22 stunning Michigan lighthouses you need to see before you die

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Aug 18, 2017 at 7:08 pm

If you're anything like us, you tend to forget that Michigan is home to a stunning array of lighthouses. In fact, the mitten has more than any other state (even Maine! Yes, Maine!). Though every lighthouse is special in its own right, here are 22 of our favorites.

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Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Ludington State Park
Big Sable is known for its size and location along the shore of Lake Michigan. For a $5 donation (children under 12 are $2), you can climb its full 112 feet for immaculate lake views.
Photo via IG user @mittenstatelove

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Little Sable Point Lighthouse
Silver Lake State Park
Don't be fooled by its name: Little Sable stands at a full 107 feet, just 12 below its larger counterpart. It's the perfect spot to end a day at the Dunes.
Photo via IG user @mrs.kingry

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Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse
Manistique
This picturesque lighthouse is located at the end of a concrete breakwater, where the Manistique River flows into Lake Michigan. There's nothing quite like seeing its light shine across the water in the evening.
Photo via IG user @christophuettl

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DeTour Reef Lighthouse
DeTour Village
Accessible only by boat, this stately lighthouse stands at the mouth of the St. Mary's River. DeTour even offers a "weekend keeper" program, through which you can stay in its bedroom; that is, in exchange for helping out around the house.
Photo via IG user @fatherguss

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Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse
Grand Haven
Breathtaking, right? For one-of-a-kind views, stop by the pier where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan, and head to the bright red lighthouse.
Photo via IG user @danielle_313

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White Shoal Lighthouse
Emmet County
This might be the closest you'll ever get to visiting the North Pole of your childhood dreams. At 20 miles west of the Mackinac bridge, why not stop by after a trip to the Island?
Photo via IG user @alana_mcleod

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Mission Point Lighthouse
Traverse City
OK, this might be the cutest lighthouse of all time. Mission Point has all the makings of a perfect Cape Cod home, with the added wow-factor of, you know, being a lighthouse. Ground floor entry is free, while $4 gets you to the tower.
Photo via IG user @sunnshhiine

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Port Austin Lighthouse
Port Austin Reef
Perhaps the most avant-garde on the list, Port Austin Light consists of two adjoining structures: a traditional light tower, and a "fog signal building." We promise, it's like nothing you've ever seen.
Photo via IG user @acatalinah

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Grand Island East Channel
Alger County
Though the lighthouse itself is not open to visitors, it makes for a pretty scenic view on its own. We only have one piece of advice: Go in the fall.
Photo via IG user @michiganoverboard

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Detroit River Lighthouse
Detroit
This often-forgotten gem lies offshore in Lake Erie. Though the house is not open to the public, it's certainly worth passing by boat.
Photo via IG user @tylerthebassmaster

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South Manitou Island Lighthouse
Leland
Surrounded by sprawling sand dunes and crystal clear water of the Manitou Passage, it's no wonder this lighthouse is a tourist favorite. A 117-step staircase leads visitors to a view of the Manitou Passage and island.
Photo via IG user @grandtraverseliving

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Round Island Lighthouse
Straits of Mackinac
The Round Island Lighthouse may be 122 years old, but its age only adds to its charm. Just off the coast of Mackinac, its location presents some of the best photo-ops in the mitten.
Photo via IG user @jmwolford

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Point Betsie Lighthouse
Frankfort
At the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage lies this well-known wonder. The surrounding area is perfect for rock hunting, kayaking, and hiking.
Photo via IG user @goodvibesgreatlakes

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Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Mackinac Island
Sure, it's a classic tourist destination, but that doesn't make Mackinac's famed lighthouse any less worthwhile. It's home to a picnic area, a museum, and exhibitions open for touring.
Photo via IG user @kimberlydh

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South Pier Lighthouse
Charlevoix
Cap off a perfect Charlevoix day with a trip to this pier. The lighthouse tower is the perfect spot to view a Pure Michigan sunset.
Photo via IG user @asherdog17

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McGulpin Point Lighthouse
Mackinaw City
With a scenic lakeshore and a newly-cleared trail, the lighthouse is the icing on the cake at McGulpin Point. Its tower boasts an ornate spiral staircase that leads to a watch deck with a panoramic view of surrounding forestry and the Mackinac Bridge.
Photo via IG user @dboudz

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Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
Presque Isle
This one's an oldie, but a goodie. Built in 1840, the picturesque tower is still open to visitors, many of whom have claimed the place is haunted (dun, dun, dun!).
Photo via IG user @robert_scott_miller

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Crisp Point Lighthouse
Newberry
Crisp Point might be exactly what we picture when we imagine a lighthouse. Situated on the rocky shore of Lake Superior, the lighthouse was built on what is still largely a primordial forest, in what is said to be incredibly serene, uninhabited area.
Photo via IG user @ @clark_67

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Frankfort North Lighthouse
Frankfort
A walk along Frankfort's narrow pier will make you feel like you're one with Lake Michigan. You may not be able to go inside the tower, but its presence will certainly add to the ambiance.
Photo via IG user @grandtraverseliving

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Au Sable Light Station
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
As if you need another reason to visit Pictured Rocks. It's a beautiful 1.5 mile walk to this lighthouse, and it's perfect spot for late-night stargazing.
Photo via IG user @ishootmi

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22 stunning Michigan lighthouses you need to see before you die

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