Port Huron - The Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes

Located in the knuckle of Michigan's mitten with a 2000 Census population of 32,338 people, Port Huron is the easternmost point of the state. It is the county seat of St. Clair County. The city is bordered by the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, which gives Port Huron's residents and visitors three and a half miles of waterfront to enjoy. Consequently, many of the city's pastimes are centered on water.

The Blue Water Bridge

The original Blue Water Bridge opened in 1938 with a main span of 871 feet. It connected the U.S. to Canada at Point Edward, Ontario. In 1997, a second bridge was opened, giving the older bridge a break while it underwent renovations. The bridges are owned by both the U.S. and Canada, and they have been featured in the movies Renaissance Man and Bless the Child.

The Boardwalk

One of the most popular attractions in Port Huron is the boardwalk that begins underneath the Blue Water Bridge. Residents and visitors alike enjoy fishing, windsailing, boating, rollerblading, running, picnicking, and watching the freighters pass. If you're interested in history, you can visit the nearby Thomas Edison Depot Museum that celebrates Port Huron as the boyhood home of the famous inventor.

Port Huron to Mackinac Race

Hosted by the Bayview Yacht Club, the Port Huron to Mackinac Race is a tradition that began in 1925. With two separate courses spanning a maximum length of 290 feet, it is one of the longest freshwater races in the world. Every year Port Huron hosts Boat Night on the night before the race begins. The yachts are moored along the Black River, and people are encouraged to visit them. This usually coincides with the Blue Water Days carnival. Boat Night is a giant party and brings in people from all over the country.

St. Clair County Community College

In 1967, the former Port Huron Junior College became St. Clair County Community College. SC4 currently has 58 Associate/Certificate programs, an excellent transfer program, alliances with other Michigan universities such as Wayne State, and a renowned nursing program. Most graduates of the program have job offers before commencement.

McMorran Place

Have a formal event to attend? Want to watch a movie or see a performance by the local Civic Theatre? McMorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center is where you'll be headed. From art exhibits to the yearly benefit for Port Huron Hospital's Children Services, the Festival of Trees, McMorran is a truly versatile building. It is also "home ice" for the city's hockey team, The Icehawks.

The Raven

A blend of good food, coffee, and over-the-top decor, the renovated Raven Coffeehouse is the work of Jerry Edson, a retired lawyer and U of M graduate. (Rumor has it that the Raven will soon be acquiring a liquor license!) The tables are painted with authors and musicians, and there are comfy couches upstairs as well as a balcony for smokers. If you climb the ladder in the front entryway, you'll be upstairs on the stage where musicians perform on open mic nights. The Raven menu is littered with Edgar Allan Poe references. This is one of, if not the only place in the country where you can order a Tell-Tale Heart. (Don't worry. It's only a turkey caesar club.)

The Roche

It may not be the prettiest place in the city, but it's certainly a staple of local culture. Sure, there are plenty of other bars in town, but this is the only Irish one. The Roche is an excellent place to play pool, drink beer, and watch a local band play a show.