A Guide to Michigan Lighthouses

Hi Adventurers! Welcome to your guide to Michigan Lighthouses. Michigan is home to over 129 lighthouses that touch the Great Lakes. While most of the lighthouses on this list have been decommissioned over the years, a few have been turned into bed and breakfast experiences, while others offer you a chance to be the lighthouse keeper during your stay. Lighthouses are the gate way to many of Michigan's best beach side towns and offer visitors a chance to check them out by walking the pier. Since the (enter year here), lighthouses have been guiding structures to the boaters on the water and now serve as a picturesque landmark for all to enjoy Over 30 Cities included - spanning both the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. This is a live article and more will be added. Additional state guides to lighthouses will be linked at the bottom as well.

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Lower Peninsula Destinations

New Buffalo, Michigan

New Buffalo Lighthouse

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Nice beach area with views of the New Buffalo lighthouse. There is also a playground!

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St. Joesph, Michigan

Tiscornia Park - St. Joseph

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Limited parking is available at this park. There is access to the pier to walk out to both the inner and outer lighthouses. Please exercise caution while walking on the pier - as it is dangerous and not advised for safety reasons. Waves can crash on to the pier. Always be mindful of the weather while visiting. Due to the length of the pier, in the winter, this lighthouse will often freeze over creating elegant ice crystals for photographers to capture and all to enjoy. PIER IS VERY SLIPPERY AND DANGEROUS during winter months.

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South Haven, Michigan

*This is a personal favorite destination of mine! Perfect for a summer getaway.

South Haven Lighthouse

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Access to the pier and lighthouse is at South Beach. Great views are also available from the North Beach. Paid parking is available nearby the beach Memorial Day through Labor Day. Unpaid street parking is available in town as well. Always exercise caution when walking on the pier - access is not advised for safety reasons.

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Holland, Michigan

Holland Harbor Lighthouse

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NOT actually located in the State Park, but you can view it from the beach. For physical access, it is located on private land. There is a specific parking lot you must park in and then walk about 0.8 mile walk from the parking lot to the beach point. Direct access is limited and only accessible on specific dates.

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Grand Haven, Michigan

*This is a personal favorite destination of mine. Highly recommended!

Grand Haven State Park & Lighthouse

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Gorgeous lighthouse located on the pier along Lake Michigan. Makes for a wonderful location to sit and enjoy the sunset. Good paid parking area located nearby for connivence. They host a skim board competition every summer. Great place to camp at the state park along the beach dunes.

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Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon State Park & Lighthouse

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While visiting the state park, check out The Deck for the best beachside food place!

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Whitehall, Michigan

White River Light Station

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A smaller, and less popular lighthouse to checkout along lake Michigan, the tucked away spot provides a tranquil area to relax and enjoy the summer sun.

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Silver Lake, Michigan

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

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Open to climb during set hours only! After exploring the beach/lighthouse area, I recommend trying out the Dune Buggy's across the massive sand dunes.

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Ludington, Michigan

Ludington North Breakwater Light

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Towering high above the waves, this lighthouse is located on the pier at the main beach area. Depending on the time of year, you can often see people surfing the waves from the pier.

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Big Sable Point Lighthouse

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Access is through the state park area. It is a GOOD trek out to the lighthouse from the parking area. You can walk along the beach shoreline or on the path. It is over a mile long and can be extra tiring if you walk along the shoreline. Please bring proper shoes, water and any hats.

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Manistee, Michigan

Manistee North Pier Lighthouse

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Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the views here are always enjoyable.

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Frankfort, Michigan

Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse

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*PERSONAL FAVORITE RECOMMENDATION *

Point Betsie Lighthouse

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Of all the lighthouses I've visited around the State and the U.S., Point Bestie is my favorite one. The color of the water, the peaceful surrounding, the way you can sit and enjoy a sunset on the beach with the lighthouse in the distance. The interior section is only opened for limited hours during the year. Always check ahead.

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Empire, Michigan

Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse

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A bit on the smaller side compared to what one typically thinks of when they see a lighthouse. Peaceful beach area.

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South Manitou Island Lighthouse

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Only reachable by boat! Lighthouse is visible from shore with assistance magnifying devices.

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Northport, Michigan

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

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Located at the very northern tip of the Leelaneu Peninsula, visiting the Northport light house gives excellent views of the whole bay area. A quieter space to visit, especially in the off-season. The water here turns a stunning blue color when the sun reflects off it mid summer

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Traverse City, Michigan

Mission Point Lighthouse

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Would highly recommend visiting here at sunset for the best views over the Grand Traverse Bay. There is a swing set on the beach to enjoy as well. Depending on the time of year, the flies can be extra bad. Bring necessary bug spray. Drive is beautiful out to the tip of the peninsula - especially in Mid-May when the cherry blossom trees begin blooming.

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Charlevoix, Michigan

Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse

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Views of some of the bluest water I have ever seen! As long as the water isn't too rough, it is crystal clear and you can observe fish from the pier area.

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Mackinaw City, Michigan

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

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Round Island Light

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Photos coming soon!

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Alpena, Michigan

Middle Island Light

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Alpena Breakwater Light

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A very small and less traditional looking lighthouse at the mouth of the outlet into Lake Huron.

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East Tawas, Michigan

Tawas Point Lighthouse

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Super fun to visit the Tawas Lighthouse in all seasons! Beautiful grounds to enjoy a picnic in the summer months.

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Port Huron, Michigan

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

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Located along the pristine blue waters of Port Huron.

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Detroit, Michigan

Detroit River Lighthouse

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Milliken State Park Lighthouse

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Right along the Detroit River Walk. Paved path to reach the lighthouse.

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Upper Peninsula Lighthouses

St. Ignace, Michigan

Wawatam Lighthouse

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Relocated here from the Detroit River, this light is easy to explore.

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Newberry, Michigan

PERSONAL FAVORITE RECOMMENDATION - Please adhere to the caution that goes along with this site.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

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DO NOT TRAVEL TO IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. Road out to this lighthouse is NOT paved, and it's very bumpy. There is limited phone service. If there is mud, I would avoid. If there is even a few inches of snow, I would not recommend. In the summer/pristine winter conditions it is a beautiful lighthouse to enjoy. Article linked to this location took place on the road to Crisp Point.

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Paradise, Michigan

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

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Home to the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald memorial museum after it sank on the Great Lakes in 1975. The entire crew was lost.

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Marquette, Michigan

Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

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With its bright red color, this lighthouse pops against the darker waters surrounding the area. Nice nature area to check out around it. Most of the lighthouse is NOT accessible to the public, but the local grounds have a decent view of the lighthouse in the distance.

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Manistique, Michigan

Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse

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Small lighthouse along the breakwater pier. Do not walk along pier when waves are high or weather is not ideal for safety. People have been swept off this pier.

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Interested in visiting lighthouses in various states? Check out these other thatch articles for more destinations!

Link to lighthouses in Maine & more coming soon!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikki | Weekend Postcards

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Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard. Currently:📍Michigan, U.S.A. Just Posted: Lakeland, FL & Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local Upcoming Trips: European Summer in Zablajk, Montenegro ---------- Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination. On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to. Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister. — Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!

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