Bay City to Alpena: A Scenic Drive Through Michigan's Sunrise Side

This 120-mile journey from Bay City to Alpena traces the historic route of Michigan's lumbering industry, where 19th-century white pine barons once raced logs down the Saginaw and Thunder Bay rivers. Today, US-23 north out of Bay City hugs the Lake Huron shoreline for much of the way, transitioning to M-65 near Tawas City for a final 50-mile inland stretch through Huron National Forest.

Driving time averages 2 hours 20 minutes without stops, but the region's state parks, lighthouses, and roadside diners demand at least 5-6 hours for a fulfilling day trip. For tips on uncovering lesser-known spots, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stations are plentiful along US-23 between Bay City and Tawas City, but become sparse once you turn onto M-65. Fill up in Tawas City (exit at M-55 junction) and again in Harrisville or Mikado if needed. The last reliable diesel and premium gasoline is at the Marathon station in Oscoda (mile marker 21).

• Road quality: US-23 is well-maintained asphalt; M-65 is two-lane with occasional frost heaves. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk, especially near Huron National Forest.
• Restrooms: Rest areas at Pinconning (M-13 junction), Tawas City (East Tawas Harbor), and Harrisville State Park (free for day use).
• Cellular coverage: Strong 4G/5G along the coast; spotty on M-65 from National City to Posen. Download offline maps.

Speed limits drop from 65 mph to 45 mph through Tawas City and Oscoda; radar enforcement is common. For family breaks, drive 10 minutes off-route to the Iosco County Historical Museum (free, with a 19th-century locomotive outside). Children enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Ocoda Riverwalk Nature Center (mile 66).

• Pet-friendly framework: Most state parks allow leashed dogs on trails but not beaches. In Alpena, the Thunder Bay Riverwalk has waste stations and benches. The pet relief area at the Rest Area in Tawas City is well-maintained.
• Hidden off-route spots: At mile 82, turn east on M-65 (actually north) onto a gravel road to reach the remains of the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, abandoned since 1940. Alternatively, just before Alpena, take Nicholson Hill Road to an unmarked viewpoint overlooking Thunder Bay Island (coordinates: 45.0123, -83.3899).
• Fatigue management: The best rest zones are at Tawas Point State Park picnic area and the Alpena Welcome Center (open 9-5). If drowsy, pull into any of the eight scenic turnouts between Greenbush and Ossineke—each has a bench and Lake Huron view.

The route traverses three distinct ecological zones: the Saginaw Bay wetlands, the Lake Huron coastal dune system, and the jack pine barrens of Huron National Forest. Each supports unique flora—wild lady slipper orchids in the forest and sea rocket on the dunes.

• Natural attractions: Tawas Point State Park (mile 60) offers a pristine lighthouse and birding for migrating warblers. Negwegon State Park (mile 75) has secluded Lake Huron beaches accessible via a 2-mile hike. The actual coordinates for the trailhead are 44.8091, -83.3322.
• Local commerce: In East Tawas, the Alabaster General Store (since 1890) sells handmade fudge and Lake Huron shore stones. Farther north, Harrisville's Lost Lake Woods pottery studio (open Fri-Sun) showcases local glazed stoneware. No UNESCO World Heritage Sites exist on this corridor, but the entire Huron shoreline is part of the proposed Lake Huron Coastal Heritage Area.