The Good Cold — Michigan Winter
Au Sable River & Lake Huron Sunrise Coast · Town edition

Oscoda

The legendary mouth of the Au Sable River where roaring northern waters empty into the vast expanse of Lake Huron.

Why winter

Oscoda in winter is a paradise for cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and winter steelhead anglers. Anchored by the mighty Au Sable River as it cuts through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Oscoda offers stunning river gorges, the historic Lumberman's Monument, and miles of silent snow-draped pine trails.

Overheard in Oscoda
Oscoda is steeped in lumbering history, commemorated by the iconic bronze Lumberman's Monument overlooking the Au Sable River gorge.
A random Saturday · 01

Highbanks Bluffs & River Gorge Hikes

Spend the morning cross-country skiing the dramatic bluffs along the Highbanks Trail overlooking the Au Sable River, warm up with breakfast at Wabschall's, and enjoy craft beer at Rhythm & Brews.

Or try · 02

Lumberman's Monument & Sunrise Coast Strolls

Visit the historic bronze Lumberman's Monument in the snowy national forest, stroll along the frozen Lake Huron shoreline, and enjoy dinner at Ioann's.

Field note

The Highbanks Trail offers some of the most dramatic river valley views in Michigan, especially when blanketed in fresh snow.

Michigan winter
One good day

Morning cross-country ski on the Highbanks Trail, lunch at Wabschall's Country Cafe, afternoon visit to Lumberman's Monument, and dinner at Rhythm & Brews.

Make it a weekend

Stay at Huron House Luxury B&B, spend Saturday exploring national forest river trails, and enjoy a quiet Sunday along the Sunrise Coast.

Eat · good tables

Order the soup. Then order the pie.

  1. 01

    Wabschall's Country Cafe

    Classic Up-North Diner · $$

    A beloved downtown diner serving hearty country breakfasts, homemade biscuits and gravy, and comforting lunches for winter travelers.

    402 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-9523 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Ioann's Restaurant

    Classic Family Dining · $$

    Hearty homestyle meals, prime rib specials, and friendly service right on State Street.

    304 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-3831 · Website ↗

  3. 03

    Rhythm & Brews

    Downtown Taproom & Eatery · $$

    Vibrant downtown taproom serving craft beer, burgers, pizza, and lively weekend gatherings.

    214 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-9111 · Website ↗

The winter table

What to eat, and how to make it at home.

Eat it at Wabschall's Country Cafe

Up-North Country Breakfast & Biscuits

Flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy, served with farm eggs, bacon, and pan-fried potatoes.

Michigan winter
Field note

Lake Huron's Sunrise Coast provides peaceful, glowing sunrises over the frozen horizon every crisp winter morning.

Photo hunt

Three things most people walk past.

Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center & Au Sable River Overlook (Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750)

  1. The bronze Lumberman's Monument towering over the snow-choked Au Sable River gorge.
  2. Endless pine forests blanketing the high bluffs of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
  3. Stunning ice shelves and sunrise views along the Lake Huron shoreline.
A winter tall tale · as told in Oscoda

The canoe race invented over coffee

In 1947 two businessmen met at Sie & Gert's in Oscoda, a diner that was also a gas station, bus stop and towing service, to dream up a reason for visitors to come after Labor Day. They came up with a 120-mile canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda. The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is still running. All it took was coffee and a generous idea of what counts as a relaxing weekend.

Where it comes from: the source ↗

Michigan winter
After dark · places to land

After nine, in February.

  1. 01

    Rhythm & Brews Taproom

    Craft Beer & Music Lounge · $$

    The social hub of downtown Oscoda featuring local craft beer on tap and lively evening events.

    214 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-9111 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Pointes Pub (Nearby)

    Lakeside Bar & Grill · $$

    Cozy lakeside tavern overlooking Lake Huron with great pub food and friendly regulars.

    5050 N US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-7753 · Website ↗

Winter Firsts playing cards
In the pictureWinter Firsts playing cardsFor the euchre rematch nobody asked for, at a corner table in Oscoda.From the General Store →
Coffee & breakfast · start here

Coffee, and a seat by the window.

  1. 01

    Wabschall's Cafe Counter

    Coffee & breakfast

    Hot morning coffee and breakfast plates on State Street.

    402 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-9523 · Website ↗

Outside · ways out the door

Go stand in it.

  1. 01

    Winter Hiking Lumberman's Monument & River Gorge

    Outside

    Breathtaking winter views of the deep Au Sable River gorge, frozen timber staircases, and monument dedicated to Michigan's logging era.

    Lumberman's Monument Rd, Huron-Manistee National Forest, Oscoda, MI 48750 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Cross-Country Skiing Highbanks Trail

    Outside

    A magnificent 7-mile trail winding along high bluffs overlooking the frozen waters of the Au Sable River.

    Highbanks Trailhead off Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750 · Website ↗

  3. 03

    Oscoda Powersports

    Rent the gear

    Snowmobiles and winter trail equipment

    415 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · Website ↗

Quiet Season scarf
In the pictureQuiet Season scarfLong enough to wrap twice and still blow sideways off the Oscoda shore.From the General Store →
Field note

Stopping at Rhythm & Brews for craft beer after snowmobiling national forest trails.

Michigan winter
Local custom

Hiking out to the Highbanks Trail overlook after a heavy snowfall to photograph the snow-choked Au Sable River gorge.

Local customs
  • Stopping at Rhythm & Brews for craft beer after snowmobiling national forest trails.
  • The Highbanks Trail offers some of the most dramatic river valley views in Michigan, especially when blanketed in fresh snow.
  • Lake Huron's Sunrise Coast provides peaceful, glowing sunrises over the frozen horizon every crisp winter morning.
On the calendar · 2026–27

Dates worth the drive.

Circle it

December 4, 2026

Oscoda Holiday Lights Parade & Winterfest

Festive holiday parade, downtown tree lighting, and winter celebrations along the Sunrise Coast.

Add to calendar Organizer ↗

Dates come from organizers and change. Check before you drive.

Michigan winter
Stay · places to wake up

Where to wake up.

  1. 01

    Huron House Luxury Bed & Breakfast

    Award-Winning Lakeside Inn · $$$$

    Stunning luxury couples' resort directly on the shores of Lake Huron featuring in-room stone fireplaces, private hot tubs, and gourmet breakfasts.

    3121 N US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-2025 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    AmericInn by Wyndham Oscoda Near AuSable River

    Comfortable River-Region Hotel · $$

    Convenient lodging with indoor pool, sauna, and easy trailer parking for snowmobilers exploring the national forest.

    506 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750 · (989) 739-6644 · Website ↗

Some Assembly Required puzzle
In the pictureSome Assembly Required puzzleA thousand pieces for the night nobody is going out.From the General Store →
Bring a little Oscoda homeThe deer beanieStandard issue for a walk to the bakery at seven below.Have a look ↗
We checked

fs.usda.gov · huronhouse.com · oscodachamber.com · rhythmandbrewsoscoda.com

Good to know: Monument Road and Highbanks Trailheads are well-maintained in winter, but check conditions after heavy lake-effect snowstorms.

Reviewed October 2026. Hours, prices and dates move; call ahead in January and February.