Harbor Beach is a small town in Michigan with a population of around 1,700 residents. Settlers came in 1837 and launched the region's lumber industry by building a sawmill. By 1855, the area was a settlement known as Barnettsville. Residents decided to change the town's name to Sand Bar, but it became Harbor Beach near the turn of the century. Residents hoped this would help with tourism and show that the city had more to offer.
One of the famous places in town is the Harbor Beach Lighthouse, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built for boats in Lake Huron. Several ships crashed nearby prior to the construction of the lighthouse. You can tour some of these shipwrecks today and scuba dive nearby. Another landmark is the Harbor Beach Community House. Though the building is open only for special events, you can tour the murals on the western side whenever you want. These murals depict the most important people in the town's history.
The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum is dedicated to a politician from the city. It has many artifacts from his life and times inside his former house. At the beginning of summer, the town uses a space outside the museum as a farmers market. The market is open every Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and only stops in October when the temperature drops.
There are just as many things to do outside as there are inside at Harbor Beach. Judge James H. Lincoln Memorial Park is a small park with an access point that lets you hit the Thumb Heritage Water Trail, which runs for 90 miles and takes you to different parks and attractions in the Thumb of Michigan.
You won't want to miss Lake Huron either, which is one of the top reasons people come to the town. Whether you bring a boat from home or rent one, paddling, canoeing and kayaking are all available on this Great Lake. You can also relax on the beach and fish or check out some of the historic sites.
Harbor Beach Maritime Festival: Celebrate all things maritime at this festival. Held the first weekend after the Fourth of July, it features live music along with fireworks and delicious food.
Small Town Saturday: Through both November and December, the city encourages locals and visitors to head downtown for shopping and live entertainment.
Christmas Parade: Held on the first Saturday every year, this parade features floats from local businesses and schools as well as the chance to meet Santa.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park near Harbor Beach. This Ohio landmark has more than 100 falls, including Brandywine Falls, which stands 65 feet tall. More than 2 million people pass through this park every year to see the 100-mile-long river and try some of the more than 100 hiking trails. Though temperatures drop in the fall, it's worth a trip to see the leaves change.
You don't need to travel far from Harbor Beach to find some of Michigan's best parks such as Port Crescent State Park. Located right on Lake Huron, the park has more than 600 acres of land. You'll have fun checking out the historic ruins and playing in the water.
Tawas Point State Park uses the nickname of "Cape Cod of the Midwest" due to the gorgeous lighthouse that is similar to those found on the East Coast. Fishing is popular because the waters here are home to smallmouth bass and perch along with other types of fish. You can even cross-country ski on the park's trails in winter.
Fishing is also popular at Bay City State Park, and you can swim or hike. Many visitors prefer planning trips in May through October. Once the temperature drops, the water often freezes.
One of the top landmarks in the city is the Harbor Beach Lighthouse. Four of the six areas of the lighthouse are open to the public, so you'll pay a small fee to tour the inside. Not far away is the Grice House Museum, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house offers a glimpse at what life was like for those living there in the 1880s. You can also check out Hunter's Bar. Though only open to those 21 and older, this is the oldest bar in the city and started serving customers in the 1930s.
Lexington RV Resort is one of the top RV parks near Harbor Beach in Lexington. This park has both paved roads and sites as well as a heated pool and cable TV. If you stay longer, you'll appreciate the snow removal in winter and the lawn mowing in summer.
Families and those on a budget love Lighthouse County Park, which offers affordable rates and some discounts. There are more than 100 sites available, all of which are close to the clubhouse and hiking trails. The campground also has cabin rentals for those who don't have an RV.
You might consider the Washakie Golf & RV Resort in North Branch, which is the only campground in the county with a golf course. That course has tee times as well as scrambles. All sites are within walking distance of the private lake and have loads of shade.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Harbor Beach, MI, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Harbor Beach?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Harbor Beach from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Harbor Beach?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.