port austin mi
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Port Austin, MI Lat: 44° 03.226 Long: 082° 59.638 |
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Important Numbers
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DESCRIPTION Port Austin MI is located right at the top of Michigan's 'thumb' and enjoys the best of both worlds with its location - magnificant sunrises and gorgeous sunsets. The construction in 1959 of the harbor of refuge transformed the small village into a popular port of call by cruising sailors. The village is home to some excellent restaurants and historical buildings |
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APPROACHES The approaches to Port Austin MI are clear offshore. As you approach within 3-4 nm, you will see the Port Austin Reef Light, a Fl WHITE visible 8 mi/7 nm offshore in good weather. To the north approximately 1 nm, is "C1", a GREEN buoy. From the NORTH or WEST Leave both the Port Austin Reef Light and buoy "C1" well to your port. The harbor entrance is marked with a Fl GREEN light situated on the end of the east breakwater. Passing it, on your starboard witll be a Fl RED light marking the end of the northwest breakwater. Passing between these will bring you into the well-protected harbor. From the EAST or NORTHWEST Ensure that you are .5 - 1 nm offshore and that you leave both the Port Austin Reef Light and the GREEN "C1" can buoy on your port. Once you have cleared the "C1" buoy, alter course to approximately 180°T and make directly for the harbor entrance. The entrance is marked with a Fl GREEN light situated on the end of the east breakwater. Passing it, on your starboard witll be a Fl RED light marking the end of the northwest breakwater. Passing between these will bring you into the well-protected harbor. Do NOT attempt to enter the harbor at the southeast end of the east breakwater. Charted depths are in the 1 ft/.3 m range! |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Port Austin State Dock (989) 738-8712 VHF 9, 16 Port Austin State Dock is located at the south end of the harbor basin, immediately west of the mouth of Bird Creek. There are approximately 50 slips available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (dieseal and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power is available at each slip. There are restrooms and showers available. The grounds have BBQ grills and picnic areas. There is no internet service. Chuck's Marine (989) 738-2628 Chuck's marine is located about .2 nm up Bird Creek, on the west side. There is no transient docking, fuel dock or pumpout station. However, they can carry out engine, mechanical and hull repairs. Anchorage Anchoring is an option in the harbor basin which is dredged to depths of 3-5 ft/ 1-1.5 m. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Chuck's Marine (See above) Port Austin Foodliner can meet provisioning needs. Port Austin State Bank is located downtown offering both teller and ATM services. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Huron Medical Center (989) 738-5222 serves Port Austin MI. It is a walk-in clinic. Walgreens (989)-269-6973 is the closest pharmacy. It is located about 18 mi/29 km south in the community of Bad Axe, MI. |
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PLACES TO EAT Port Austin MI has several fine restaurants. The Bank 1884 is located in a National Historic Site building. Menu items include prime rib and Norwegian salmon among other entrees, all supported with a fine wine list. The Farm is owned and operated by an award-winning chef. It offers an excellent menu. Located about 5 mi/8 km from the harbor, the staff will arrange a ride to and from the marina. Downtown, you will find Finan's with its old-fashioned soda fountain that harkens back to an earlier time. Also check out The Landing and The Stockpot. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Port Austin MI is a great place to relax. There are 4 parks within the village and a pleasant walk will allow you to see 3 national Historic Sites. There is an active community theatre company. For an evening on the water but not at the helm, there are evening cruises out to the Port Austin Reef. There is also the Port Austin MI page on the Michigan tourism site that will give you some ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return to Lake Huron Return to Home Page |
