10 Lighthouses in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss

December 14, 2021 Janette Largent

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. 40 Mile Point Lighthouse

U.s 23, Rogers City, MI +1 989-734-4907 http://www.40milepointlighthouse.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 109 reviews

40 Mile Point Lighthouse

Reviewed By 470chuckc

My wife and I are lighthouse addicts. Since 2015, we are on a mission to visit all of them. Forty Mile Point was number 55. We enjoyed our visit, even though the lighthouse itself was closed to the public. Loved the layout of the grounds. By the way, be careful of Poison Ivy. It is clearly marked on the grounds about it. Otherwise, recommend this great lighthouse to anyone who can and will appreciate them.

2. Port Austin Reef Light

Port Austin, MI +1 989-738-6555 http://www.portaustinreeflight.org
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Port Austin Reef Light

3. Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Ludington State Park, Ludington, MI 49431 +1 231-845-7343 http://www.splka.org
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 377 reviews

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Reviewed By TobyRyane - Hart, United States

Visited here on a day when the bus was running to the lighthouse. Transportation to and from the lighthouse is only available twice a month and I would recommend planning your trip around their schedule as it is over a two mile hike each way. There is a small charge to ride the bus-$5.00 for adults and $2.00-$3.00 for children, depending on age. While the lighthouse is beautiful when viewed from the outside, I would recommend paying a small fee to climb to the top and take in a fabulous view of Lake Michigan.

4. Ludington North Breakwater Light

At the Harbor, Ludington, MI http://www.visitLudington.com
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

Ludington North Breakwater Light

Reviewed By amarh725 - Spooner, United States

It's so much fun and you have to do it while in ludington. Walk on a pier and follow the path to the lighthouse if it is not too windy. I am a " big chicken" but it was so worth it. The lighthouse was not open but you could stay there and have a perfect sunset picture. Don't wear your good shoes and keep your phone in a left pocket. The waves could splash you a bit or more ????. Definitely a fun walk to the light is a must.

5. Fort Wilkins State Park

15223 Us-41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918 +1 906-289-4215 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=419#overview
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 306 reviews

Fort Wilkins State Park

An army outpost that kept order in this wilderness outpost in the 1840s.

Reviewed By 270mindied

It was late in the evening when we arrived in Copper Harbor but popped by the Fort anyway, assuming it would be locked up for the night, but at least we could take a peek. We were pleasantly surprised that everything was still open! Love that they have late hours in the summer. The Fort really was a step back in time. The self guided tour allowed us to take our time in the areas that really interested our children. Beautiful setting, amazing history, and an ice cream shop with hand made waffle cones and hand dipped ice cream made for the perfect end to a long day of seeing sights.

6. Point Iroquois Light Station

13042-13260 W Lakeshore Dr., Brimley, MI 49715-9336 +1 906-635-5311 http://www.saultstemarie.com/point-iroquois-light-house-68/#mainPhotoGroup
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 368 reviews

Point Iroquois Light Station

Reviewed By Tansy2015 - Brighton, United States

Fantastic beach and nice board walk so those with mobility issues can enjoy the property. The best beach for rock gathering and taking a nice un-interrupted walk along the beach.

7. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

526 N Huron Ave Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9727 +1 231-436-4100 [email protected] http://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/old-mackinac-point-lighthouse/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 666 reviews

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Made to be Seen. A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. There's just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, this "Castle of the Straits" is a true gem of the Great Lakes. This is Mackinac.

Reviewed By 357donalde - Helena, United States

This place was in a waterfront park, on a bike trail, and we took the tour. There were guides and a film, and a lot of info about the life of the lighthouse

8. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

2800 Omar St at the East end of Garfield Street, Port Huron, MI 48060-2961 +1 810-982-0891 http://www.phmuseum.org/fort-gratiot-lighthouse/
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 252 reviews

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

The Fort Gratiot Light Station is the oldest lighthouse in Michigan, 2nd oldest on the Great Lakes. The current tower was erected in 1829 and has helped guide mariners and ships for over 187 years between Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. Deeded to St. Clair County Parks & Recreation Commission in 2011, this 5 acre campus has already seen restoration of several of the seven buildings on site, with more improvements planned every year. The Port Huron Museum operates the activities at the site. Various programs include "Overnight at the Light, where groups of 20 - 40 people can spend the night in the remodeled, 1872 Duplex. A beautiful gift shop, guided tours for only $7.00, spacious grounds, programming and exhibits go on throughout the season (May - December). Also available for special events: weddings , reunions, parties and professional & social events. OPEN: Now through November 13,2016: Sat./Sun. only, 11 am - 5 pm November 19 - December 18, 2016: Sat. 11 am - 8 pm for Candlelight Tours;Sundays 11 am - 5 pm December 27-29, 2016 11 am - 5 pm December 30: CLOSED UNTIL MAY 4, 2017, except for special events and Overnights. Looking forward to welcoming you!

Reviewed By Thebruders - Highland, United States

Great view of the lake and mouth of the Saint Clare river. Light house holds some awesome Michigan history as one of the oldest remaining light houses in Michigan. Well maintained with museum and gift shop.

9. Point Betsie Lighthouse

3701 Point Betsie Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635-9523 +1 231-352-7644 [email protected] http://pointbetsie.org
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 307 reviews

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Reviewed By dcarlstead - Palmyra, United States

The light house and shop and tours, are great and a lot of the lake history is talked about> The beach we spent time looking at the rocks on the beach. Great views.

10. Little Sable Point Lighthouse

287 N Lighthouse Dr, Mears, MI 49436 +1 231-845-7417 http://www.splka.org
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 424 reviews

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Reviewed By theoljohnnyboy - New Florence, United States

Stopped for a second time after a brief stop 5 years ago. A lighthouse that looks like it belongs at OBX rather than the great lakes, it is really a pretty structure. The beach seems to be shrinking and parking is limited. There were no gate attendants the day that we went and there was no box to deposit an entrance fee. Watch your speed on the tiny twisty roads going back in, there are joggers and big rigs on what can be a 1.5 lane road.

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