Plan Your Weekend
Where to stay, where to eat, what to do between games and how to get to the tip of the Thumb for Jan 15–16, 2027.
Where to stay
Port Austin is small and winter weekends fill fast. Our lodging partners hold rooms for Thumb War teams and offer a tournament rate: mention Thumb War when you book.
More places to stay
Port Austin, Caseville and Bad Axe have motels, inns and vacation rentals within 20 minutes of the rink. Huron Travel keeps the most complete list for the Thumb. Book early: winter weekends fill faster than you would think.
Looking for more? Huron Travel and the Port Austin Chamber list every motel, inn and rental in the area.
Where to eat and drink
Between games, after the final buzzer, or at 6 a.m. before a Saturday opener: here is where the Thumb eats.
The Breakwall Grill
Burgers, whitefish and a bar that fills with hockey players between games. Big tables for teams, kid menu, and the TV is always on the Thumb War scoreboard. (Demo listing - replace with your restaurant partner.)
Dockside Coffee & Bakery
Open at 6 a.m. on tournament Saturday with breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls and coffee by the gallon for early games. (Demo listing - replace with your partner.)
Things to do
Bring the family. Lake Huron in February is wind, ice and a sky full of stars, and there is more to do than you would expect.
Port Crescent State Park
Three miles of Lake Huron shoreline just west of town. In winter the day-use area is the place for snowshoeing, sledding on the dunes and sunset photos over the ice. Dark-sky preserve: bring the kids out after the Saturday games for the stars.
The Port Austin Breakwall
The long breakwall off the harbor is the classic Port Austin walk. In February it is wind, ice formations and Lake Huron doing its thing. Dress warm, mind the ice, and bring a camera.
Turnip Rock (from shore in winter)
Port Austin's famous sea stack is a summer kayak trip - the kayak outfitters are closed for the season in February. Ice conditions on the lake are never safe to walk; enjoy the winter view from the shoreline parks and plan a paddle for the summer.
Bird Creek Park
Beach park at the end of the main street, two minutes from the pavilion. Easy spot for a between-games walk, the warming fire on tournament night and the best view of the harbor lights.
Good to know
Local resources for trail conditions, shops and anything else you need for the weekend.
Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce
Local events, shops and services for the weekend, including snowmobile trail conditions and ice fishing guides when the bay freezes.
Drive to the tip of the Thumb
Port Austin sits at the very top of Michigan's Thumb on M-53 and M-25. The last stretch is two-lane highway through farm country; in February give yourself an extra 20 minutes for snow and watch for deer at dusk.
Open in Google MapsDrive times are typical winter estimates in good conditions. Check MDOT Mi Drive for road conditions before you leave.
How the weekend flows
- FridayCheck-in and pool playCaptains check in at the pavilion from 4 p.m. First pucks drop around 6 p.m. and games run into the evening.
- Saturday AMPool play continuesEarly games start around 8 a.m. Grab coffee in town and follow your pool live on the standings page.
- Saturday PMPlayoffsSemifinals in the afternoon, then the Saturday social at the pavilion with food, a bonfire and the sponsors' tables.
- Sat nightChampionships under the lightsEvery division crowns a champion Saturday night. Stick around for trophies and photos.
- SundayBreakfast and the breakwallNo games. Sleep in, eat a big breakfast, walk the harbor and drive home with bragging rights.
Four Seasons Pavilion
- 8861 Line St, Port Austin, MI 48467 (map)
- Free street parking downtown plus the public lots by the harbor and the village park. Arrive 45 minutes before your game; the lot nearest the rink fills first.
- Covered outdoor rink with real boards, locker rooms and a heated warming space. Bring a bag for wet gear; there is a drying area but no storage overnight.
- Spectators are free. Dress warmer than you think: the pavilion keeps the snow off, not the wind.
- Bonfire and food on site Saturday. Bring a camp chair and a thermos.
- More answers in the FAQ, or ask an organizer.
February on Lake Huron
Typical daytime highs in Port Austin in mid-February, with wind off the lake that makes it feel colder. Snow is likely at some point during the weekend.
- Layers, a windproof shell and a warm hat for the stands
- Hand warmers for goalies, skaters and spectators
- Boots with grip: the walk from the lot can be icy
- Check the forecast at weather.gov before you drive
Ready to make the trip?
Register your team, then book your rooms early. Our partners hold blocks for Thumb War but they go fast.