Oscoda is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Iosco County.  The area was settled when Edward Smith of the Smith, Kelly & Dwight Company bought land here in the late 1860’s.  Originally named Au Sable the town was renamed based on the writings of Henry Schoolcraft, who named it after the Indian words “ossim” and ”muscoda,” meaning ”pebbly prairie.” Located at the mouth of the Au Sable River, Oscoda played a major role in the distribution of lumber on the Great Lakes during the lumbering era. Oscoda was host to Wurtsmith Air Force Base until it closed a few years ago. The base housing area and maintenance facilities are gradually being converted to civilian use. Several small manufacturing companies established facilites there. The aviation musuem operated by the Yankee Air Force - Wurtsmith Division is located in some of the old hangers and is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Oscodo’s main industry is tourism. Camping, canoeing, hiking, ORV trail riding, cross-county skiing, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling all support the local economy. Numerous rental cabins, motels, resorts and restaurants provide accommodations for visitors.  Population: 6,500.  Township Offices: 110 South State St., Oscoda, MI 48750, (989) 739-3211.  Henry Rowe Schoolcraft created the name, a shortened form of ossin and muscoda, meaning pebbly prairie. Above informational excerpts from Michigan Place Names, by Walter Romig, L.H.D.

Attractions: amusement parks, casinos, farms & mills, historic sites, lighthouses, museums, tours, wineries, zoos, planetariums, and waterfalls.

AuSable-Oscoda Historical Museum, 114 E. River Rd., Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2782. See local Indian artifacts & treaties, early commercial fishing, shipping & local shipwrecks, the booming logging industry, the itinerary origin in Oscoda of the Paul Bunyan legend, area railroads, the 1911 fire that destroyed the 2 towns, the history of Wurtsmith Air Force Base and so much more! Summer open Memorial Day thru Labor Day Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-5; Sun 11-4 and Holidays. Call for days and times for fall, spring and winter.

Au Sable River [Wildlife Viewing Area] - U.S. Forest Service, Huron National Forest, Mio Ranger District, (989) 826-3252, Huron Shores Ranger District, Oscoda, (989) 739-0728; Consumers Energy.  Closest Towns: Grayling, Mio, McKinley, Curtisville, Glennie, Oscoda.  There are many access points along the Au Sable River. A good place to begin is the River Road National Scenic Byway. From Oscoda, drive west along River Road as it follows the river to M-65 and the Loud Dam Pond. Many of the Forest Service River Access Areas require a Huron-Manistee vehicle pass to park at the sites. Contact the U.S. Forest Service to inquire about a vehicle pass and for excellent maps of the river.  This stretch of the Au Sable River from Grayling to Lake Huron offers breathtaking scenery as well as excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Panoramic vistas from high bluff overlooks, long wooden boardwalks over spring-fed streams, and miles of quiet, undeveloped shoreline all can be found along this scenic river that flows from Grayling to Oscoda. Consumers Energy owns and operates six hydroelectric dams along the Au Sable between Lake Huron and the town of Mio. Most of the river frontage is Huron National Forest land managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Consumers Energy lands. These lands provide a combination of developed and undeveloped outdoor recreation opportunities. Contact the Forest Service for hiking, canoeing, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling opportunities along the river corridor.  Good chance of seeing bald eagles along the river in any season. Eagles hunt for fish and waterfowl in the shallow areas of the river and in the reservoirs formed by the six hydro dams. A successful effort to re-establish native trumpeter swan populations has resulted in excellent opportunities to view the majestic birds on the hydro reservoirs. Deer and wild turkeys are common along the river corridor and in the adjacent woodlands. Watch for them along roadsides at dawn and dusk. While canoeing the river, you may see river otters, mink, beaver, trumpeter swans, mallards and mergansers, and many songbirds. The song of the secretive winter wren, the northern water thrush and the black and white warbler are common along many of the thicker riverbank habitats. The melodious and distinctive songs of these and the many other resident songbirds add to the beauty of a float down this very wild and scenic river."   The 23 mile stretch of the river from Mio downstream to the 401 Bridge is a designated National Scenic River. In the river, you may see trout, walleye, pike and bass. Fishing here is excellent. The AuSable may just be the finest brown trout flyfishing east of the Rockies. If that were not enough reason to visit the river, the AuSable is also one of the best canoeing rivers in the Midwest. The Au Sable makes an easy, beautiful float, and there are plenty of canoe liveries available in the area if you do not have your own boat.

