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DISCOVER The Blue Water Area Discover St. Clair County, also known as The Blue Water Area. Visit our many unique towns. Stay in our modern or our historical hotels.

3 DISCOVER The Blue Water Area Discover St. Clair County, also known as The Blue Water Area. Visit our many unique towns. Stay in our modern or our historical hotels. Enjoy a relaxing walk on our numerous boardwalks while viewing Great Lake and Ocean Freighters on the St. Clair River. Don t forget to stop in and visit our historical museums that can be found throughout the Blue Water Area. If you enjoy lighthouses then be sure to stop at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the Huron Light Ship. If shopping is on your agenda, visit our many historical downtowns unique shops or the Birchwood Mall. After a day of touring and exploring, dine in one of the many restaurants along the waterfront, where you will find a wide selection from casual to fine dining. Whether you re staying for a day or longer, the Blue Water Area has something to offer everyone. TABLE of Contents TOURIST Hotel/Motel Directory... 6 Map of the Blue Water Area... 7 Blue Water Tour The St. Clair County Area Calendar of Events & Festivals Area Listing Information Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (or) Chambers of Commerce: Algonac Marine City Marysville Port Huron St. Clair Yale AAA Michigan Mainstreet Port Huron Inc.(see ad back cover) MDOT Welcome Center Sarnia & Lambton (Canada) Convention & Visitors Bureau Published by: 8530 N. Canton Center Rd. Canton, MI (734) (800) avanti@avanti-info.com Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 520 Thomas Edison Parkway Port Huron, MI (810) M-DOT COMMODITY CODE: REV 5/ (810)

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BLUE WATER AREA Hotels/Motels 1 AmeriHost 1611 Range Rd., Kimball, MI 48074 (810) 364-8000 (See ad on page 19) 2 Anchor Inn Motel 6000 North River Rd.

Port Huron, MI 48060 (810) 987-1600 (See ad on page 19) 5 Colony Motel 6077 Pte. Tremble Pearl Beach, MI 48001 (800) 603-ROOM or (810) 794-5974 6 Comfort Inn 1700 Yeager St.

6 BLUE WATER AREA Hotels/Motels 1 AmeriHost 1611 Range Rd., Kimball, MI (810) (See ad on page 19) 2 Anchor Inn Motel 6000 North River Rd. East China, MI (810) Benjamins Motel 5570 Lapeer Rd., Kimball, MI (810) Best Western Hospitality Inn 2282 Water St. Port Huron, MI (810) (See ad on page 19) 5 Colony Motel 6077 Pte. Tremble Pearl Beach, MI (800) 603-ROOM or (810) Comfort Inn 1700 Yeager St. Port Huron, MI (810) Days Inn Marysville 70 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville, MI (810) Days Inn Port Huron 2908 Pine Grove, Port Huron, MI (810) Fairfield Inn 1635 Yeager St. Port Huron, MI (810) or (800) (See ad on page 5) 10 Hampton Inn 1655 Yeager St. Port Huron, MI (810) (See ad on page 17) 11 Holiday Inn Express 1720 Hancock St. Port Huron, MI (810) (See ad on page 10) 12 Knights Inn 2160 Water St., Port Huron, MI (810) Lakeshore Motel 5962 Lakeshore Rd., Fort Gratiot, MI 48059, (810) Pine Tree Motel 3121 Lapeer Rd., Port Huron, MI (810) Port Seaway Inn 7623 South Riverside Rd., Marine City, MI 48039, (810) River Crab/Blue Water Inn 1337 North River Rd. St. Clair, MI (810) (See ad on inside back cover) 17 St. Clair Inn 500 North Riverside, St. Clair, MI (810) Super 7 Motel 514 Huron Ave., Port Huron, MI (810) Super 8 Motel 1484 Gratiot Blvd. Marysville, MI (810) (See ad on page 12) 20 Thomas Edison Inn 500 Thomas Edison Pkwy. Port Huron, MI (810) (See ad on page 12) (810)

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Blue WateBy land by Greg Brown BY SEA Step aboard and take a tour of the Blue Water Area where you will see a most unique shoreline with beaches and historic landmarks.

This sailboat race, sponsored by the Bayview Yacht Club of Detroit, is the largest freshwater sailing event in the world.

