East Tawas Aims to Become the Next Must-Visit Cruise Ship Destination!

The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce is taking steps to position East Tawas as a cruise ship destination by partnering with Cruise the Great Lakes. While cruise tourism might conjure images of Caribbean voyages, the Great Lakes have their own cruise routes, and now East Tawas is looking to tap into this opportunity.

Rich Castle from Develop Iosco highlighted the growing interest in Great Lakes cruising, noting it’s not a new concept but one that hasn’t been widely recognized. The partnership aims to make East Tawas a recognized stop for cruise ships, with Alpena currently being the only Michigan port on Lake Huron. Many ships currently pass by East Tawas on their way to popular destinations like Mackinac Island and Detroit.

Castle mentioned that the effort to establish a stop in Tawas has been ongoing for several years. Recent developments show that cruise ships are now able to anchor and shuttle passengers into port, which bodes well for revitalizing East Tawas.

The potential economic impact is significant, with projections suggesting that cruise ports in 2025 could bring approximately $230 million in economic benefits. This influx could foster new business opportunities, supporting the local community and bridging gaps in seasonal tourism.

Moreover, the hope is that benefits would extend beyond East Tawas, with prospects for excursions to nearby Oscoda and the scenic Au Sable River. The chamber’s efforts reflect a strategic move not only to promote tourism but also to enhance the summer economy for the region.

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