Foote Site Dam

The Canoer's Memorial was erected to honor canoers who have participated in the Au Sable River Canoe Race, held each year. There is a spectacular panoramic view of Cooke Dam Pond. The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon was the idea of two men, Harold Brubaker and Frank Davis, who conceived the idea in 1947 as an aid to tourism. The first race took place in September of 1947 in canoes made of wood and canvas — 46 teams entered, 15 finished. As visitors reach Oscoda and the end of the scenic byway, they can capitalize on water recreation activities and beautiful scenery by visiting the Cooke Dam Hydroelectric Plant, Foote Pond Overlook, Foote Dam, and the Whirlpool River Access.