8 Blue WateBy land by Greg Brown BY SEA Step aboard and take a tour of the Blue Water Area where you will see a most unique shoreline with beaches and historic landmarks. Participants in the Port Huron to Mackinac Race know the beauty and the challenge Lake Huron offers. This sailboat race, sponsored by the Bayview Yacht Club of Detroit, is the largest freshwater sailing event in the world. The race, like everything the area has to offer, is the delight of seafarers and land lovers alike. View the race, or just everyday boat traffic from the best vantage points: under the Blue Water bridges in Port Huron or Point Edward, along the Black River, at Pine Grove Park or elsewhere along the waterfront parkway in Port Huron. Those who are set on a lighter voyage can enjoy a ride aboard a tour boat. Sightseeing tours on the Huron Lady II take passengers up the St. Clair River, out to Lake Huron, under the two International Blue Water Bridges and within view of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, according to Captain John Rigney. When possible the tours take in giant Great Lake freighters up close. If the freighters are docked, we get up real close to them to see how big they are, said Rigney. Up close, the comparison is phenomenal. We are 65 feet and a freighter is anywhere from 700-1,100 feet. BY LAND Other seafaring sights to see both on foot and from the water include the historic Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, retired U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, U.S. Coast Guard Hollyhock, Port Huron Museum and the Huron Lightship Museum. All of these sites, and many more, offer insight into the region s maritime heritage (810)

Tour or by sea, the Blue Water Area is worth the trip. Boat watching from the shore is a popular area hobby. The St. Clair River is one of the most heavily traveled rivers in the world.

The original Blue Water Bridge opened to traffic in October of 1938 and the second span opened in 1997.

9 Tour or by sea, the Blue Water Area is worth the trip. Boat watching from the shore is a popular area hobby. The St. Clair River is one of the most heavily traveled rivers in the world. Part of the world s longest ship canal, residents and visitors enjoy hundreds of Great Lakes and ocean-going freighters passing up and down the river each week. The original Blue Water Bridge opened to traffic in October of 1938 and the second span opened in The original span underwent its most extensive renovation since it opened to traffic from 1997 until During the closure, crews painted the center span, replaced structural steel and re-decked the entire bridge. WATERFRONT AREAS If you enjoy being on the waterfront, The Blue Water tour is worth the trip. The City of Port Huron owns and operates 17 waterfront areas containing 102 acres and three miles of water frontage. Includes two public beaches, six parks with picnic facilities, seven scenic turnout sites as well as the largest municipal marina in the state. The city offers a wide variety of parks, including Lakeside Park, Lighthouse Park, Pine Grove Park and numerous area boat launches Marine City has its own Nautical Mile, complete with several small parks that allow for optimum viewing of passing craft. Visitors also enjoy the Belle River that winds through the city. St. Clair hosts the longest freshwater boardwalk in America, where visitors can enjoy the boating, skiing and swimming activities of the St. Clair River. Algonac hosts many seasonal water activities that attract land lovers and seafarers alike (810)

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The St. Clair County Area A look at the waterfront communities that make up The Blue Water Area GREATER PORT HURON Port Huron is a friendly, unique community located in St.

Clair River and Lake Huron form the eastern and southern boundaries, making Port Huron a very distinctive place indeed.

13 The St. Clair County Area A look at the waterfront communities that make up The Blue Water Area GREATER PORT HURON Port Huron is a friendly, unique community located in St. Clair County, just sixty miles north of Detroit. Known as the Blue Water Area because the waters of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron form the eastern and southern boundaries, making Port Huron a very distinctive place indeed. The twin spans of the magnificent Blue Water Bridges not only provide an incredible view of the water, freighterwatching, personal watercraft and the neighboring country of Canada, it also furnishes the opportunity for international friendship, trade and recreation. Waving proud and huge in the plaza under the bridges are the American and Canadian flags erected there by the community in honor of emergency services. Freighter watching is a popular pastime in Port Huron because of the unique setting furnished by the waterways. The huge freighters, some reaching 1,100-ft. in length, from all over the VISIT THESE PORT HURON AREA BUSINESSES Educational/Business Training St. Clair County Community College 323 Erie St., Port Huron Dining Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 2303 Water Street, Port Huron (fax) world, making their way through the river and under the bridges are a take-yourbreath-away sight. More freighter payload passes under the Blue Water bridges than flows through the Suez and Panama Canals combined. Port Huron s most famous annual event is the Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race. Celebrating 80 years, it is the largest freshwater sailing event of its kind in the world, with over 300 contestants. Bringing boaters and tourists from all over the world, the event has become a weeklong festival of parades, vendors and parties. Home to both professional and amateur hockey, the Port Huron Beacons, an expansion United Hockey League team, play their home games at the McMorran Arena in downtown Port Huron to an enthusiastic home crowd. The North American Silver Stick Hockey Finals are held annually in Port Huron and is one of the nation s premier youth hockey tournaments, drawing thousands to Port Huron in January. (continued on page 14) (810)

