Open year-round with free admission for the community to explore and connect with the wonders of the natural world. From digital trail maps accessible online to dog-friendly walking trails, the center offers inclusive experiences designed to foster appreciation and understanding of Michigan's ecological heritage.

A remote and protected nature preserve located north of Port Hope. The sanctuary is largely made up of untouched woods, wetlands, and shoreline. The sanctuary is largely made up of untouched woods, wetlands, and shoreline. There is a path that leads directly down to the shore at the end of Pochert Road as well as a 1/2 mile marked but un-maintained nature trail that leads you through the sanctuary to the beach .

The 2.3-mile Day-Use Trail takes visitors through wooded areas of pine, oak, and rolling sand dunes. Encounter all kinds of wildlife such as deer, fox, turtles, geese, or even catch sight of an eagle and other interesting birds along the way. There is a bird observation deck and a small-craft shore access to the Pinnebog River inside the park. Parking for the trailhead is located at Parking Lot C in the summer and near the contact station in the park’s day-use area in the winter.

Enjoy a wooded trail with scenic outlooks of Lake Huron & the Pinnebog River with access to a large, dog friendly sandy beach. Trailhead access via the old steel bridge on M-25 (day-use visitors) is next to Dark Sky Lodge & Tavern. Campground guests can access the trails along the shoreline.

The Park boasts an extensive network of forested trails, totaling more than four miles in length. These trails meander through pine and oak forests, rolling sand dunes, and wetland areas, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

The Sand Point Nature Preserve encompases 220 acres of diverse native Michigan landscapes and is part of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservacy. Explore a unique blend of sandy soils, wetlands, open meadows, hemlock groves, an inland lake, and the Lake Huron Coast by hiking almost 5 miles of well-established trails.

Visitors can also enjoy long-term parking, a dog run, day-use dockage, grills, picnic tables, laundry facilities, luggage carts, marine supplies, recycle bins, and refuse receptacles.

The Port Austin Area has several water trails with a variety of landscapes points of interest. Be sure to know the weather and water conditions before you start your adventure.