National Lighthouse Day shines a light on a vital part of America’s maritime history. On August 7, 1789, Congress passed an act to establish and support lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers, ensuring safe passage for ships along our nation’s shores. It was not until 200 years later, in 1989, that this landmark legislation was officially recognized with its own commemorative day.

To celebrate, I’m sharing information and my new illustrations of six local Michigan lighthouses you can visit—each one a beacon of history and adventure. I hope you enjoy learning a bit more, and more importantly I hope it makes you want to explore one of our landmarks.

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 on Tuesdays, and weekends in November, depending on the 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 the 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 beginning of April through the end of October and weekends in November.

Directions: 9 miles north of Northport inside Leelanau State Park.

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. The Frankfort Lighthouse Restoration Project organized in 2024 to help the city of Frankfort raise the $1.1 Million necessary to restore the lighthouse. Join the Facebook group if you’re interested in following the journey or helping their cause.

Directions: Take M-22 past the blinking light to Main St, then west through downtown to Frankfort Beach.

The North Manitou Shoal Light (The Crib)

Located eight miles offshore from Leland and one mile from North Manitou Island, The Crib is an active lighthouse in the waters of Lake Michigan. Originally built to guide ships safely through the Manitou Passage, it now operates with solar-powered automation, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Though not accessible by land, boat tours offer a closer look and a chance to learn more about its history. After purchasing the lighthouse in 2016 the North Manitou Light Keepers fundraising efforts have led to re-opening the light to the public. Ongoing efforts to restore it inside and out are underway.

Directions: View The Crib from the ferry to North Manitou Island, or book a guided boat tour from Leland or Glen Arbor.

We Love Our Lighthouses

There you have it—six Northern Michigan lighthouses to explore this National Lighthouse Day. These iconic beacons once lit the way along nearly every stretch of America’s shoreline, guiding ships safely home and standing strong through every season. Have you visited any northern Michigan lighthouses? Share your favorites with us in the comments below.

See you on the beach!

Are you a fan of lighthouses too? In honor of National Lighthouse Day, I thought it would be fun to share the artwork I’ve been working on! You can find these designs, available as prints and postcards, at local retailers across northern Michigan including Glen Arbor – Crystal River Outfitters M22, Leland – Goodness on Main, Honor – Riverside Canoe Trips, Benzonia – Famroots, Frankfort – Oliver Art Center, Acme – Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

Want to see more? Follow my latest work on Instagram @bwheelercreative.