goes on! With over 1,000 hotel rooms in the Blue Water Area, we welcome you to join us for Ice Fest, Pow-Wow, Southside Summerfest and Feast of Ste.

14 A stunning waterway as well as diverse annual events makes Port Huron a tourist destination all year long. Sandy beaches, parks, unique shopping, golf, hiking, camping, biking, river cruises, tours, fishing, convenient marinas, boating, sailing, ice skating, historic downtown districts, museums the list goes on! With over 1,000 hotel rooms in the Blue Water Area, we welcome you to join us for Ice Fest, Pow-Wow, Southside Summerfest and Feast of Ste. Clair, International Symphony Orchestra, The Nutcracker Ballet, Cruise Night Antique Car Parade, Art on the Avenue, Summertime Farmer s Market, Rotary International Day Parade, Blue Water Brass Drum & Bugle Corp Competition and so much more. The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau invites you to visit the Blue Water Area and take advantage of the many unique amenities the area has to offer. Call (810) for more information or visit us on the web at MARYSVILLE Enjoy Marysville s 58-acre park on the beautiful St. Clair River. Picnic under the trees, have fun playing volleyball in the sand courts, the new water spray pad for tots, playground or softball field. Watch the ships from the one-mile boardwalk or beach. There are two boat launches to serve our visitors. Learn about how Marysville evolved from its sawmill beginnings at our City Museum, located in the park on Huron Blvd. When planning your visit to Marysville, call ahead at for community events and information or visit us on the web at ST. CLAIR St. Clair is located nine miles from Interstate 94 approximately 45 minutes from downtown Detroit. This location is perfect for those who want to get out of the busy city life and visit a smaller community with a slower pace of life and to do so in under an hour! The small town charm and slower pace of life coupled with warm fellowship and community pride make St. Clair a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. The vitality of the area is reflected in the many cultural and recreational opportunities offered. St. Clair is unique in its wide variety of cultural community organizations including the St. Clair Art Association, the St. Clair Theatre Guild, the St. Clair Historical Society and Museum, The St. Clair Music Club and many other organizations. Many events such (810)

as the St. Clair Art Fair, the 4th of July Fireworks, the Summer Music series and the APBA Power Boat races and numerous other events enhance the cultural atmosphere.

Under the winter sun, the river offers you a grand view of ice flows, gleaming with tranquility and the beauty of nature.

Clair offers residents and visitors the longest fresh water boardwalk in the world over 1,500 feet to stroll or bike along the river at the foot of Palmer Park.

15 as the St. Clair Art Fair, the 4th of July Fireworks, the Summer Music series and the APBA Power Boat races and numerous other events enhance the cultural atmosphere. An evening walk or a morning bicycle ride along the St. Clair River brings both beauty and pleasure. Beneath a summer sun, the river offers you peace of mind. Under the winter sun, the river offers you a grand view of ice flows, gleaming with tranquility and the beauty of nature. And all year you will see the majesty of the Great Lakes and ocean-going freighters delivering prosperity to our state. St. Clair offers residents and visitors the longest fresh water boardwalk in the world over 1,500 feet to stroll or bike along the river at the foot of Palmer Park. The river offers you a variety of water-related activities, from boating and fishing to swimming and water-skiing. Protected overnight docking with complete facilities is available just a short walk from downtown. The city is located along the St. Clair River, connecting Lake Huron to the Detroit River. The city boasts the largest non-salt water boardwalk at 300 feet with ample opportunities to watch boaters and freighters along the river. Careful planning encompasses the past with the establishment of several historic districts and the future with exciting economic development. The St. Clair Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to our community... Spectacular, Yet Serene. For more information on festivals and events call (810) or visit us on the web at VISIT THESE ST. CLAIR AREA BUSINESSES Art/Crafts Riverview Plaza 201 N. Riverside, St. Clair Dining The Murphy Inn 505 Clinton Ave., St. Clair (fax) jack@murphyinn.com Voyageur Restaurant 525 S. Riverside, St. Clair (Fax) (810)

MARINE CITY Marine City has been described as a quaint town in a bustling world. Beautiful Victorian homes line the streets, specialty stores and antiques shop await your curiosity.

