A sampling of Lighthouses, Including Volunteer Keeper Programs and B&Bs
There are 116 lighhouses boarding the state of Michigan. It is no wonder that even at the Welcome Center on I-94 West, a light stands proudly, representing the state.
Most of Michigan's lighthouses were built in the 1800's. Bulk transportation (pre-highways and cargo planes) was done by large ships.With Michigan having the world's longest freshwater coastline, lights were needed to either signal the location of a port entrance or to warn sailors of the dangers of rocks or shallow shoals.
Gas was the means of keeping the signal going. A keeper was the means to maintain and secure the light. It was often a lonely job.
With today's GPS and electricity, both light and keeper are not as necessary as in the past. Today's lighthouses are more nastalgic. Some have been preserved and turned into Bed and Breakfasts. Others maintain a summer and fall Volunteer Keeper program. Come visit any of the 116 Lights of Mighigan.
Most of Michigan's lighthouses were built in the 1800's. Bulk transportation (pre-highways and cargo planes) was done by large ships.With Michigan having the world's longest freshwater coastline, lights were needed to either signal the location of a port entrance or to warn sailors of the dangers of rocks or shallow shoals.
Gas was the means of keeping the signal going. A keeper was the means to maintain and secure the light. It was often a lonely job.
With today's GPS and electricity, both light and keeper are not as necessary as in the past. Today's lighthouses are more nastalgic. Some have been preserved and turned into Bed and Breakfasts. Others maintain a summer and fall Volunteer Keeper program. Come visit any of the 116 Lights of Mighigan.
South Haven South Pier Light
One of the more photographed lighthouses in Michigan is the one guarding the entrance to the port of South Haven. In the early 1800's cruise ships brought tourists from Chicago across Lake Michigan to South Haven. South Haven was a playground for the rich.Notice the raised walk extending to the lighthouse in the photo. The keeper stayed in a house securely on land, within sight of the light. The raised walk was so the keeper could tend his light even on the most foul-weathered of days which made walking on the pier below imposible.
Holland Harbor Lighthouse
Affectionaltely called "Big Red"
Holland Harbors first light was merely an oil lamp raised and lowered on a pole by pullies. The present building holding the Holland Lighthouse was built in 1907. Its gabled roof reflects the Dutch influence in the area, also known for its Tulip Festival each April.The lighthouse became automated in 1932. In1970, when the U.S. Coast Guard reccomended it be abandoned, the citizens of Holland circulated petitions to rescue the house known to rescue others. They succeeded.
Haunted Lighthouses
Lighthouses and hauntings often seem to go together. Is it because of the association with death of sailors off her shore, or the isolation and loneliness for the keepers in the the locations? Perhaps it is the numbing routine of the job, or the howling winds, or even the many abandoned buildings?
Michigan has her share of haunted lighthouse stories. One story is of the bloodcurdling screams heard in the night at New Presque Isle Lighthouse on Michigan's "Thumb" (of the mitten shape of the state).
Rumor has it that the keeper's wife went crazy from the isolation. Her husband locked her in a tunnel beneath the station grounds where she died. Is she still crying to be set free of the loneliness, the station, or to scream of her "murder?"
Truth or fiction? Listen to the screams in the night, and you decide.
Michigan has her share of haunted lighthouse stories. One story is of the bloodcurdling screams heard in the night at New Presque Isle Lighthouse on Michigan's "Thumb" (of the mitten shape of the state).
Rumor has it that the keeper's wife went crazy from the isolation. Her husband locked her in a tunnel beneath the station grounds where she died. Is she still crying to be set free of the loneliness, the station, or to scream of her "murder?"
Truth or fiction? Listen to the screams in the night, and you decide.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Grand Traverse Volunteer Lighthouse Keeper Program
- Grand Traverse Lighthouse Volunteer Lighthouse Keeper
- You will be trained to give tours of the lighthouse, work the gift shop, and do other light work associated with the lighthouse.
Little Sable Point
Big Sable Point Lighthouse Volunteer Keeper Program
- Big Sable Point Lighthouse
- You can be a lighthouse volunteer keeper for two weeks, including giving tours of the light and other light duties. Four adults are needed during each occupancy.
Amusing Lighthouse Warning
This, found at the light at Portage Point on Lake Michigan, gives a warning which can only be read while standing within arms-length of the sign.DANGER
INTENSE SOUND SIGNAL
MAY SOUND WITHOUT WARNING
KEEP 100 FEET AWAY
WHEN HORN SOUNDS
Michigan Lighthouse Books
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Mackanaw City
This fortress lighthouse was home and workplace for the tenders of the lighthouse looking from the mainland of Michigan across the waters to Mackinac Island. It is at the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. At one time (mid-1800's), one could see up to 100 ships sailing through the straight.Old Mackinac Point operated as a lighthouse station from 1890 until 1957, when the five-mile Mackinac Bridge (lit each night) was completed, thereby eliminating the need for the lighthouse to guide sailors through.
New Igo GREEN Tip of the Day
Point Betsie Light
Near the pinkie of the "Michigan Mitten," Point Betsie guards the coastline.From The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse website: "Point Betsie is the second most photographed lighthouse in the USA."
It was built in 1858, and automated in 1983.
Michigan's Lighthouse Bed and Breakfasts
(for a unique night out)
- Shipwreck Coast Museum & Whitefish Point Light Station
- Whitefish Point is the oldest, still operational lighthouse on Lake Superior.
- Big Bay Point Lighthouse
- Several rooms are available in this unique B&B. Breakfast, sauna, tower, and 47 acres of woods and meadow are available.
- Sand Hills Lighthouse
- Listed on the National Registry for Historical Places, Sand Hills Lighthouse is on the northernmost peninsula of Michigan in the UP (Upper Peninsula).
Michigan Lighthouse Products
New Orbitz!
Lighthouse Lens Visitors
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BigGirlBlue
Dec 30, 2009 @ 3:08 pm | delete
- I love lighthouses. You've shown some unique looking ones. I always thought I'd like to live in a house next to one.
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BiciParker
Jan 2, 2010 @ 12:52 pm | delete
- The Mission's Point one north of Traverse City is for rent during the winter months as of 2009-2010. I think were I to live next door to one, I'd be blinking all night long.
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by BiciParker
Born in Michigan. Lived in 6 other states. Now back in Michigan.
I like to read and write. I like to travel and take pictures. I love being out-of-...
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