10 Michigan lighthouses you can visit, mapped

These stunning beacons abound along the Great Lakes

By Robin Runyan Jun 1, 2018, 10:26am EDT

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Tawas Point Lighthouse at sunset

| Photo by Craig Sterken/Shutterstock

By Robin Runyan Jun 1, 2018, 10:26am EDT

Michigan is known for its natural beauty, and because of its Great Lakes and vast shoreline, it’s home to more lighthouses than any other state. Some are still very much in use, while others sit as reminders of times past. Many lighthouses are off-limits to the public, but we’ve chosen 10 that are generally open in the summer (check the website above each photo to plan your travel).

Pack up your camera and hit the road! Staying for a while? Make sure to check out our map of must-visit small towns up north.

Want to see some lighthouses up close in Detroit? A replica of the Tawas lighthouse stands in Milliken State Park, and the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse stands at the eastern end of Belle Isle. Make sure to walk out and check out the exterior of the Art Deco marble lighthouse.

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments or drop us a note on the tipline.

Big Red Lighthouse

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You can’t miss this 1872 lighthouse on the north pier in Holland. The highly photographed red beauty is a sight to see in any season.

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2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49423

(800) 506-1299

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Big Sable Point Lighthouse

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This striking black-and-white tower in Ludington sits at the north end of Ludington State Park. Climb the tower for Lake Michigan views, and stay to relax on the beach.

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5611 N Lighthouse, Ludington, MI 49431

(231) 845-7417

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Point Betsie Lighthouse

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This beautiful 1858 lighthouse sits at the start of the Manitou Passage north of Frankfort and at the south end of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visitors can tour the lighthouse, boathouse, and museum and explore the nearby beach.

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3701 Point Betsie Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635

(231) 352-7644

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South Manitou Island Lighthouse

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See it from the Sleeping Bear Dunes, or take the ferry to the historic South Manitou Island Lighthouse. Located about a half mile from the dock, it guided ships through the Manitou Passage starting in 1871. It was active until 1958.

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Glen Arbor Township, MI 49630

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Old Mission Lighthouse

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Standing along the north end of the beautiful Old Mission Peninsula, Mission Point Lighthouse is a lovely piece of maritime history. Visitors can hike the many surrounding trails, climb the tower, or learn more about the area’s history.

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20500 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 223-7324

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McGulpin Point Lighthouse

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Take in sweeping views of the Straits and the Mackinac Bridge from the popular McGulpin Point Lighthouse.

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500 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49770

(231) 436-5860

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Copper Harbor Lighthouse

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Take a ferry up to this Lake Superior destination and explore the 1866 lighthouse and historical museum.

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Fort Wilkins Historic State Park Copper Harbor, Copper Harbor, MI 49918

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Whitefish Point Lighthouse

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Check out this complex of buildings in Paradise, with spectacular views of Lake Superior. Make sure to visit the shipwreck museum to learn more about the Edmund Fitzgerald and more.

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18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768

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New Presque Isle Lighthouse

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Check two lighthouses off your bucket list at Presque Isle. The new and old Presque Isle lighthouses are open for tours. The old lighthouse dates back to 1840, but the new one really isn’t that new at all. It was built in 1870 and it’s one of the tallest visitors can climb in the state at 113 feet.