Events

We have two ways for your to experience the Giant of the Great Lakes – by Ship and by Shore! Each spring, thousands of lake sturgeon gather under the Blue Water Bridges to spawn – ground zero for one of the largest remaining populations of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes – making these experiences like none other!

Shore Experience – Come face‑to‑fin with the Great Lakes’ biggest underwater celebrity at our live sturgeon touch tank. Enjoy hands‑on activities, tasty treats from local food trucks, lively music, and plenty more festival fun! Sturgeon Fest By Shore is held 10am – 3pm at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, 2802 Omar Street in Port Huron. Parking, admission, and activities are FREE!

Ship Experience – Cruise under the Blue Water Bridges on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron with a live sturgeon aquarium experience and sturgeon activities from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s research vessel. This narrated cruise offers interaction with wildlife biologists conducting research that is helping to reintroduce sturgeon around the Great Lakes. Sturgeon Fest by Ship begins at the Huron Lady dock on the Black River in Port Huron. River Cruise tickets are available for 11am and 1pm.

Purchase tickets for the Sturgeon Fest Cruise HERE.

All event and ticket proceeds help support the Friends of the St. Clair River’s year‑round conservation and education programs—so you can have fun and do good at the same time!

Learn more about Sturgeon Fest 2026 at https://scriver.org/sturgeon-festival/.