When I heard that Tawas Bay on Lake Huron is considered one of the best sailing areas in the United States, I had to include it in my vacation planning. And, I have to say, I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

If you’re not familiar with Tawas Bay, you’re certainly missing out on one of America’s treasures, one that will certainly make the perfect family vacation. Tawas Bay (considered by many to be the “Cape cod of the Midwest”) is located on Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan, just a three-hour drive from the Detroit area.

The winds and protected waters are what make Tawas Bay so good for sailing. A limestone reef was built in Tawas Bay in 1987, which helped make it one of the finest fishing areas as well. I went for the sailing, but, oddly enough, ended up having a great time fishing. It was my first time and I have to admit, I wasn’t half bad. I actually caught something. Well, to be honest, my pole caught something. When I felt a fish on the line I quickly gave it to my friend to take over. I’m told I caught a perch.

Fish are quite plentiful in Tawas Bay. You’ll find perch, walleye (a really mean-looking fish if you ask me), brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, bass, coho and Chinook salmon.

Tawas Bay is also home to Tawas Point State Park, which features campsites with electric hookups, modern toilets and showers. In short, my kind of camping. There’s a playground for the kids, and areas where metal detecting is allowed.

While planning a vacation to Tawas, make sure you make time for the Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876. The Tawas Point Lighthouse is open for tours on the weekends, Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you visit the lighthouse, do make sure you take the tour, which allows you to walk to the top of the tower for an incredible view of Tawas Point. Standing 70 feet above Lake Huron, the view from the lighthouse tower will take your breath away.

If you have kids, you might want to plan your vacation to Tawas Bay for the second weekend of June, during the Tawas Point Celebration Days. Many children’s activities are planned during this time, as well as demonstrations of black-smithing, wood carving and weaving, as well as guided hikes and a fishing derby.

My vacation to Tawas Bay is certainly one I’ll take again. Before planning your next Lake Huron family vacation, take a look at Tawas Bay, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”