by At the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, a 15-person township grew around a private Lake Huron resort. Its name also causes one of the area’s most common geographic mix-ups.
Nestled at the tip of the Thumb on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Pointe Aux Barques Township is a quaint civil township in Huron County. As of the 2020 census, it boasts the unique distinction of being the least-populated municipality in the state, with a permanent population of just 15 residents. Despite its small size, this charming township is rich in history and natural beauty.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pointe Aux Barques Township had 15 permanent residents in the 2020 census, the smallest population among Michigan townships.
- The township contains just 1.31 square miles of land, making it Michigan’s third-smallest township by land area.
- The private Pointe Aux Barques summer community began taking shape in the 1890s, before the township was organized in 1903.
- Pointe Aux Barques became a resort for well-to-do Detroit families during the railroad era.
- The famous Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse does not stand in Pointe Aux Barques Township. It is in neighboring Huron Township.
- Is Pointe Aux Barques Michigan’s smallest township? No. Pointe Aux Barques Township has about 1.31 square miles of land, making it Michigan’s third-smallest township by land area. However, its 15 residents in the 2020 census made it Michigan’s least-populated township.
At first glance, Pointe Aux Barques Township looks like a statistical oddity.
For more than a century, this small corner of Huron County has served two very different roles. It is an official Michigan township with an unusually small year-round population. It is also home to a historic private summer community tied to railroad executives, Detroit business leaders and writer Edgar A. Guest.
Even its name causes confusion.
The township, the private resort community, the geographic point and the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse are related. They are not all the same place.
Is Pointe Aux Barques Michigan’s Smallest Township?
No.
That distinction needs to be clear because Google is already showing this page for many searches asking about Michigan’s smallest townships.
Pointe Aux Barques Township Michigan covers approximately 1.31 square miles of land. That makes it smaller than nearly every other township in Michigan, but not all of them. Novi Township and Royal Oak Charter Township contain less land. Pointe Aux Barques is generally ranked third-smallest.
Where Pointe Aux Barques stands apart is population.
Michigan’s official 2020 census counts recorded only 15 residents in the township. The 2010 count was 10.
That makes Pointe Aux Barques Michigan’s least-populated township based on the 2020 census.
The distinction matters. Calling it Michigan’s “smallest township” without explaining whether that means population or land area creates an easy factual error.
How Small Is Pointe Aux Barques Township?
The township contains about 1.31 square miles of land. Census geography also assigns it considerable water area in Lake Huron, bringing its total area to roughly 3.86 square miles.
Huron County itself describes Pointe Aux Barques as its smallest township by land area. The county’s shoreline creates several irregularly shaped townships near Lake Huron.
The year-round population tells only part of the story.
Pointe Aux Barques has long been a seasonal community. Many properties function as summer homes rather than permanent residences. That helps explain how a township with so few permanent residents can have a history stretching back more than a century.
Where Is Pointe Aux Barques?
Pointe Aux Barques Township sits near the extreme northern tip of Michigan’s Thumb in Huron County.
The location puts it where Lake Huron bends toward Saginaw Bay. That geography shaped nearly everything that followed, from navigation hazards to tourism and summer cottages.
Turnip Rock sits just offshore from this area. The rock formation is surrounded by private shoreline property and has no public land route to it. Visitors generally reach it from the water.
That private shoreline is not a recent development. Controlled access was part of Pointe Aux Barques’ resort identity more than a century ago.
Video: Pointe Aux Barques: Where the Rail Ends and Summer Begins
A French Name From the Lake Huron Shore
The name predates Pointe Aux Barques becoming a Michigan township.
The U.S. Coast Guard historian’s account translates Pointe aux Barques as “point of little boats.”
Older Huron County histories give a slightly different explanation. They connect the French name with the shape of the rocky point projecting into Lake Huron.
Whatever the precise origin, the French name reflects the importance of navigation along this coast.
Ships moving between southern Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay had to account for reefs and shallow water near the point. Those hazards eventually helped create the need for one of Michigan’s best-known lighthouse stations.
But that lighthouse comes with an important geographic catch.
The Summer Resort Came Before the Township
Modern Pointe Aux Barques began to take shape as a resort in the late 19th century.
