National Lighthouse Day dates back to 1789. On August 7th many moons ago, Congress approved an act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers. It was not until 200 years later, in 1989, that this important Act received its day of recognition. Happy National Lighthouse Day! Celebrate today and visit a lighthouse not too far away with our list of 5 Michigan lighthouses to visit.
Old Mission Point Lighthouse
Located on the 45th Parallel, the Old Mission Point Lighthouse is a popular park and playground along the shore. Pack a picnic and spend the day. There are beautiful hiking trails surrounding the lighthouse. It’s also a museum open for tours and in search of volunteer keepers to serve as tour guides. The lighthouse is open daily from May to October, except for Tuesdays, and weekends in November, depending on weather.
Directions: take M-37 to the end of Old Mission peninsula, approximately 22 miles from Front Street in Traverse City.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
The oldest operating light in Michigan—and perhaps the most photographed—Point Betsie is a must-see on a visit to Benzie County. It’s a great spot to hunt for fossils like Petoskey stones and Charlevoix stones. The lighthouse is open Wednesday-Monday for tours in the summer.
Directions: take M-22 to Point Betsie Rd, 4 miles north of the blinking light in Frankfort.
South Manitou Island Lighthouse
Guiding ships safely through the Manitou Passage, the South Manitou Island Lighthouse is an important beacon in Lake Michigan. It’s part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with tours that take you to the top for an incredible panoramic view of National Lakeshore. Open for tours in the summer months, free of charge.
Directions: Get to South Manitou Island by ferry from Leland. The lighthouse is located 0.6 miles from the ranger station and dock.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum
At the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll find the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum. For a glimpse into our maritime history, take the tour, or better yet, ask about their guest lightkeeper program. The lighthouse and museum are open from the end of March through the end of October and weekends in November.
Directions: 9 miles north of Northport inside Leelanau State Park (entry fee charged)
Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
The Frankfort Lighthouse marks the entrance to Betsie Bay, a popular port for fishermen and sailors. You’ll find kids jumping from the pier in the summer, surfers riding the waves well into the fall and storm-watching along the north and south piers when the wind is high. Plus, it’s a spectacular spot to watch the sun say goodnight to Lake Michigan.
Directions: Take M-22 past the blinking light to Main St, then west through downtown to Frankfort Beach.
We Love Our Lighthouses
There you have it—5 Michigan lighthouses to visit on National Lighthouse Day. The importance of lighthouses is hard to ignore, especially when you consider at one time, the beacon of light could be seen across almost all of America’s shoreline.
Have you visited any northern Michigan lighthouses? Let us know your favorite in the comments below.
See you on the beach!