Iargo Springs [Natural Attractions], 17b miles west of Oscoda.  Natural spring running into Au Sable River.  Steep drop-off from roadway to spring. Located on the River Road Scenic Byway, this site, considered a holy place by native Americans, offers a breathtaking view of the AuSable River Valley from a 30' high observation deck. For the adventurous, walk down 294 steps and enter a mystical place where underground springs come together and form cold water streams. Walk along the elevated boardwalk and enjoy the serenity.

Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center, Junction of River and Monument Roads, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 362-8961. This huge bronze memorial to Michigan's lumbering era sits on a high bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of the Au Sable River since 1932. Interpretive signs and exhibits tell the story of moving logs from the forests to the mills. Children enjoy climbing the log jam and using the crosscut saw. For those willing to hike 260 steps to the edge of the Au Sable, they can board the Wanigan, a replica of the floating cook shacks that followed the river drives.

River Queen of Oscoda [River Boat Tours], 1775 East River Road, P.O. Box 249, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7351

Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area [Wildlife Viewing Area] - U.S. Forest Service  Phone: (989) 739-0728.  Closest Towns: Tawas City, East Tawas, Oscoda.  From Tawas City, take Monument Road north about one mile to Wilber Road. Turn right and proceed 3 miles to the stop sign at Galion Road. Turn right and drive 1/2 mile to Sherman Road. Turn left and continue 1.5 miles to May Road. Turn right and drive 1/2 mile to Brooks Road. Turn right and follow the winding gravel road for 1/5 mile to Tuttle Marsh Road on the left. Tuttle Marsh Road is about 4 miles long.   A 400-acre impoundment is at the heart of this site, which is surrounded by hundreds more acres of seasonally flooded wetlands. Tuttle Marsh has no facilities or developments, but visitors are encouraged to use the wetland dike as a hiking trail.  Thousands of waterfowl use this flooding as a feeding and resting location during their spring and fall migrations. Spring is the best time to view waterfowl here because water levels are high and ducks are in their colorful breeding plumage. Teal, goldeneyes, mallards, and Canada geese are the most commonly seen species. During summer, much of the wetland may dry up, but the impoundment still attracts herons, American bitterns, and the many shorebirds that come to feed in the exposed mud flats. During winter, large herds of deer may congregate here.

Wurtsmith Yankee Air Force Museum, P. O. Box 664, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7555. Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center, Junction of River and Monument Roads, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 362-8961. This huge bronze memorial to Michigan's lumbering era sits on a high bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of the Au Sable River since 1932. Interpretive signs and exhibits tell the story of moving logs from the forests to the mills. Children enjoy climbing the log jam and using the crosscut saw. For those willing to hike 260 steps to the edge of the Au Sable, they can board the Wanigan, a replica of the floating cook shacks that followed the river drives.

DINING & FOOD:  BREWERIES, DINER TRAINS & CRUISES, CASUAL DINING, FINE DINING AND ETHNIC RESTAURANTS

AuSable Inn & Finish Line Sports Bar, [Restuarant & Tavern], 100 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 747-0350

Chee Peng of Oscoda [Restaurant], 220 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-4577

Tait's Bill of Fare [Restaurant], 111 E Dwight St, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-1518

Wiltse's Brew Pub & Family Restaurant, 5606 F 41, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone; (989) 739-2231

Places to Stay:  Bed & Breakfasts, Cabins & Cottages, Condos & Vacation Rentals, Historic Inns, Hotels & Motels, Resorts

Tell Them You Found Them in the Enchanted Forest Guide to Northern Michigan

Anchorage Cottages [Beach Resort], 3164 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7843

Ausable Inn [Restuarant & Tavern], 100 S State St, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 747-0350

