Visit Lumbermans Monument in the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Oscoda: Jaw-Dropping Northern Michigan Tourist Attraction with Awesome Photography, Hiking Trails, Camping and Sightseeing + Map
Visit Lumbermans Monument in the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Northern Michigan | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.Com | Updated October 16, 2022
Lumberman's Monument is a breathtaking Michigan getaway perfect for families, friends and couples. You will love the hiking trails, camping areas, observation deck, visitor's center and monument.
It's free to visit and park. Cool deal, huh!
Things to do at Lumberman's Monument:
- Photography
- Hiking
- Visit the Visitor Center and Shop
- Camping
- Exploring
- Learning about history
There are full facility restrooms in the Visitor Center.
Check Out Lumberman's Monument! So Breathtaking!
Where is Lumberman's Monument?
Lumberman's Monument is located along the River Road Scenic Byway in Northern Michigan in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Address: 5401 Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750
Map of Lumbermans Monument
Things to Do Near Lumberman's Monument
Drive the scenic River Road Scenic Byway in Oscoda with several stops along the way! Lots of fantastic Michigan vacation spots!
Best Time To Visit Lumbermans Monument in Michigan
You can visit Lumberman's Monument in all four seasons!
It's absolutely breathtaking in the fall and winter as you can see below. However, the visitor's center is closed in the winter.
Both of these photos were taken from the observation deck on level ground. No stairs were climbed to take these photos.
How Many Steps Are There at Lumberman's Monument?
There are 280 steps with a 150 foot vertical drop to the Au Sable River. Plus of course, that's 280 steps back up! But the scenery is stunning and there are benches along the way.
Are Dogs Allowed at Lumberman's Monument?
Yes, just keep them on a leash.
When was Lumberman's Monument Built?
Lumberman's Monument tells the story of the 1800's lumber history in Michigan. The statue was placed in this location in the Huron National Forest in 1931.
About Lumberman's Monument
Lumberman's Monument was created and dedicated to the logging workers in Michigan. This bronze memorial is 14 feet tall and (per Heritage Route 23), cost $50,000 to design and fabricate.
Contributions from the descendants of the lumbermen who harvested the tree crops in Michigan were used to create this statue. You can see their names etched on the granite base.
Let's Take the 260 Stairs Down To the Au Sable River!
Once you've checked out the upper viewing deck, take the time to decend about stairs to water level via a series of boardwalks. It's a lovely view from both the top and bottom!
So, per the sign below, these sand bluffs were used for rollways. The pegs holding the log mountains are released and an avalanche of logs roll into the Au Sable River. Hence, the river drive is underway.
Isn't this view stunning? I just love anything with boardwalk and water views!
There are lots of boardwalk lookouts once you reach the bottom of the stairs. Take your time going down the stairs as there is numerous signage to read to learn more about the area.
There are no bathrooms at the bottom.
Visit the Shop and Visitor Center at Lumberman's Monument
There are bathrooms in the Visitor's Center.
Lumberman's Monument Campground
Lumberman's Monument camping is top notch as each site is nestled in the trees! Monument Campground was established in 1909 and is one of the first campgrounds developed in the Huron National Forest.
Lumberman's Monument Hiking Trails
Be sure to spend some time walking Lumberman monument hiking trails. They are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy your afternoon.
- Highbanks Trail: 7 miles and the surface is natural (ground/dirt)
- Forest Discovery Trail: 1/2 mile and the surface is limestone
- Dune Trail: 1/4 mile and the surface if limestone (accessible for wheelchairs and strollers)
The Highbanks trail runs east and west. To the east you can hike to Cooke Dam Road which is 2.8 miles. OR you can hike to the west to Canoer's Memorial (1.75 miles one way) or Largo Springs (3.5 miles one way)
Parking
There is tons of paved parking for cars and another separate parking area for buses, campers and trailers.
While You Are Here...Visit Nearby Largo Springs! It's Breathtaking!
OMG! Super close to Lumbermans Monument is Largo Springs and if you loved Lumberman's, well.....
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