National Lighthouse Day is coming up on August 7!

Michigan is blessed with 124 lighthouses – the most of any state! So save this post if you’re hoping to visit any of our beautiful lighthouses soon!

Contributors for the July’s Lighthouse theme, MI Favorite places campaign on Instagram, shared their inspiration and recommendations for others to follow!

• @cassondra.wanders – https://cassondrawanderstheworld.com
• @mrswebersneighborhood – https://mrswebersneighborhood.com
• @frommichiganwithloveblog – https://frommichiganwithloveblog.com
• @lansing_area_littles – https://lansingarealittles.com
• @allnatural.adventures – https://allnaturaladventures.com
• @exploremichiganmore

@cassondra.wanders

⚓ Old Round Island Point Lighthouse 1895

Located on the West shore of Round Island. You may recognize this iconic red & white lighthouse, if you have ever crossed the Straits of Mackinac on your way to Mackinac Island. This lighthouse is part of the Hiawatha National Forest and once held an annual open house for visitors to tour the building. Arriving via powerboat and rafts to shore, I was fortunate to attend the last public open house in July of 2015. 

⚓ Whitefish Point Lighthouse 1849

On the south eastern shore of Lake Superior you will find Whitefish Point Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.). This area is known as the Shipwreck Coast & Graveyard of Lake Superior. Over 200 ships have been lost to these waters, most famous is the Edmund Fitzergerald situated about 15 miles offshore. Visitors can tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, climb to the top of the tower or stay at Whitefish Point Lighthouse B&B. Sprawling sandy beaches invite rock lovers and nature enthusiasts to dive right in! 

⚓ Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse 1884

Situated on the west pier head at the mouth of the Cheboygan River where it meets Lake Huron is Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse. As the centerpiece of Gordon Turner Park, the lighthouse and walkable pier sit alongside a sandy beach and swim area. You can also find excellent bird watching on the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail on a large cattail marsh and kayaking access, where you can paddle up the river and into the city.  It is also perfect for kids, with shallow calm waters and a full playground featuring a miniature Mackinac Bridge. 

@frommichiganwithloveblog

🕯 Point Betsie

Built in 1858, this lighthouse was one of the last on Lake Michigan to be automated. It was only in 1983 when the lighthouse keeper roll was retired! When visiting, check out the museum, take a tour & climb to the top of the lighthouse tower. This is a lighthouse you can stay overnight at! This is also my all time favorite lighthouse & one I try to stop by whenever I’m near Frankfort or Empire!

🕯 Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Located in Whitefish Bay, Point Iroquois is a beautiful Cape Cod style lighthouse built in 1870. We visited when we vacationed in Sault Ste Marie – it’s only a 30 min drive. It’s also a 1 hour drive if you’re camping in Tahquamenon Falls. A visit to this iconic lighthouse is worth it – check out the museum, climb to the top of the tower & hunt for rocks along the beach out back.

🕯 Big Sable Point in Ludington

Walk or bike the easy 2 mile trail to see the TALLEST lighthouse in Michigan – standing at 112 feet. While there, tour the museum & climb the tower. Big Sable was built in 1867, it was the last Great Lakes lighthouse to get electricity and plumbing (in 1949). Turn your visit to Big Sable into a day trip, check out the link in my bio to discover more things to do while in Ludington! 😄

@mrswebersneighborhood

🚨 Point aux Barques in Port Hope 🚨

Not only is this one of the oldest in Michigan, but is also home to Michigan’s first female light keeper who took it over with the help of her 8!!! children after her husband drown. Talk about an amazing single mama!

🚨 Eagle Harbor Lighthouse 🚨

This stunning beauty is a must stop for lighthouse lovers and the tour is fantastic for adults and kids alike. My kids loved doing the scavenger hunt here.

🚨 Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse 🚨

This iconic red beacon is hard to miss but quite a break wall trek to get to, and dare I say…dangerous!! Kids who are steady on their feet will love exploring around this one!

@exploremichiganmore

Tawas Point Lighthouse in East Tawas, MI.

The lighthouse was in operation from 1876 to 2016, admission to the park is free with your Michigan State Parks recreation pass and tours of the lighthouse are an additional fee. Make sure to check out the gift shop and the bird watching area!

Little Sable Point Lighthouse in Mears, MI.

Another great @mistateparks lighthouse. For a small fee climb the lighthouse and take in the beautiful views of Silver Lake State Park. They even hold a summer concert series, Night at the Lights, so you can enjoy a sunset, beautiful music, and a gorgeous lighthouse as your backdrop.

White River Light Station in Whitehall, MI.

For a small fee there are tower and museum tours and last time we visited we took a short walk to the beach and caught glimpses of the wreckage from the ship The Contest.

@lansing_area_littles

Mission Point Lighthouse in Traverse City.

This is a stop for us every year! It’s location at the very tip of TC’s Old Mission Peninsula make for some incredible views and a gorgeous drive out.

Sandy beaches and trails keep the kids entertained. If you walk a little way down the beach you may even find an old swing set to enjoy view. ❤️

@allnatural.adventures

✨Grand Haven South Pier & Lighthouses✨

Great spot to take a summer stroll out on the pier and along the boardwalk into the downtown area. Plus, it’s right next to the beautiful Grand Haven State Park beach.

Do you have a favorite Lighthouse? Let us know in the comments!

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