Visit Michigan's Thumb

Michigan's Thumb is a peninsula and region of Michigan, so named because the Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten, and the Thumb is the area that looks like the thumb of the mitten.

The counties which constitute the Thumb of Michigan area are those forming the extended peninsula that stretches into Lake Huron to the north and east and into Saginaw Bay to the west.  There is no formal declaration for which of these counties are part of Michigan's Thumb.  However, virtually all common definitions include the tri-counties of Huron County, Tuscola County, and Sanilac County.  The definition is sometimes extended to include Lapeer County and St. Clair County as well.  The fact that Lapeer and St. Clair counties are included in the Detroit Metropolitan Area also leads many people to exclude them from the Thumb region.

Michigan's Thumb region is very flat with lush, fertile farmland, which is the reason for its historical role as a chiefly agricultural area.  Major agricultural products include sugar beets, grains, beans, corn, fruits, and fish from Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.  The lush grass supports vast dairy herds and livestock.  At the Lake Huron Shoreline, farming fields are separated from sandy beaches by deep, cool, forests.  The Thumb has the loveliest countryside and lakeshore imaginable - all for your enjoyment.

The Thumb Area is a travel destination rich in natural scenic beauty, strong cultural heritage, and plenty of all-season activities.  With more than 150 miles of shoreline, 2,100 miles of rivers and streams, 51,000 acres of public recreation land, 49,000 acres of state game/wildlife areas and plenty of hometown festivals and events, there’s something to do and see for everyone.  Towns, such as Sebewaing, Bay Port, Caseville, Port Austin, Port Hope, Harbor Beach, Lexington, and Port Sanilac enjoy seasonal tourism, due to their location on Lake Huron or Saginaw Bay.  Michigan's Thumb lies within the east-central tourism region of the state.

Michigan's Thumb is a short drive from most metropolitan areas in southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, and Port Huron.  In fact, most of Michigan's Thumb Area attractions can be enjoyed on one tank of gas! Brouse this site to discover thing to do in Michigan's Thumb.