Harrisville State Park sits on the sandy Lake Huron shore in Alcona County. The Michigan DNR dates it to 1921 and calls it one of Michigan's oldest state parks. The day-use area is nested in pine and cedar. 1

What to see

The DNR gives the park about a mile of Lake Huron shoreline and a buoyed swim area in the day-use lot. A carry-in boat launch is at the south end of that lot. Most modern-campground sites sit in view of the lake, under cedar, pine and a few maples. 1

A two-mile paved Heritage Trail runs north and south through the park and connects to the town of Harrisville on Third Street. The DNR says the park is within walking distance of that resort town, close to Negwegon State Park, and on Michigan's Heritage Route 23. 1

The same park page points visitors to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the shipwreck water we write about at Alpena. 14

Best seasons

Summer is the beach and trail week. The DNR lists cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, so the Heritage Trail is still a winter walk when the snow is in. Mini cabins and the Sunrise rustic cabin are the overnight the DNR keeps available through the cold months; current open dates belong on the park page. 1

How to get there

The DNR address is 248 State Park Road, Harrisville, Michigan, 48740. 1 A Recreation Passport is required for motor vehicles entering Michigan state parks. 3

Tips

  • The Heritage Trail is the walk into town. The DNR built it as the link, not a roadside hop. 1
  • The pet-friendly beach the DNR names is in the modern campground. Non-campers are asked to park in the day-use lot. Pets stay on a 6-foot leash. 1
  • Along this shore the next pages we keep are Tawas Point, Oscoda, Alpena and Port Austin.
  • We do not have a Harrisville listing in the shop. The Great Lakes map ornament is the piece that names Lake Huron.

Safety

Lake Huron currents are the hazard the DNR beach-safety page writes about. This page does not report today's flags or whether a cabin is open. Check the Harrisville State Park page and the DNR beach safety page before you go. 12