I have come to and enjoyed Lumberman's Monument many times over the years. First with my kids and fast forward some thirty plus years to present day with my grandkids. The monument and out buildings give you a very nice history of this area spanning from the logging years in Michigan back in the late 1800's/early 1900's through the FDR years where youth/education programs were based in this area to more modern times of the US Forest Service and their work in preserving our great national/state forests in this area and their work in containing forest fires in this region over the years. Additionally there are interactive logging related displays that are quite fun and educational for adults and children alike. Aside from the the historical/educational aspects of this park there is amazing elevated scenic overlooks of the Ausable river that are some of the most beautiful scenic views I have seen in Michigan or anywhere for that matter. These are the sort of views you see in post cards and are worth the trip here alone. Finally there is the huge sand dune that runs down to the base of the Ausable. Literally just seconds to go down with gravity doing most of the work and many tortuous minutes to climb back up as it is literally two steps up and one step back as you fight the shifting sand under your feet. Great for kids but not so much for a sixty something old retiree. I have done this hill many times over the years but not this last time and my knees/lungs/muscles thanked me for for not doing it this last time.... Overall a great spot to learn some history about Michigan and see some of the most scenic views this state has to offer. A trip/experience that should not be missed if you are in this area. Five stars + read more

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This is a beautiful place on the ausable River. If you get the chance do stop and take a look around. They have a cute little gift shop with very knowledgeable people of the area, and they have a couple interesting games for the kids. A nice little History museum nothing real big but definitely informational. The view of the River from the top is wonderful but if you're able and I do mean able, take the stairs all the way down. The views right on the riverfront as well as The boathouse is something to see. read more

Nice little place to hike and see the sights. The visitor center itself is nothing special, but nice area around it.

Someday, when my kids are grown, and they reminisce back to summertimes in their youth, I'm betting they will share fond stories of their visits to this lovely tribute site in the Huron National Forest. We have visited at least a dozen times over the years, and every visit is filled with laughs and smiles. The monument includes several educational stations describing various aspects of the logging industry that enabled the development of the great state of Michigan, and the video that runs on a loop in the outdoor canopied theater shares a living history of the challenges and dangers of logging that is truly inspiring--so many people worked so hard for what we take for granted today. Beyond the history lessons available at Lumbermen's there is also a recreational (and, dare I say, a physical endurance) opportunity that is second to none. Specifically, you can follow a lovely meandering pathway that ultimately takes you to an amazing vantage point overlooking a serene cove on the mighty Au Sable river. And just a few dozen sandy paces beyond that viewpoint is a mammoth sand hill which was created by hundreds and thousands of logs being rolled down the hill, stripping the land of vegetation. That scarred hill is now the site of countless May family giggles, and more than our fair share of beads of sweat. It takes little more than a few seconds to run down the massive hill, with gravity doing most of the work, and come splashing down into the cool waters of the Au Sable waiting below. Swimming, splashing and playing in the river water is always a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. But beware--the climb back to the top of the sand hill is NOT for you if physical activity is not your thing. What took you seconds to descend will absolutely take several, a dozen or even more minutes to ascend, and the climb is absolutely NOT a leisurely activity. Over the years, we have literally seen people in tears as they struggled to climb the steep, sandy hillside. Each step is a challenge as every vertical gain is met by at least a 1/3 loss as your attempt to climb the hill causes the sand below your feet to slide back down the hill--you are constantly losing ground with each step you take. So just be warned, this can be a fun family outing, or even a challenging athletic workout, but going down the sand hill should NOT be attempted if you aren't in good shape. That said, Lumberman's Monument, and especially the sandhill, is the site of so many hilarious memories for our family--maybe it will be for yours as well! read more

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Man... what a tough life. One learns about the peak of the lumbering days and the sun-up to sun-down working conditions of hard labor, in the water, having heavy logs to deal with.... people burnt out by age 35. They ate about 5 times what an average person would eat today out of necessity. There are a lot of signs, artifacts, trails, a visitor center, and even a hike down to the water (260ish steps) where you can go into a Wanigan - the base of operations for the lumber workers complete with artifacts of the time. If the visitor center is open; expect about 2 hours here - otherwise - an hour suffices; 1.5 hours if you hike a bit. read more

Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center - Commemorative Statue - Visitor Centers Near Me - Oscoda, Michigan

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Cute visitor's center. Beautiful scenery if you hike to the right. You'll come up to small dunes with a breathtaking view of the water and trees! It's especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change. It's peaceful sitting on the dunes and taking everything in. read more

My favorite part here is the huge highbanks down into the beautiful ausable River. I used to come here with my family as a kid and I hadn't been here in years so I brought my own family here and we went to the hill and we went down it and played in the water and it was so beautiful and then it was time to go back up the hill and I about died I seriously didn't even know if I was was going to make it! This hill is no joke and is not for the faint of heart. It makes largo springs look like a walk in the park. It's an awesome experience though. read more

Awesome place. Beautiful views and a place you can learn a lot about Michigans lumberman history.

Nice little spot. Kids could run around and stretch their legs and play on the log jam and use a tree saw to cut a small log. Only issue was that they had the stairs closed to walk down to the main scenic outlook for replacement......why wouldn't you work on them in the spring or late fall, when the vacation traffic is at its lowest point? Still a nice piece of Michigan history for the kids, and adults. read more

We enjoyed the informative audio presentations with the crank machine next to the statue. We also enjoyed the nice rangers inside of the gift shop. The views of the river from a high elevation were breathtaking. read more