The Sandy Hook Nature Trail, located within Tawas Point State Park, near East Tawas, is a short two-mile trek through an extremely scenic and unique sand dune ecosystem. Often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” the Sandy Hook area is a very important location as a major landfall stopover for songbirds migrating along the Mississippi Flyway. During the spring and fall migrations, the point is literally “alive with birds.” Often spotted along the beaches are terns and gulls, including Bonaparte’s gulls, and Caspian terns, along with shorebirds such as red knots, whimbrels and even the rare piping plover. Inland ponds attract loons and a variety of waterfowl species. Willow thickets, shrubs, and sand cherry bushes attract a large variety of warblers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, orioles and bluebirds. The trail always offers a splendid view of the historic brick lighthouse, which has been in continuous service since 1876.
Things To Do
Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking
