Sail Away to Turnip Rock and Bay City

Begin your morning at sunrise to get a head start on your kayaking journey to Turnip Rock. Kayaking to Turnip Rock in Port Austin is one of the most remarkable activities for adventurers in Michigan, as the natural wonder is not accessible by land. The trip brings you on a seven-mile out-and-back loop where you will visit Turnip Rock, as well as sea caves and a rock formation named Thumbnail Point.
Check the weather before you go to remain safe and wear water shoes to avoid falling on slippery rocks. Note that the trip can take between two to four hours to complete, and can be quite a workout. For those that cannot kayak the way there, there are also boat tours out of Port Austin that will bring passengers to the rock.

After your long kayaking trip, cool off and settle down with a beer at Pak's Backyard, which is conveniently located onsite at the kayak launch. The cafe and beer garden features Michigan craft beers and backyard games to play. It is recommended sharing small appetizers to save room for lunch afterward at Bird Creek Farms.

Just around the corner lies Bird Creek Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant complete with their farm onsite, as well as a taproom, patio, and beautiful outdoor grounds. Known for home style service and a warm atmosphere, kick back and relax with one of their unique cocktail offerings.

Head out of Port Austin toward downtown Bay City, your last stop on the thumb coast trail. Downtown, you'll explore a sparkling riverfront town complete with historic buildings and an eclectic mix of coffee shops, antiques, and great seafood. Make sure to check out the Third Street Star Bridge, a magical luminary light experience hanging between the facades on Third Street.
You can park your car right on the side of the street and explore the downtown on foot.

Stop at Real Seafood Company for fresh seafood and a beautiful waterfront view of the Saginaw River for dinner. With both indoor and plentiful outdoor seating options, enjoy the expansive views and kick back for a relaxing, delicious dinner.

You will end your journey through Michigan's thumb with a beautiful sail at sunset on Saginaw Bay. The sail will depart Wenonah Park in downtown Bay City and will lead you on a three-hour sail through the bay on a traditional tall sailing ship.