Navigate our nautical mile where you can watch freighters either from the beach or in one of the many parks along the beautiful, blue St. Clair River.

16 MARINE CITY Marine City has been described as a quaint town in a bustling world. Beautiful Victorian homes line the streets, specialty stores and antiques shop await your curiosity. Riding stables as well as many fine golf courses are within close proximity. Navigate our nautical mile where you can watch freighters either from the beach or in one of the many parks along the beautiful, blue St. Clair River. Marine City is also a gateway to Canada via ferry, which you can travel by car or on foot. The Marine City Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to come and explore, enjoy and extend your stay in quaint Marine City. For more information call (810) or visit us on the web at ALGONAC First settled in 1805, Algonac was originally called Pointe du Chene (Oak Point). Indian agent Henry Rowe Schoolcraft coined the name Algonac from the Algonquin Indian tribe and the suffix ac meaning place. In 1922, Christopher Columbus Smith and his four sons, Jay W., Bernard, Owen and Hamilton, established the Chris Smith and Sons Boat Company in Algonac. For more than sixty years, this worldwide boat building empire was a leader in producing standardized powered pleasure boats. The Chris Craft plant employed many area residents. Algonac is a boating and waterfront community offering many seasonal water activities, as well as marinas, shopping, dining, accommodations, historical museum and many family activities attracting land lovers and seafarers alike. Call the Algonac Chamber of Commerce for festivals, events and recreational information at (810) (810)

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BLUE WATER AREA Convention & Visitors Bureau Calendar of Events & Festivals For event dates, please call the Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 852-4242 or check out our website at

Clair Marysville Days Festival Marysville Acheson Southside Summerfest Port Huron Summerfest Capac Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Port Huron St. Clair Art Fair St.

International Day Parade Port Huron Yale Bologna Festival Yale Blue Water Volleygrass Marysville Antique & Classic Car Weekend Port Huron Blue Water Brass Port Huron Vintage Tour of Homes Marine City

Clair County 4-H Youth Fair Goodells County Park Memphis Festival Days Memphis Art in Park Marysville Art on the Avenue Port Huron Blue Water Indian Celebration POW WOW Port Huron Rumble in the Park

18 BLUE WATER AREA Convention & Visitors Bureau Calendar of Events & Festivals For event dates, please call the Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) or check out our website at MAY Feast of Sainte Claire Port Huron Marysville Craft Show Marysville Memorial Day Parades Capac, Marysville, Memphis & Port Huron JUNE St. Clair Craft Show St. Clair Marysville Days Festival Marysville Acheson Southside Summerfest Port Huron Summerfest Capac Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Port Huron St. Clair Art Fair St. Clair Fireworks Port Huron North Channel Offshore Challenge Algonac Marine Flea Market Port Huron JULY Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race Port Huron Algonac Pickerel Festival Algonac Rotary International Day Parade Port Huron Yale Bologna Festival Yale Blue Water Volleygrass Marysville Antique & Classic Car Weekend Port Huron Blue Water Brass Port Huron Vintage Tour of Homes Marine City St. Clair County 4H Youth Fair Goodells County Park Antique Show St. Clair Port Huron Carnival Port Huron Southside Blues & Jazz Festival Port Huron AUGUST St. Clair County 4-H Youth Fair Goodells County Park Memphis Festival Days Memphis Art in Park Marysville Art on the Avenue Port Huron Blue Water Indian Celebration POW WOW Port Huron Rumble in the Park Marysville International Harvester Collectors Association Annual Show Goodells County Park Off Shore Power Boat Races St. Clair Antique and Yard Sale Trail Blue Water Area Bluewater International Hydrofest St. Clair SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Greater Algonac Chamber Classic Car Show Algonac Art & Craft Show Marysville Antique & Classic Boat Show Port Huron Women s League Home Tour St. Clair Festival of International Cultures Port Huron Historic Home Tour Port Huron St. Clair Kennel Club Dog Show Goodells County Park Michigan Infantry Civil War Re-enactment Goodells County Park Miss Michigan USA Pageant Port Huron Art & Craft Show St. Clair Scarecrow Festival Marine City Oktoberfest Port Huron NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Santa Parade Port Huron, Marysville, Marine City, Yale Festival of Trees Port Huron JANUARY/FEBRUARY International Silver Stick Tournament Port Huron Icefest Port Huron Edith Schoenrock International Figure Skating Port Huron (810)

