Photo | Three Freighters on the Horizon by DRE Designs

Watching ships, freighters and ice floes navigate narrow passages is exciting, especially from a close vantage point along a shoreline. These are our top viewing spots in the Thumbcoast of Michigan. If you aren't able to visit, see the live 24/7 camera links at the bottom of the page to watch passing ships from anywhere, anytime.

PORT HURON

• Thomas Edison Park Boardwalk is where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River under the Blue Water Bridges to Canada. This area has outdoor park benches and unobstructed views. Located at 2200 Thomas Edison Parkway, Port Huron.


• The Blue Water River Walk is a one-mile walkway with park benches, art sculptures, fishing pier, and easily accessible parking. Parking at Heritage Park, 51 Water St.


• Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, built in 1829, can still be climbed to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of passing ships. This area also has a beachfront to watch them from shore. Located at 2800 Omar St., Port Huron. 810.982.0891

MARYSVILLE

• Marysville Beach & the Living Shoreline Promenade has benches, pier and unobstructed views. Located at 1660 River Rd., Marysville.


• Veterans Park has park benches and unobstructed views. Located between the Junction Buoy restaurants and the Boat Launch. 1485 River Rd.

ST. CLAIR

• Palmer Park has the longest freshwater boardwalk in the world, offering plenty of space in the sun or shaded park with benches. Located at 201 N. Riverside Ave., St. Clair.

MARINE CITY

• 301 S. Water St., Marine City. Enjoy the fantastic views from eight walkable waterfront parks along Water Street from Bridge to Pearl.

ALGONAC/HARSENS ISLAND

• Algonac Waterfront Park is a long boardwalk with benches, shade and sunny spots, you will only be able to see the passing ships at the north-end of the park because they will be going around Harsens Island. Located at 1130 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac.


• Harsens Island has a small park in San Souci across from Jane's San Souci Market where you can see ships passing. To get on the island you will have to take a car ferry over, in the summer this runs 24 hours a day, in the winter the hours will vary. Located near 3060 S. Channel Dr., Harsens Island.

LIVE 24/7 RIVER CAMERAS*

2 Cameras at the Blue Water Convention Center at the Blue Water Bridges Port Huron Cam and StreamTime Live Port Huron Cam

BoatNerd Camera at the Maritime Center in Port Huron

Marine City StreamTime Live Camera

St. Clair Live Camera

Algonac StreamTime Live Camera

*Cameras are not operated by the Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau