Shoreline of Lighthouses: Michigan’s Beacons of Light

Considering the elegance and beauty of Michigan’s lighthouses, it’s no wonder why they attract visitors from near and far. Coming in all shapes, sizes, and colors, these historic landmarks are a symbol of light, strength, and comfort. For almost 200 years, they have provided guidance to sailors navigating their way through Michigan’s dangerous waterways.  They offer a window into the past and a vantage point from which to appreciate Michigan’s natural beauty.

Depending on your interests and your itinerary, there are many Michigan lighthouses to choose from. Of the 129 lighthouses, thirty-four are open to the public and sixteen contain museums. Whichever lighthouses you pick, the experience will be unforgettable. Here are some of the best lighthouses Michigan has to offer.

Ludington Breakwater Light

One of the most impressive is Ludington North Breakwater Light. A half-mile walk along the pier will bring you this magnificent steel structure with its white pyramid shaped tower. Once there, you can climb fifty-three steps to the top and enjoy incredible views of the harbor. 

White River Lighthouse

Forty minutes south of Ludington, between Lake Michigan and White Lake, you will find White River Lighthouse. In 1960, it was decommissioned; soon after that it became a museum. A spiral staircase leads to the top of the tower where its fourth order Fresnel lens can be viewed.

Little Sable Lighthouse

Standing tall at 107 feet, the brick tower of Little Sable Lighthouse is all that remains of this iconic lighthouse making it one of the most majestic in appearance. The 139-step climb to the top is well worth it for magnificent views of the surrounding sand dunes and evergreen forests. Its third order Fresnel lens, which provided nineteen miles of visibility into Lake Michigan, has been preserved. 

Big Sable Lighthouse

The nearby Big Sable Lighthouse in Ludington State Park stands even taller at 112 feet. Incredible views of Lake Michigan can be seen from the unique black and white colored tower, making this lighthouse a major attraction. It is open to the public and hosts concerts throughout the summer. 

Point Iroquois Light

One of the most scenic lighthouses, Point Iroquois Light, with its sixty-five foot tower on St. Mary’s River, was constructed in 1855 and first lit in 1857.  Its fourth order Fresnel lens illuminated one of busiest shipping lanes in the world. It contains a museum full of artifacts and the assistant keeper’s apartment has been restored. A spiral staircase can be climbed to reach the top of its tower.

Whitefish Point Light Station

Built in 1861, the Whitefish Point Light Station, with an eighty-foot tower on Michigan’s Shipwreck Coast, is the oldest operating light on Lake Superior and perhaps the most important. The crew’s quarters have been converted into a hotel. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is here to fill you in on the 200 shipwrecks in the area.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Crisp Point Lighthouse, located near Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Ally, is one of the most remote lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula. Built in 1904 and named for its keeper, Christopher Crisp, it guarded and protected vessels traveling along this dangerous coast. After being deactivated in 1947, its structure deteriorated leaving the tower standing alone. For many years it was inaccessible, but fortunately it has been restored to its former glory.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse

Located near Mackinaw City, McGulpin Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the Straits having served from 1869 until 1906. It provided essential navigational support along the southwestern edge of the Straits of Mackinac.  The cast iron spiral stairway can be climbed for incredible views of the Straits and the Mackinac Bridge. 

Holland Harbor Light

One of Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse, the Holland Harbor Light is commonly known as the Big Red Lighthouse. Its entire structure is painted red, making it an unusual sight. It can be viewed from Holland State Park or from Mt. Pisgah where the dune staircase takes you to 157 feet above sea level. 

The beauty of light reflecting on Michigan’s waters will stay with you long after a visit to these iconic lighthouses. To keep your memories with you even longer, Northern Nail Polish has created Michigan Lighthouses, a pearly opalescent nail polish that can be worn alone or over another color. It reflects light, creating flashes of color reminiscent of the lighthouses of Michigan.