Ausable River Camp, 4320 M 65, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 728-3287

Ausable River Resort, 718 West River Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-5246

Aurora Resort Motel [Beach Resort], 3510 N. US-23, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9801

Au Sable River Camp [Cabin & Cottage Rentals, Convenience Store] 4320 M-65 & River Road, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 728-3287

Barefoot Beach Resort [Beach Resort], 7474 N. US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-1818

Beach Front Condo [Condominium Rental], 6921 Woodlea Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 918-4828

Blue Horizon Court [Beach Resort], 4208 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-8487

Captain's Landing Resort, 416 North Lake Street, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 305-1051

Chippewa Landing Resort, 7089 Lakeview Drive, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7008

Coles Lakefront Cottages [Cabin & Cottage Rentals], 4507 Van Ettan Dam Rd., Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (734) 625-0201

Cook's Whispering Winds Resort, 3008 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-3777

East Coast Shores Resort, 2530 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-0123

El Cortez Resort,3358 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7884

Huron House Bed & Breakfast, 3124 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: 989-739-9255

Huron Winds [Vacation Home Rental], 224 East Division Avenue, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (810) 231-73677

JJ's On The Beach [Cottage Rentals], 3290 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone:  (248) 661-8232

Lake Trail Resort, 5400 N. US-23, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9801

Lumbardo’s On The Lake [Cabin & Cottage Rentals], 205 Pack Ave, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9600, Email:  lumbardos@gmail.com

Mai Tiki Resort, 3322 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9971

Nor' East Shore Resort, 524 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7633

Manor House Inn, 399 N. US23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: 989-739-1977

Miami Beach Resort, 3268 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-8785

Michigan Bed & Breakfast Guide [Bed & Breakfast Inns], 3980 Curtisville Road, Curtisville, South Branch, MI 48761, Phone: (989) 725-4416

Northern Michigan Cabin & Cottage Rentals [Cabin & Cottage Rentals], 3980 Curtisville Road, Curtisville, South Branch, MI 48761, Phone: (989) 725-4416

Oscoda Resort & Motel, 7418 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2714

Oscoda Surfside Cottages [Beach Resort], 6504 N. US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (810) 519-1049

Pines On The Lake Resort [Beach Resort], 5486 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-5741

Pink Shell Beach Resort, 7416 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-0739

Redwood Motor Lodge, 3111 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2021

Sand Castle Resort, 3354 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7977

Sandpiper Motel & Cottages, 3526 US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2108

Sandy Beach Cottages, 7462 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (941) 855-0077

Sharky's Beach Club, 3272 North US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 747-0000

Sport Haven Resort, 1900 West River Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7893

Van Ettan Lake Cottages, 6872 Loud Drive, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: Phone: (989) 739-5465

Wish-U-Well Cabins, 1904 West River Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-0017

Community Organizations: civic, fraternal, veteran, etc

American Legion Post 274, 349 State Street, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-5121

Michigan Area Retiree Activities Office (RAO) [Support Services for Military Retirees], 5671 Skeel Avenue, Suite 12, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, (989) 739-2777

Michigan Tree Farm System, 501 Norway Street, Grayling, MI 49738, (989) 348-9319

Oscoda-Au Sable Chamber of Commerce, 4440 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989 739-7322

Oscoda Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie # 4237, 6685 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9165

Oscoda Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 186, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2606

Preservation Of Native American Culture, 4661 West Weir, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-1994

VFW Post 3735, 240 Chrysler Road, Oscoda, MI 48750-1603, Phone: (989) 739-3128

Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 E. Lake St. PO Box 608, Tawas City, MI 48764, Phone: (800)  558-2927

Wurtsmith Yankee Air Force Museum, P. O. Box 664, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7555. .

OUTDOORS: BEACHES, BIKING, BOATING, CAMPING, CANOEING, DOG-SLEDDING, FISHING, GOLFING, HIKING, HUNTING, KAYAKING, ORV, NATURE & PARKS, RENTALS,  SCUBA DIVING, SKIING, SNOWMOBILING, ETC.

