Canoer's Memorial
Canoers Memorial was erected to honor canoers who have participated in the Au Sable River Canoe Race held each year. The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon was the idea of two men, Harold Brubaker and Frank Davis. They conceived the idea in 1947 as an aid to tourism. The first race took place in Sept. of 1947 in canoes made of wood and canvas. There were 46 teams entered, 15 teams finishing the race. Allen Carr and Delbert Case of Grayling finished first with a time of 21 hours and 40 minutes.
There is a spectacular panoramic view of Cooke Dam Pond. Access to Highbanks Trail during summer months is available at this site.
Flickr Photo Albums:
General Information
Location - River Road National Scenic Byway, Au Sable River
Nearby Recreation Areas -
- Highbanks Trail
- Iargo Springs
- Lumberman's Monument
- Kiwanis Monument
County - Iosco
Seasonal and Other Information -
- This site is not gated during the off season.
- This site is not maintained in winter:
- Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed.
January 1 - December 31
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Au Sable River Primitive Camping -
- No permit or reservation is required outside of the permitted season.
- Camping Permit required at primitive campsites from May 15 to September 10.
Special Use Permit -
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
- Au Sable River and Cooke Pond Semi-primitive Motorized Areas, shorelines of Alcona Pond and the Eable Run Trail System; R904-14-21
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-14-03
Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
No Fees are required for this site.
Address: 5761 N. Skeel Road Oscoda, MI 48750
Phone: (989) 739-0728
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.43583333
Longitude: -83.65166667
Directions
From Oscoda -
- Travel west on River Rd. for 18 miles.
- The site is located on the right.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Outdoor Science and Learning
Viewing Scenery