Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center in Oscoda

Lumberman’s Monument sits in the middle of the Huron National Forest, about 15 minutes from Lake Huron, and it’s all about Michigan’s logging past.

This was serious timber territory back in the day. Workers chopped down trees, rolled them into the river, and floated them downstream to the sawmills.

Now there’s a 14-foot bronze Lumberman’s Monument statue watching over the Au Sable River, built way back in 1931 to honor that whole era.

There is more than just a statue at this stop on the Au Sable River Road National Scenic Byway to help visitors honor and remember the lumberman of Michigan’s past, though.

The visitor center is worth a stop.

You can crawl through a fake log jam, test your skills with an old-school cross-cut saw, and learn how people lived and worked in the lumber camps.

Trails from the Visitor Center

There’s a short trail that takes you to a scenic overlook. If you’re up for it, hike down 260 steps to the river and step inside the Wanigan, a floating cookshack like the ones that followed the log crews downriver.

Observation Deck at Lumberman’s Monument

It is pretty easy to get to the Dune Trail Observation Deck overlook, where you’ll see one of Michigan’s great sand dunes.

This trail wows hikers with sweeping views of the Au Sable River, as well as big sand dune climb areas. In fact, the Highbanks Sand Dune at the Lumberman’s Monument towers almost 200 feet above the Au Sable River.

• From the visitor center, follow signs for the Dune Trail on the east side of the parking lot.
• You’ll find a 0.25-mile trail that’s mostly flat. The trail surface is made of crushed limestone and is intended for stroller/wheelchair use.
• When you’re ready to head back, either take the same path or choose the short, 0.5-mile Forest Discovery Trail that is also suitable for strollers.

Highbanks Trail

The Highbanks Trail also starts here, and it’s got some great views of the river and big sandy bluffs.

Hikers starting at Highbanks trail and hiking west to Iargo Springs will have a 3.5-mile walk.

Hours for the Summer 2025:

• Fridays – Tuesdays, May 3 – October 24 (Open 5 days a week)
• 11 AM to 5 PM
• Grounds are open year-round from 6 AM – 10 PM.

Lumberman’s Monument Kids Day Programs for 2025

All programs are free of charge and start at 1 PM. No pre-registration is needed.

• July 1 – Life of a wildland firefighter
• July 8 – Falconer Jenny Schroeder presents “What do owls eat?”
• July 15 – Michael Deren presents “Shanty Boy”
• July 22 – Meg Sigmon presents “Sea Lamprey: Great Lakes Invaders”
• July 29 – Antavius Mikazes presents “Pollinators”
• August 5 – Michael Deren presents “Civilian Conservation Corps Enrollee 1941”
• August 12 – Smokey’s Birthday Party

Parking is available and there is no fee to park or visit Lumberman’s Monument or the visitor center.

* The Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center is the only visitor center in the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

This is one of those places where pulling over and exploring for a bit turns into a way better experience than you’d expect.