Au Sable River (Canoe & Kayak Trip)

AuSable River Kayaking Co., 678 River Road, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7222

Blue Bird Fishing Charters [Sport Fishing Charters], P.O. Box 227, Au Gres, MI 48703, Phone: (989) 876-6469

Cedar Lake Marine [Boat Sales & Service], 3436 US-23, Greenbush, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-8783

Gail Force Charters [Sport Fishing Charters], 12642 South Gera Road, Birch Run, MI 48415, Phone: (989) 245-3585

Golfing Michigan [Public Golf Courses], 3980 Curtisville Road, Curtisville, South Branch, MI 48761, Phone: (989) 725-4416

K.H.C. Kayaking [Kayak Rentals], 300 North US-23, East Tawas, MI 48730, Phone: (989)  984-9415

Michigan Paddlesports Directory [Canoeing & Kayaking], 3980 Curtisville Road, Curtisville, South Branch, MI 48761, Phone: (989) 725-4416

Monument National Forest Campground, Huron Shores Ranger Station, 5761 North Skeel Road, Oscoda MI 48750. Phone: (989) 739-0728. Monument Campground is located in Iosco County, Michigan. The nearest communities are Tawas City to the southeast, Oscoda to the east and Glennie and Hale to the west. Monument Campground is a fully accessible camping area within a red pine plantation. The campground was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's and recently upgraded with paved spurs, accessible toilets and grills. It is located next to Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center. The campground offers a secluded, natural camping experience with many opportunities to view wildlife. 19 campsites.

Lakewood Shores Resort [Golf Resort], 7751 Cedar Lake Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2073

Lock Stock & Barrel, 4494 N US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-4760

Oscoda Canoe Rental, 678 River Rd., Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9040

Plots of Wildlife [Habitat Improvement, Food Plots], P.O. Box 324, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 329-1092

Rainbow Charter Service [Sport Fishing Charters], 4180 North US-23, 120 Main Pier Marina, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-5696

Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area (Wildlife Viewing Area)

Services

Advanced Laser of Northeast Michigan  [Laser Tattoo and Hair Removal], 4433 N. U.S. 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 569-3596

Design Plumbing [Plumber], 7208 Cedar Lake Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-0891

Enchanted Forest Web Page Design Service [Domain Names, Web Hosting, Online Marketing Services and Website Design], 3980 Curtisville Road, Curtisville, South Branch, MI 48761, Phone: (989) 725-4416

Heritage House Realty Of Oscoda [Realtor], 212 North State Street, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2131

Home Hunter Realty, L.L.C. [Realtor], 3991 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2557

Huron Sports & Fitness [Fitness Center], 119 E Dwight St, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-0464

MJ’s Salon & Nails [Beauty Salons], 403 N. State St., Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-8559

Plots of Wildlife [Habitat Improvement, Food Plots], P.O. Box 324, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 329-1092

State Farm Insurance [Insurance Agency], 4720 E. F-41, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-8127

Tube Forming & Machine [Manufacturer, Machine & Welding Shop], 4614 Industrial Row, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-3323

Shopping:  antique shops, art galleries, arts & crafts shops, flea markets, gift shops, outlet malls, shopping centers, shopping districts, and specialty shops

Cathy's Hallmark [Gift Shop], 123 South State Street, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-9741

Great Northern Books & Hobbies, 209 South State St. Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7960

Oscoda Flea Market [Flea Market, Antique Shop], 317 N. US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-5310

Lock Stock & Barrel, 4494 N US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-4760

Research Unlimited - The World’s Lagest Treasure Book Catalog, P.O. Box 219, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-3294

Wooden Nickle Antiques [Antique Shop], 110 Park Street, Oscoda, MI 48750, Phone: (989) 739-7490

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Copyright 1997-2013, All rights reserved.
Enchanted Forest Web Page Design Service. 
“Promoting Northern Michigan Businesses Since 1997”
3980 Curtisville Road, South Branch, MI 48761-9704
Created on Januaray 1, 1997. Last updated on Thursday, April 11, 2013
Number of pages 594