Driving times from Greenbush, Michigan are approximate. Many nearby towns have similar travel times. A smaller radius is better for places closer to Greenbush, while a larger radius is better for places farther away. We’ve outlined some of the best places to see in the Greenbush area below.
Ocqueoc Falls Cruise
The Ocqueoc Falls Cruise in Greenbuish, Michigan is a 37-mile bike ride that takes you past rolling country roads. You’ll see views of Lake Huron and the historic Forty Mile Point Lighthouse along the way. You can also visit Ocqueoc Falls, which is the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. It’s a popular swimming hole and top picnic destination for locals.
You’ll need a vehicle pass to explore Ocqueoc Falls. You can purchase a day pass or annual pass. You’ll also need sunscreen, water shoes, and goggles. It’s recommended that you bring towels, too. There are toilets in the park.
Cooke Hydroelectric Dam
One of the best places to visit in Greenbusch is Cooke Hydroelectric Dam. This 1912 dam is a historic landmark and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It is also home to the Lumberman’s Monument, a statue that honors lumbermen from the state of Michigan. Visitors will find interpretive displays and a scenic overlook at this site. You can take the stairway down to the pond to see the incredible views.
The Cooke Hydroelectric Dam was the first of six hydroelectric dams built on the Au Sable River. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Today, the Cooke Hydroelectric Dam still operates much as it did in 1912. It is one of four hydroelectric dams owned by Consumers Energy. Visitors can take a boat out to the dam, or fish from the public pier.
If you are traveling by car, one of the best places to visit in Greenbuck is the Cooke Hydroelectric Dam. This power plant is one of the oldest and biggest in the country and is capable of producing more than 4,000 kilowatts of electricity. You can also tour the dam by hiring a paddle-wheel excursion boat.
Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
Located in Presque Isle, Michigan, the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the area. It was built in 1840 and is composed of two-thirds stone and one-third brick. Two years earlier, Congress had approved a $5K grant to help build the lighthouse.
This former lighthouse has a beautiful museum inside the former keeper’s home. The museum is a great place to learn about life at the turn of the century on Presque Isle. There is a great view of the water from the top.
Another place to visit in Greenbush is the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse. This historic structure is one of the oldest and most accessible lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It is made of weathering white stone and stands thirty feet high. During the tour, visitors can examine artifacts and blow foghorns.
While the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is not the oldest lighthouse in the Great Lakes region, it is the tallest. It was completed in 1870 and stands at 113 feet tall, making it one of the tallest lights in the Great Lakes. The lighthouse has helped ships navigate Lake Huron for over 150 years. Those interested in visiting the lighthouse should know that visitors must be 42 inches or taller in order to enter the lighthouse. In addition, children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors can take a picnic lunch or a hearty meal at one of the many restaurants in the area. Sandy Bay Trading Co. and Woody’s Grand Lake are two great choices. Both restaurants serve up burgers and other easy-to-please menu items, and both have a great reputation for friendly service.
Lumberman’s Monument
The Lumberman’s Monument in Greenbuss is a 14-foot monument that pays tribute to the early workers of the logging industry in Michigan. It depicts three figures, including a timber cruiser with a compass in his hand, a sawyer leaning over his shoulder, and a river rat resting his peavey.
Visitors to the Lumberman’s Monument can take in the beautiful view of the Au Sable River from the observation deck at the base. There are also informative displays on Michigan’s logging history. The monument also features several native plants of the Northeastern region that bloom from May to August.
The monument also has a visitor center, hiking trails, and camping areas. The monument is free to enter. Restrooms are available in the Visitor Center. It is located near the River Road Scenic Byway, and is accessible during all four seasons. Visiting Lumberman’s Monument is a great way to spend a day in Michigan!
Dinosaur Gardens
The Dinosaur Gardens is a tourist attraction located in Ossineke, Michigan. This unique tourist attraction is made up of 40 acres of drained swampland and features hand-crafted sculptures of prehistoric animals and cavemen. It was founded in 1935 by folk artist Paul N. Domke and is a favorite for visitors from all over the world.
Dinosaur Gardens began as a vision by Paul Domke in the 1930s. After building a gas station and rental cabins on the land, Domke used his experience in art and love of nature to construct the dinosaurs. He used a special cement mixture and the latest research to create life-like replicas of prehistoric creatures. The park is also filled with lush, diverse plants and trees, including hemlocks and ferns. As a result, the park has a very different atmosphere from the typical maple and pine woodlands.
Dinosaur Gardens is a must-visit for dinosaur lovers. With more than 25 life-sized statues, the park offers a fun way to spend an afternoon. The park also features a mini-golf course, soft-serve frozen yogurt bar, picnic areas, and a gift shop. The park was even featured in a photo shoot for the company Moosejaw Mountaineering.
