Au Gres: Riverfront, Trails, and Seasonal Experiences

Au Gres is on the Au Gres River, about two miles upstream from its outlet into Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. The combination of river, bay, and waterfront trails shapes the range of activities in the city. If you’re looking for a hotel in Au Gres, you can plan your trip around whether you’d like to spend time on the water, get active on land, or enjoy seasonal offerings.

On the River and Water

Au Gres has a 0.5-mile riverfront promenade along the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay. Au Gres City Park also has a small boat dock with access to Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron via the Au Gres River. Conditions at the dock and boat access may change; check before boating.

The Au Gres River Excursion is a short, leisurely paddle route from Point Lookout Harbor at the mouth of the Au Gres River north to Au Gres City Park. Check water conditions and access before paddling. This makes it easy to distinguish between two different ways to experience the river: the riverfront promenade along the water and the paddling route on the river.

Trails and Land-Based Destinations

The city’s recently completed bike trail project runs from Au Gres City Park via North Main Street and South Main Street to the Au Gres State Boat Access Site at the mouth of the Au Gres River. Route conditions may change; check before riding. City facilities also include a pedestrian bridge to the downtown area.

The Old Airport Disc Golf Course is on Industrial Parkway near Court Street. The 18-hole course was established in 1999 and is free for public use; access information may change. There are also two accessible, city-owned, public access points on the Au Gres River: one at the end of Main Street and one at the end of Detroit Street.

Seasonal Offerings

Au Gres Riverside Park has a splash pad, a seasonal facility. Check dates before your trip. The Au Gres Farmer’s Market is also seasonal: it takes place on Fridays and Saturdays during June through August at the Riverside Park Pavilion. Check dates before your trip for the current season.

Nearby, Point Au Gres Park offers access to more than 900 feet of sandy beach. The county park is subject to seasonal and weather conditions. Keep these conditions in mind when planning a beach visit.

History, Celebrations, and Tasting

The Arenac County Historical Society presents local, social, and family history through exhibits, artifacts, and documents. The society is currently housed in the former Au Gres Methodist Church, built around 1883. The historic Au Gres Chapel in the Park at KinderPlatz Park can be rented for weddings; availability and fees may change.

At Modern Craft Wine’s Au Gres tasting room, each guest can choose up to eight samples from the available wine selection. There is no quantity limit on bottles purchased to take away. Tasting options may change; check before your visit. Kristin’s Bark Park is located on the grounds of the city’s Au Gres Riverfront Campground Facility. The facility’s status may change.

Discover more destinations: Alger.

View the broader travel guide: Arenac County.