Huron-Manistee National Forests Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center — Attraction in Oscoda Township

The Lumberman's Monument is part of The River Road National Scenic Byway. River Road parallels the historic and the mighty Au Sable River(arguably the Midwest's premier river). The Lumberman's Monument sits on a bluff along the Au Sable with a platform that allows you to take in the beauty of the River and the river valley. There's a visitor center with usual souvenirs available of the local area. Also on the property a separate building with historical information about the logging industry, local wildlife, and other info. There are informative plaques all over the grounds that inform you of the local logging history. If you feel energetic enough, you can take the stairs with 242 steps down to where a reproduction of a river camp/kitchen the loggers would go to get their grub. Just remember, you have to take those same...

I hiked the Highbanks Trail as well as the Lumbermen's Monument Trail (19 miles total) on 4/16/2022. The visitor's center was not open yet (opens May 1), so I was able to experience the trails without a lot of people around. Temperatures were in the 30s, so there were no bugs. There were a lot more features than I expected: in addition to the historical monument, there were also natural springs (Iargo Springs), sand dunes (including the Au Sable Dunes), and some of the most majestic river views I've seen in Michigan. These are all available without having to hike the miles that I did. You can drive right up to the Lumbermen's Monument and Iargo Springs. Some of the dunes are only a short hike from the monument. This is certainly an underrated place to come to, as is most of Michigan's "Sunrise Coast"...

My wife and I visit usually once a year if not more. The view is beautiful and worth the trip alone. We love history and seeing the historic displays is really fun. There is even a log pile the is meant to be climbed on. There are a ton of stair. So, be ready for that. There are a lot of things to see that don't require the stairs if you aren't able.

We usually stop down the road at Iargo Springs. There are so many stairs. I'm not exaggerating, Iargo Springs will give you a work out. I think there are more than at Lumberman's Monument. There are rest spots with benches, though. Thankfully, it's not just one long stretch.

I highly recommend both, they have been favorites for us...