Historical accounts date the private summer community to about 1896. Railroad interests saw commercial value in turning the remote Lake Huron shoreline into a seasonal retreat for affluent Detroit-area families.
The railroad was an essential part of the plan.
At the time, reaching Michigan’s Thumb by automobile was not yet practical for most travelers. Rail service allowed families to leave Detroit and reach a summer cottage on Lake Huron without spending days on poor roads.
By 1899, the Pointe Aux Barques resort was already receiving prominent treatment in The Standard Guide to Mackinac Island and Northern Lake Resorts. The guide promoted sailing, rowing, beach recreation and the new clubhouse.
The original clubhouse was designed in what the guide called an old colonial style. It stood above Lake Huron and became a central gathering place for the resort community.
The marketing also reveals something about the social character of Pointe Aux Barques.
Privacy was not merely a side benefit. It was part of the product.
The 1899 guide emphasized controlled acreage and limited outside access. It even noted that the railroad had agreed not to bring certain day-trippers directly into the resort.
That detail provides a sharper picture of what Pointe Aux Barques was becoming. This was not simply another Lake Huron vacation stop. It was being developed as a deliberately private summer enclave.
Pointe Aux Barques Township Was Organized in 1903
The resort community actually predates the township government.
Pointe Aux Barques Township was formally organized in 1903, according to the Huron County Centennial History. F. Demarest served as its first supervisor.
That timeline helps explain another frequent source of confusion.
The private Pointe Aux Barques community and Pointe Aux Barques Township developed together, but they are not legally identical.
The township is a unit of government.
The historic resort is a private residential community within that small geographic area.
That distinction matters when discussing public access, historical sites and the lighthouse.
Edgar Guest Made Pointe Aux Barques His Summer Home
Pointe Aux Barques eventually attracted some prominent Michigan residents.
One of the best documented was Edgar A. Guest, the Detroit newspaperman and nationally known poet.
Guest owned a summer home at Pointe Aux Barques and spent many summers there. TIME noted his Pointe-aux-Barques residence in its 1959 account of his life, while Huron County histories also record his close association with the community.
Guest was hardly isolated while staying there.
A 1930s magazine account described the considerable trip he made from Pointe-aux-Bargues to Chicago for his radio broadcasts. He would leave his summer home, travel to Detroit, and continue by train.
The story helps situate Pointe-aux-Bargues within the broader era of Michigan tourism.
For wealthy Detroit families, northern and lakeside summer homes offered an escape from the city’s heat and industry. Railroads helped make those seasonal moves routine.
Local histories also connect Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. founder Harvey Firestone with cottages at Pointe Aux Barques. Those accounts place him among the industrial-era figures who spent time in the community.
Notable People at Pointe Aux Barques
Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, despite its small size, has attracted several notable personalities over the years, particularly from the industrial and literary circles.
- Edgar Guest:
- Who: Edgar Guest was a popular poet known as the “People’s Poet.” .Michigan poet, Detroit Free Press reporter, writer, and NBC radio and TV personality
- Connection: Guest owned a cottage in Pointe Aux Barques, where he often spent time. His presence in the township adds a cultural touch to its history (What About Clients?).
- Harvey Firestone:
- Who: Founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.
- Connection: Firestone, a close associate of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, was said to have owned two cottages at Pointe Aux Barques and entertained both Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Firestone’s Linwood Cottage at Pointe Aux Barques is considered one of the community’s finest.
- William L. Clements
- Who: Engineer at Bay City Industrial Works and founded the Library of American Literature at the University of Michigan.
- Connection: Clements was an early resident of Pointe Aux Barques and listed in the 1912 directory of cottage owners.
These visits and summer residences by such prominent individuals underscore Pointe Aux Barques’ unique charm and its historical appeal as a serene retreat for influential personalities. The township’s history is enriched by its association with these notable figures, making it an interesting spot for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway.
The Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Is Not in the Township
Here is perhaps the most surprising fact in the story.
Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is not located in Pointe Aux Barques Township.
It lies southeast of the township, in the neighbouring Huron Township, within Lighthouse County Park near Port Hope. Huron Township itself identifies the lighthouse museum among its attractions. The Michigan historical marker also lists the lighthouse in Huron Township.