19 AREA LISTING INDEX ATTRACTIONS Algonac Historical Museum Ft. Gratiot Lighthouse Great Lakes Cruise Company (see ad on page 17) Highlander Sea (see ad on page 4) Historic Mainstreet Port Huron (see ad on back cover) Hiawatha Racetrack & Casino (see ad on inside front cover) Huron Lady II Boat Tours (see ad on back cover) Knowlton Ice Museum Marysville Historical Museum McMorran Place (see ad on page 12) Parks & Recreation Point Edward Charity Casino (see ad on inside front cover) Port Huron Civic Theatre Port Huron Lightship Port Huron Museum Pride & Heritage Museum Sawmill City St. John s Marsh Thomas Edison Museum CAMPING Port Huron KOA (see ad on page 10) EDUCATION St. Clair County Community College Baker College EVENTS St. Clair Art Fair and Alice. W. Moore Gallery (see ad on page 15) Riverview Plaza PARKS & RECREATION St. Clair County Parks & Recreation (see ad on page 19) DINING/ENTERTAINMENT Port t Huron Bistro Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Fogcutter Restaurant (see ad on page 5) Frank s Swissel Inn (see ad on page 10) Huron Athletic Club (see ad on page 17) Mancino s Pizza & Grinders (see ad on page 6) Raven Coffeehouse (see ad on page 5) Thomas Edison Inn (see ad on page 12) Marys ysville Four Star Restaurant Junction Bouy Restaurant St. Clair The Murphy Inn River Crab Restaurant (see ad on Inside Back Cover) St. Clair Inn Voyageur Restaurant Marine City AJ s on the River Marcella s Riviera Algonac Algonac Harbour Club GOLF COURSES Black River Golf Club (see ad on page 19) Fore Lakes Golf Club Fort Gratiot Lakeview Hills C.C. & Resort For more information on advertising in this publication, please call Carol Heminger at (800) (810)

Leaning Tree... 810-367-3528 Marysville...810-364-4653 Middle Channel...810-748-9922 Pine Shores...810-329-4294 Rattle Run... 810-329-2070 Willow Ridge... 810-982-7010 White Oaks Golf Course.

.. 810-987-2000 (see ad on page 4) MARINAS City of Port Huron Marinas... 810-984-9744 (see ad on page 10) SERVICES Blue Water Bridge Currency Exchange... 888-529-0899 (see ad obelow) Desmond Marine.

20 Leaning Tree Marysville Middle Channel Pine Shores Rattle Run Willow Ridge White Oaks Golf Course SHOPPING Birchwood Mall (see ad on page 17) Historical Downtowns Mary Maxim Needlework & Crafts (see ad on page 4) MARINAS City of Port Huron Marinas (see ad on page 10) SERVICES Blue Water Bridge Currency Exchange (see ad obelow) Desmond Marine XXX-XXXX (see ad on page 19) SPORTS ACTIVITIES Beacons Hockey TRANSPORTATION Acme Cab Amtrak USA-RAIL (see ad on page 22) Blue Water Area Transit (see ad on page 4) City Cab Ruby s Taxi & Airport Service GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES City of Port Huron (see ad on page 5) Economic Development Allliance of St. Clair County (see ad on page 6) AREA NEWS & WEATHER Radio First WHLS 1450 AM WSAQ FM WPHM 1380 AM WBTI 96.9 FM WHLX 1590 AM (see ad on page 22) WGRT FM EMERGENCIES Dial 911 Ambulance Tri Hospital Mercy Hospital Port Huron Hospital St. John River District Hospital (810)

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Discover the Blue.Shores of Eastern Michigan Heritage Tour (M-29 / M-25) From Algonac/Clay to Port Austin, MI

Discover the Blue.Shores of Eastern Michigan Heritage Tour (M-29 / M-25) From Algonac/Clay to Port Austin, MI The Blue Water Area Heritage Tour begins on the eastern shores of Michigan in Algonac and travels