St. Clair County: Waterways, Marshes and History

More than 150 miles of waterways, coastal marshes and maritime history give St. Clair County its varied character. The Blueways of St. Clair bring paddling together in a network of 17 routes along ten different waterways. There are also trails for hiking, running and cycling, as well as places where the region’s history comes to life.

Waterways and Marshland

The Blueways run through St. Clair County and offer a wide range of options for planning a day of paddling: you can choose from 17 routes and ten waterways. The network information shows that this is not a single route, but a range of options on the water. You can decide which route to focus on based on your interest in paddling and the waterways themselves.

The St. Clair River Delta offers a different perspective on the landscape. The Dickinson Island/Harsen's Island Marshes are part of this delta, which is among the largest freshwater deltas in the Great Lakes basin. Its expansive, pristine coastal marshes are known as a resting area for migratory birds. This brings two nature experiences together: waterways to explore by paddle route and the delta’s marshland.

Reaching Harsens Island in the Saint Clair Flats State Wildlife Area requires a short trip on a car ferry. Check ferry service before traveling. If you prefer to walk, run or cycle, the Bridge to Bay Trail runs through Algonac State Park and is open for these activities. The paddling routes and the trail therefore appeal to different preferences for outdoor activity.

Maritime History on the St. Clair River

The HURON Lightship is permanently moored on the banks of the St. Clair River in Pine Grove Park in Port Huron, Michigan. It was the last operating lightship on the Great Lakes and was decommissioned in 1970 after more than 50 years of service. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. Its history combines a long period of service on the Great Lakes with a clear turning point: the end of operations in 1970.

Fort Gratiot also tells the story of the strategic importance of this water landscape. It was built in 1814 during the War of 1812 to protect the confluence of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. At Fort Gratiot Light Station, visitors can climb the tower and step onto the exterior gallery when weather permits. Weather and operating conditions may affect access to the top, so check the latest information before your visit.

Depots, Museums and Historic Buildings

The Thomas Edison Depot Museum is located in a historic train depot in Fort Gratiot, built by the Grand Trunk Railway in 1858. Thomas Edison worked there as a newspaper reporter between 1859 and 1863. Re-created historic rooms and interactive exhibits explore his life and inventions. The depot thus connects the history of a building with Edison’s earlier work at this location.

The Carnegie Museum is housed in a building constructed in 1902 as the Port Huron Public Library. On the grounds, the Kammer Cabin presents rural life in St. Clair County as a living history exhibit. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible; as accessibility information can change, it is recommended that you confirm it before your visit.

The Historical Village at Goodells County Park brings together other historic buildings: Columbus Bible Church, dating from 1860; Mudge Log Cabin, from 1863; Murphy/Ryan Farmhouse, from 1872; and Lynn Township School, from 1885. Their different construction dates give the collection a broad time span. During your stay, you can choose from a range of cultural interests, including maritime history, Edison’s depot, museum buildings and historic structures.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Port Huron, Marysville, Avoca, Huron County, Mecosta County, Lenawee County, Cass County, Mason County.

For the main travel overview: Michigan.