The mix-up is understandable.
The lighthouse carries the Pointe aux Barques name because it was built to protect vessels approaching the hazardous point and Saginaw Bay. The name refers to the navigational area, not today’s township boundary.
That distinction should be made plainly because many travel and history pages do not make it clear.
The First Lighthouse Was Built in 1848
Construction of the original federal light station began in 1847. The first lighthouse was completed and operating in 1848. It was built using stone gathered along the Lake Huron shore.
That building did not last long.
Weather damaged it, and fire caused additional problems inside the keeper’s dwelling. Federal officials eventually replaced the original structure.
The lighthouse visitors see today dates to 1857.
The station also produced an important chapter in Michigan history.
After lighthouse keeper Peter Shook died in 1849, his wife, Catharine Shook, took over the station. Michigan’s historical marker recognizes her as the state’s first woman lighthouse keeper.
Her service came only a year after the original lighthouse opened.
A Life-Saving Station Followed the Lighthouse
Navigation aids could warn mariners, but they could not always keep ships off the rocks.
In 1876, the federal government established a first-class U.S. Life-Saving Service station near the lighthouse. Crews there responded to wrecks and emergencies along a dangerous section of the Lake Huron coast.
The Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum credits the station’s crews with more than 200 rescues during 62 years of service.
The risks became especially clear during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913.
A Library of Congress photograph records damage to the Pointe aux Barques Life-Saving Station after the Nov. 9 storm. The image survives as a stark record of the same Lake Huron weather these crews faced while trying to rescue others.
Parts of the old life-saving station survived after federal operations ended. Preservation efforts have since returned major pieces of that history to the lighthouse area.
What’s Special About Pointe Aux Barques Township
For over 100 years, Pointe aux Barques has been a private community. It consists of 900 acres with 66 cottages located just east of Port Austin.
Pointe Aux Barques is notable for its minimal population and compact land area. It is the third smallest township in Michigan by land area, following Novi Township and Royal Oak Charter Township. This tiny community offers a serene escape and a glimpse into a simpler, quieter way of life, making it a fascinating spot for those seeking tranquility and a connection to nature.
Historical Background of Pointe Aux Barques
- Early Settlement: The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chippewa.
- European Exploration: French explorers named the region “Point Aux Barques,” meaning “Point of Boats,” due to the boats frequently seen in the area.
- Lighthouse Establishment: In 1847, the Point Aux Barques Lighthouse was built to guide ships through the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. The lighthouse remains one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the Great Lakes.
Geography and Environment
- Location: Situated on the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, the township is surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron.
- Natural Features: The area is known for its rugged shoreline, sandy beaches, and lush forests.
- Climate: The township experiences a typical Great Lakes climate, with cold winters and mild summers, making it a perfect summer getaway.
Demographics and Size
- Population: Point Aux Barques has a tiny population. In 2020, there were only 15 permanent residents. This number fluctuates with the seasons as it is a popular spot for summer homes.
- Area: The township covers a minimal area of 7.6 square miles, making it the third-smallest in the state.
- Activities: Residents enjoy a clubhouse, private nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, woods, and shoreline at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb.
Video: History of Pointe Aux Barques
The video is a pictorial story of the Pointe Aux Barques resort community. It was established in 1897 and is still going strong today. The private resort community is over a century old and consists of 66 cottages just east of Port Austin. It stretches over 900 acres of property at the “tip of the thumb” in Huron County, Michigan. There is a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, clubhouse, barn, wooded trails, and shoreline on Lake Huron.
Michigan Thumb Travel Guide
Historical Attractions Around Pointe Aux Barques
Pointe Aux Barques sits near some of the Upper Thumb’s best shoreline stops, small museums, kayak routes and Lake Huron parks. Use this guide to plan a short day trip from the lighthouse area.
Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
One of Michigan’s oldest active lighthouses stands inside Lighthouse County Park near Port Hope. The museum covers Great Lakes shipping, local wrecks, navigation and the U.S. Life-Saving Service station tied to this dangerous stretch of Lake Huron.
