Local Scenery
Presque Isle
Named by the early French voyageurs and fur trappers more than 100 years before the American Revolution, the words "Presque Isle" mean 'almost an island,' which accurately describes the layout of the land. The narrow strip of connecting land was used to make a portage as a short cut to rowing around the entire land mass - especially important since the early trappers and explorers used canoes large enough to accomodate 20 - 30 men.
Today, the name remains, as does the pronunciation "Presk EEL" as a tribute to the French adventurers of yore. Near the south side of the portage area, you can see the marina breakwater in the aerial photo.
Presque Isle Harbor
Presque Isle Harbor is the only natural harbor on Lake Huron and is designated a 'harbor of refuge' by the Michigan DNR. It was enhanced with additional breakwaters to provide shelter for boats in the slips of the the three docks. Located in the portage area, it has first class services, including fuel, water, electricity, telephone and cell-phones, waste disposal, and a friendly, helpful staff.
There are seasonal slips available for local boaters as well as many transient slips for sailing and cruising boats passing through the area. Adjacent to the harbor office is a general store, a pizza shop and deli, and a full-service restaurant with windows that provide a nice view of the marina.
"Old" 1840 Lighthouse
The Old 1840 Lighthouse was built on the Eastern point of the Presque Isle peninsula at what is now the entrance to Presque Isle Harbor. The trees in the area adjacent to the lighthouse quickly grew up and obscured the light from the view of passing mariners, so a much taller lighthouse (now called the "New Lighthouse") was erected in 1870.
Today, the 1840 Light is the centerpiece of the 1840 Lighthouse Park, open to the public, June through September, and exhibits many of the original artifacts as well as a tower view, a gift shop and picnic grounds. The Township Parks and Recreation Committee produces a Summer series of presentations by historians, biologists, musicians and folk lore experts on subjects that are relevant to the area. These presentations are usually given in June, July and August at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays in the Old Lighthouse Park.
"New" 1870 Lighthouse
Called the New Lighthouse because it was built in 1870 after the Old Light was no longer serviceable, the 1870 Lighthouse sits on the North point of Presque Isle and is the focal point of the 1870 lighthouse park, named the New Lighthouse Park. This lighthouse is the tallest operational Lighthouse on Lake Huron and is still tended by the U.S. Coast Guard. Daily climbs are available during the summer months and the original lightkeepers quarters now serve as a gift shop.
Included in the park are picnic areas, the 1905 House which was originally built for the chief lightkeeper's quarters, but now serves as a museum, having been restored by the Presque Isle Museum Society. In Summer, docents from the Museum Society are on duty to conduct tours of the various rooms and all of the artifacts and memorabilia.
Also on the grounds are the remnants of the old fog signal building at the north end of the peninsula and Garraty Hall, a facility for holding meetings and presentations during inclement weather. It is located across the road from the lighthouse.
Presque Isle Parks and Recreation
In addition to the 2 lighthouse parks, there is also Homestead Park, maintained by the Grand Lake Association, which is located in the village next to the Kauffman Cabin. It has a tennis court, playground for children and a picnic area. There are 3 other 'primitive' parks within 12 miles, including Thompson Harbor State Park, immediately adjacent to the west bank of North Bay, as well as Besser Bell Nature Preserve and Rockport State Area to the south. The primitive parks and natural areas are undeveloped, but contain miles of trails with many opportunities for experiencing the ecosystems flora and fauna, geologic formations, coastal beaches, hunting, camping and geocaching.
Presque Isle Harbor Marina
The marina is an integral part of the Harbor, providing first class services to boaters. The marina has slips available for both transient boaters and for seasonal-use boating enthusiasts; it also provides hot showers and water, electrical hook-ups, waste disposal, gasoline and diesel for boats using the slips as well as for transient sailors. It is staffed with a DNR Harbor Master and a crew of assistants, radio and cell phone communications to assist transient boats. The launch area can launch two boats at a time, and during the salmon season, that is one busy place!
There is also a nice restaurant, a pizza/deli shop, and a general store across the street. The Old Lighthouse Park, built in 1840, is located at the north end of the marina and contains many historical artifacts, as well as a gift shop with souvenirs and cards.
John Kauffman Homestead
John Kauffman swam ashore here after the vessel on which he was traveling broke up on shoals off Presque Isle and sank in a fierce storm. The homestead is unusual in that the logs were "squared up" in order to give a closer fit and provide additional insulation during the winter months.
He built his homestead and began a business of providing timber and firewood for passing schooners and steamers. Some of the Kauffman decendants still are residents of Presque Isle and are a vital part of the local community, having donated the cabin and land for the Heritage Park. The homestead has a gift shop with souvenirs and crafts, open in the summer months, and is maintained by the Grand Lake Association.
Presque Isle Community Chapel
The Grand Lake Community chapel is an interdenominational church with no ecclesiastical ties which was begun in 1946 and finished in 1948 by a cooperative effort of local citizens from various faiths and walks of life.
It began as a 'seasonal church,' holding services only in the summer months, but in 1962 began year-round services. The last renovation and major expansion was completed in 2000 and features a beautifully rendered natural wood interior. Visitors are always welcome.
Presque Isle District Library
The Presque Isle Library was originally located in a small building, south of the Lotus Pond, but a new library was built in 2006 due to the need for a larger building with enhanced services.
The library offers free wireless internet service, several computer terminals, a meeting room, a reading area, a children's area and interlibrary loan service for books not held by the library.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is unique in the area for having many islands scattered throughout the lake, which extends 12 miles, north to south.
Fishing is good with species such as perch, walleye, northern pike and small-mouth bass to be found in the coves, drop-offs and bays. Swimming, boating, sailing or spending the weekend at the "sandies" are some of the summertime activities. In Winter, there's always good ducking hunting and ice fishing.
Lake Esau
Lake Esau is known locally for its crystal clear water and beautifully forested shoreline. Located between Grand Lake and Lake Huron on Kauffman Blvd, it features a paved access to the DNR boat launch.
Fishing is good summer and winter, with species such as perch, walleye and small-mouth bass waiting to be enticed! Swimming, boating, sailing or just hangin' out are popular summertime activities.
Long Lake
Long Lake is indeed long, as it stretches from Alpena county into two townships of Presque Isle County. Much of the shoreline forest hosts many wildlife species such as deer, bear, ducks, geese and turkey.Just a few minutes from the social amenities of Alpena, it also has a shoreside restaurant, several public launches and a public park.
Fishing is good with species such as perch, walleye, northern pike, bream, rock bass, and small-mouth bass lurking in the coves and bays. Swimming, boating, sailing or just spending time at the shore are some of the most popular summertime activities.