Tawas Point State Park

04/22/2026

Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse - 2026 Native Plant Sale Event on May 16

For Additional Information: [email protected] or [email protected]," rel="ugc" target="_blank">[email protected], 989-545-1421

Native Plant Sale Returns May 16 - Get To The Point - Tawas Point!
April 20, 2026. East Tawas, Michigan. Back again by popular demand - Friends of Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse Native Plant Sale fundraiser will be held at Tawas Point State Park Lighthouse Pavilion, East Tawas, Michigan. Join us to see, learn about, and buy native plants for your home or business at this popular event beginning at 9 a.m. and while supplies last....no early sales available, please.

“There will be a good variety of plants for sun, shade, partial sun/shade, plants that like different soil types and moisture levels, and those blooms of interest for all seasons. All plants in the sale are perennials grown by Wild Type Nursery," said Organizer, Sunrise Side Master Gardener, and Friends Board member, Gloria Kershaw.

All plants will be Michigan grown and most are Michigan genotypes. The majority of the plants will be 2” or 2 1/2” pots priced at $4 and $6 per pot, and some quart pots will be available at $12 per pot. We will haves some shrubs and trees in gallon pots at $20 and $25, while supplies last. Payment may be made by cash, check or credit cards via PayPal.

Sunrise Side Master Gardeners will also be present to answer your questions and help with your selections. A list of plants, subject to availability, will be listed on the Friends page: Friends of Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse, and website: http://www.tawaslighthousefriends.com

Why should we care about native plants? Native plants have co-evolved with our native birds, bees, insects, and animals. They thrive in local areas and require fewer human inputs. Their long roots help rainwater soak into ground quickly, and their filtering ability helps protect our rivers and lakes from pollution. Native plants also replenish groundwater and create beautiful landscapes throughout seasons and provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Native plants give us a direct connection to nature and to plants. Even small additions of native plants improve the environment and benefit wildlife.

The fundraising and awareness event originated through a partnership between the Sunrise Side Master Gardeners and the Friends of Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse. Proceeds will help fund the ongoing Native Plant Projects and other special projects at Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse. Friends Board Member, Gloria Kershaw, continues to volunteer to do restoration projects near the lighthouse which began in 2017. The Friends group is a welcoming 501(c)3 organization established to assist the Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse. We invite you, your family, friends, and businesses to join us to preserve this special place called Tawas Point.

Like our Friends Group on Facebook at Friends of Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse to learn more about exciting State Park and Lighthouse events. Visit the website at http://www.tawaslighthousefriends.com or [email protected]

A DNR Recreation Passport for your vehicle is required to enter all Michigan State Parks and Waterways and can be purchased at any State Park entrance

Send a message to learn more

04/22/2026

All of our Boating and Public Access Sites along the Au Sable River below Foote Dam and Van Etten Lake have been reopened. Please take caution, as water levels are still high. Our steel skid pier at Lower Foote Access is evidence of the river's power (and is now righted and readjusted with our tractor).

04/15/2026

Au Sable River Flood closures

Due to safety concerns from current flood conditions, the following Boating Access Sites are temporarily closed to use from the public until water levels recede and damage is assessed:
-Upper Foote Dam Public Access Site
-Lower Foote Dam Boating Access Site
-Au Sable River Scenic Overlook (Highbanks)
-Van Etten State Forest Campground Boating Access Site

03/05/2026

A big thank you to all who attended our first annual Lantern Hike and the Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park for helping make it possible! We had a couple hundred wonderful people show up for a beautiful evening lantern-lit walk to the end of Tawas Point! We look forward to holding the event again next year and hope you all will join us!

02/28/2026

Current conditions for the lantern hike: snow, ice, and some mud, so come prepared! Forecast calls for wind 10-13 mph and temps in the mid 20s. We’ll be lighting the lanterns and bonfires around 6pm, just before sunset. We look forward to seeing you there!

