town.

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