Lumberman's Monument

By Julius Muller

Back then, they called themselves shanty boys and river rats; men who came north, after the fur traders but before the railroads, into an unexplored land. Their task and toil was simple: Harvest the logs that covered Northern Michigan's landscape from shore to shore.

Yet their labor was legendary, and they opened Northern Michigan for all who came after. Today we call these pioneers of the north woods lumberjacks and here, in the Huron National Forest, aside a river that carried their product to market, stands a statue in their honor.

Erected in 1931, Lumberman’s Monument serves as a memorial to lumbermen who harvested Michigan’s giant white pine. Located at the center of River Road National Scenic Byway and designed by Robert Aitken, the sculpture stands 14 feet tall and features three figures symbolizing the various stages of lumbering operations in days gone by.

The sheer beauty that lay in the raw landscape surrounding the monument is obviously the main attraction. Magnificent views of deep-green forest cascading down towards the backwaters of the AuSable River, serve as a testament to the brutal terrain these men had to negotiate on a daily basis, just in order to survive.

Giant logs were rolled down an overlooking sand dune into the river below where River Rats guided the branded timber towards the sawmill. If you have the stamina to hike down 280 steps to the AuSable’s shore, you’ll be able to board the Wanigan - a floating kitchen used to prepare meals for the famished lumberman while on the river. Intermittent landings are positioned to serve both as places to catch your breath on the way back up, as well as areas from which to view and simply take in the stunning sights.

The visitor’s center includes restroom facilities, a curio store where you can purchase anything from Michigan stones to bird watching kits, an information desk and exhibits displaying artifacts and tools used by the lumbermen. A monster log jam, a replica of the real thing and bolted solidly into place, provides the ideal play structure for kids to climb on and crawl around in.

There are three hiking trails within the monument complex: The Highbanks Trail (7 miles), Forest Discovery Trail (½ mile) and Dune Trail (¼ mile.) All offer spectacular forest scenery and breathtaking vistas.

Situated in the areas surrounding the monument are numerous hiking trails and Foot Travel Areas.

Eagle Run and Corsair Trail Systems offer a combined 33 miles of hiking trails that are also used for cross-country skiing during winter months. Please note that Eagle Run allows mountain biking however, Corsair does not. Corsair also requires Huron-Manistee vehicle pass to enter between April 1 and Nov. 1 while Eagle Run is fee free.

Hoist Lakes and Reid Lake Foot Travel Areas have over 13,000 acres of backcountry recreation in working forest environments. Both require a Huron-Manistee vehicle pass to enter. Saddle, pack and draft animals, as well as bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited in the areas. Camping, hunting and fishing are allowed under DNR regulations with required licensing.

Probably the best aspect about this destination is the cost. It’s free. Donations are accepted at the visitor’s center to help with the cost of maintenance but other than that, Lumberman’s Monument is the perfect budget solution for those who want to enjoy nature while learning some little known and interesting facts about an industry that years ago, helped shape Northeast Michigan.

These trails and areas all fall within the Huron Shores district. For more information on these and other recreational facilities in the area, contact Huron-Manistee National Forests at 800-821-6263.

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