02/25/2026

Reminder: This weekend, come join us at Tawas Point State Park for our first ever Winter Lantern Hike! This event will take place on February 28, 2026 from 6:00–9:00 PM. The lantern-lit hike will begin at the new Lighthouse Pavilion on the Lighthouse Grounds and follow the Central Point/Coast Guard Maintenance Trail to the end of Tawas Point. The trail will be illuminated by oil hurricane lanterns, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A warming station with fire rings will be available near the Lighthouse Pavilion on the Lighthouse Grounds. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided while supplies last.
Please note that the trail will not be plowed. Snowshoes are encouraged and welcome, but will not be provided. Be sure to bundle up in your favorite winter wear and dress for the conditions!

*A Recreation Passport is required for park entry, but there is no additional fee to attend the event.*

*Pets are NOT allowed on the trails or areas on the Point past the Lighthouse, but feel free to take them for a run at the dog beach*

Please stay tuned for more details and follow the DNR Event Calendar for other winter recreation activities and events!

02/14/2026

Need more fish for your dating profiles? Free Fishing Weekend is this weekend, Feb. 14-15. Just saying. 😂 (not pictured, the snow)

If you have a date, maybe offer to take them fishing to huddle up together and catch some dinner. Show your resourcefulness?

Valentine’s Day and fishing - the perfect pair!❤️🎣

Remember to be safe on the ice and let people know when and where you’ll be if out fishing.

02/12/2026

Tawas Point Lighthouse, as photographed in 1913. Note how much the Point has grown since the Lighthouse construction began in 1876! At this time in history, the original wood crib had been encased in concrete and you can see the fog signal to the left of the tower, at the end of the Point. Despite all the changes, she still looks very similar to how she did over 100 years ago! (Photo courtesy of Michigan History Center and USCG Archives)

01/08/2026

Now's the time to express your interest in working at Tawas Point State Park and East Tawas State Harbor! No day is ever the same when you're working in State Parks! Tawas Point and Lake Huron make great offices!

Are you or someone you know looking for a summer job in the outdoors? Join our team of 1,300 summer park workers and spend the season in Michigan state parks, boating facilities, and other amazing outdoor spaces.

You’ll welcome visitors, help campers, and keep our parks looking their best. Earn $15.50/hour, building valuable skills and meeting great people along the way. These positions are perfect for college students, teachers, retirees or anyone interested in working at Michigan state parks.

Apply now! The online interest form takes less than five minutes to complete: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/careers/park-workers

01/04/2026

Another year, another opportunity to be a part of the Lighthouse Keeper Program at Tawas Point Lighthouse! The application for the 2026 season is open now through Feb. 28.

This program is perfect for enthusiasts of history, lighthouses or Michigan (or a combination of all three!). For just $250 per person, you and three friends can enjoy a two-week stay along the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline, immersed in the history of Tawas Point. Equipped with training and knowledge from the lighthouse’s historian, Lighthouse Keepers serve as guides, greeting visitors and leading tours. The total service commitment is about 30 hours each week. The keeper schedule includes plenty of free time to explore the state park, nearby communities and surrounding area.

“We get up, we take a great bike ride, we swim and then we’re here for about five hours with the tours. The people here are spectacular. We’ve met people from different countries, from different parts of Michigan and they’re all interested in lighthouses, just like we are. So, it has been a terrific experience. We really appreciate the opportunity,” said Heidi, a 2025 Lighthouse Keeper.

Don’t worry, the lighthouse might be nearly 150 years old, but the living quarters feature modern accommodations! The second floor includes two bedrooms that can sleep four adults, a fully equipped kitchen and a full bathroom. Free on-site parking is also provided. Unfortunately, we do not allow pets to stay in the lighthouse.

Keepers must apply in teams of four. We cannot create teams from smaller group applications. For everyone’s safety, team members must be 18 years or older and able to climb the tower’s 85 steps. The $10 application fee, as well as the cost of your stay, supports the continued restoration and interpretation of Tawas Point Lighthouse.

Apply today at https://pci.jotform.com/form/240085566812155. Questions? Email [email protected].