More informationLighthouse County Park
This county park surrounds the lighthouse and offers camping, picnic areas, lake views, a playground and access to shoreline scenery. It is a practical base for visitors who want to stay near Pointe Aux Barques.
More informationTurnip Rock Kayak Route
Turnip Rock is one of the Port Austin area’s best-known shoreline sights. The out-and-back paddle is about 7 miles and can take several hours, depending on wind, waves and skill level. Check lake conditions before launching.
More informationPort Crescent State Park
Set along 3 miles of sandy Lake Huron shoreline near Port Austin, this state park has a modern campground, hiking, birding, paddling, fishing and some of the best sunset viewing in the Thumb.
More informationHuron City Museums
Huron City preserves a cluster of historic buildings from a once-busy Lake Huron lumber town. The site gives visitors a better look at the communities, families and industries that shaped this shore.
More informationPort Austin History Center
Located east of Port Austin, this history center is housed in a 1904 Maccabee Society building. Its exhibits cover Port Austin, Grindstone City and Port Crescent, with walking trails and historic buildings on the grounds.
More informationU.S. Life-Saving Station History
Pointe Aux Barques was part of a larger Great Lakes rescue network built to respond to shipwrecks and storm emergencies. The local Life-Saving Station helps explain why this shoreline became so important to mariners.
More informationHuron City and Pointe Aux Barques Story
This Thumbwind feature adds useful background on Huron City, Pointe Aux Barques and the restored Life-Saving Station. It is a strong companion read before visiting the lighthouse area.
More informationTravel Tip
Lake Huron weather can change quickly. For kayaking, boating or shoreline walks, check wind, waves and water levels before leaving. Some museums are seasonal or volunteer-run, so confirm hours before making the trip.
Pointe Aux Barques Today
Modern Pointe Aux Barques remains an unusual combination of public township and private summer community.
Its permanent population is tiny. Its historical footprint is not.
The township represents a surviving piece of Michigan’s late 19th-century resort era. The cottages, shoreline and club tradition trace their roots to a period when railroads built tourism markets across the Great Lakes.
The nearby lighthouse tells a different story. It recalls commercial navigation, shipwrecks, federal lighthouse keepers and the Life-Saving Service.
Visitors should remember the distinction between those places.
The Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum and lighthouse grounds are at Lighthouse County Park in Huron Township. The historic resort community in Pointe Aux Barques Township remains private. Turnip Rock also cannot be reached legally by crossing private shoreline property.
Why Pointe Aux Barques Still Stands Out
Pointe Aux Barques does not need an exaggerated claim to be interesting.
It is not Michigan’s smallest township by land area.
It has something more unusual.
Only 15 people called the township their permanent home in the 2020 census. Yet the tiny municipality contains the legacy of a railroad-era summer colony that has survived for more than a century.
Its name also links several layers of Thumb history that are often confused: the rocky point, a private resort, a township, a famous lighthouse and a life-saving station.
Getting those distinctions right makes the story better.
It also explains why such a small place keeps turning up in Michigan history.
FAQs About Pointe Aux Barques Township
Is Pointe Aux Barques the smallest township in Michigan?
No. Pointe Aux Barques has about 1.31 square miles of land and is generally ranked as Michigan’s third-smallest township by land area. Novi Township and Royal Oak Charter Township are smaller.
How many people live in Pointe Aux Barques Township?
The official 2020 census counted 15 residents. The 2010 census had counted 10.
Is Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse in Pointe Aux Barques Township?
No. Despite its name, the lighthouse stands in neighboring Huron Township near Port Hope. The current lighthouse tower was completed in 1857.
Can you drive to Turnip Rock from Pointe Aux Barques?
No public road or legal public land route reaches Turnip Rock. The surrounding shoreline is private property, so visitors normally approach the formation by water.
A Final Thought About The Tip of the Thumb
Point Aux Barques Township may be small, but it holds a significant place in Michigan’s history and natural landscape. Its charming environment, historical sites, and recreational opportunities make it a hidden gem worth exploring for anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic retreat.
Related Reading About Pointe Aux Barques
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- History of Pointe Aux Barques Michigan
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- Work Underway to Restore Historic Sawmill at Belle Isle Park
