MLive says: “For roughly 100 years, people have been visiting Iargo Springs. It's still a highly recommended destination, known for the springs that inspired its name. Dams have been built to direct the crystal cold waters. You can also take advantage of a panoramic view of the AuSable River Valley from an observation deck. Keep an eye out for a variety of lovely wildflowers.”
September 28, 2020
Iargo Springs and the Au Sable River delivered a much more thrilling and breathtaking experience, even on a rainy, misty, foggy day. We started at the River’s mouth on Lake Huron, and worked our way inland on the Scenic Byway, which allows to vehicle access to many historical and natural features along the Au Sable River (drive, park, hike, repeat). On such a wet day, the byway was a perfect way to experience the River without getting utterly soaked.
As we worked our way inland, we saw absolutely stunning and moody views of this powerful River, read about the bald eagle nesting and habitat efforts in the area (did you know Bald Eagle nests are up to ten feet wide, and weigh up to one ton?!), and saw monuments to the “river rats” and other laborers who utilized the river to make their living.
On a slightly dryer day, I would have been inspired to hike along this route - there are in fact trails connecting the many points along the byway; it is accessible by car as well as foot. I am glad though, that we had the option to stay dry until we arrived at Iargo Springs: it is truly the crowning jewel of this part of the state. Bill and I could not stop commenting on how magical and spiritual the land and water in this place felt. While there was very little reference to the indigenous people of this part of the state and their connection to this place, I can imagine it is immensely important as a freshwater spring system. Instead of attempting to describe the tranquility of the hundreds of small waterways and waterfalls intersecting as they make their way to give offering to the River, I’ll turn to photos to tell the story.
I could have spent all day in the calming cradle of the springs, but the rain eventually soaked us through and we had to retreat. We wanted to stay and wait to see if we might catch a glimpse of an eagle fishing in the rain, but we were pulled toward warmth and food instead.
We departed in extremely good spirits, and headed toward Frankenmuth. It wasn’t on the trip agenda, but the weather deterred us from camping another night since we ended up so wet by the end of our journey along the Au Sable. We ended up in a room at the Bavarian Inn (a first for me) and ordered takeout from a local restaurant for a birthday dinner (admittedly, I ordered a tortellini pizza and it was both the most disgusting and most satisfying thing I’d ever eaten). After dinner, we concluded with mini golf and arcades games downstairs because those kinds of things exist inside of the Bavarian Inn. A very strange conclusion to a very untraditional birthday, indeed - I wouldn’t have it any other way!