Day Itinerary
5 Activities
Day 2
86 mi0.1 mi
Homeward Bound: Sail Away to Turnip Rock and Bay City
Rise early and enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before heading out for your adventure-packed day.
Kayak to Turnip Rock, one of Michigan's most beautiful natural wonders. Explore the coastal downtown in Bay City, Michigan, and end the day with some putt-putt on the Saginaw riverfront.
Kayak to Turnip Rock, one of Michigan's most beautiful natural wonders. Explore the coastal downtown in Bay City, Michigan, and end the day with some putt-putt on the Saginaw riverfront.
16.6 mi
20 min
08:454 hrs
Port Austin Kayak
Begin your morning at sunrise for an early start on your kayaking journey to Turnip Rock. Kayaking to this destination in Port Austin, Michigan, stands out as one of the state's most remarkable adventures, primarily because this natural wonder isn't accessible by land. The trip brings you on a seven-mile out-and-back loop, taking you past Turnip Rock, through sea caves, and by a rock formation called Thumbnail Point.
Check the weather before you go to ensure safety, and wear water shoes to avoid slipping on rocks. Please note that the trip can take between two and four hours to complete and can be quite a workout, so it's best suited for older kids. It's important to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled launch time.
For those who cannot kayak the way there, boat tours from Port Austin are available to take you to the rock. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Butterfly Garden in downtown Port Austin to see a variety of Michigan butterfly species.
Check the weather before you go to ensure safety, and wear water shoes to avoid slipping on rocks. Please note that the trip can take between two and four hours to complete and can be quite a workout, so it's best suited for older kids. It's important to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled launch time.
For those who cannot kayak the way there, boat tours from Port Austin are available to take you to the rock. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Butterfly Garden in downtown Port Austin to see a variety of Michigan butterfly species.
0.1 mi
5 min
13:151 hr
Pak's Backyard
After your long kayaking adventure, cool off and relax at Pak's Backyard, conveniently located onsite at the kayak launch. The café offers pretzel bun burgers, a kids' menu, and backyard games for entertainment. In the summer, they often host live music for guests to enjoy.
After your meal, leave Port Austin, Michigan, and make your way to downtown Bay City, Michigan, your last stop on the thumb coast trail.
After your meal, leave Port Austin, Michigan, and make your way to downtown Bay City, Michigan, your last stop on the thumb coast trail.
66.5 mi
1 hr 30 min
16:0030 min
Downtown Bay City
In downtown Bay City, you'll explore a sparkling riverfront town filled with historic buildings and an eclectic mix of coffee shops, antiques, and delicious seafood. Don't miss the Third Street Star Bridge, a magical luminary light display suspended between the facades on Third Street.
1 mi
5 min
16:451 hr 30 min
Buoy 18
Head over the Veterans Memorial Bridge to the other side of the Saginaw River and visit Buoy 18, an adventure park right on the water. Enjoy a game of putt-putt with the whole family. This 18-hole mini-golf course is situated right on the riverfront, offering views of the water. While there, you can also grab a scoop of Michigan-made Ashby's ice cream as you enjoy the lake breeze.
2.2 mi
10 min
18:301 hr
MI Table
Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at MI Table, which offers Michigan-inspired dishes that change seasonally. Each meal is crafted from ingredients sourced from local businesses, such as nearby fisheries, farms, and bakeries. Enjoy the Traverse City Cherry Chicken Salad, a selection of New American dishes, and options for the kids.