Lighthouses can be found all around the state, and chances are, if you're on or close to one of the Great Lakes, you're not far from a lighthouse. With a total of 129 lighthouses, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the USA. Once used to light points and shoals, and to act as guides for the ships of the great lakes, many lighthouses have been retired and now act as museums or even a bed and breakfast.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in Michigan, was built in 1825. During the summer of 1828, Keeper McDougall reported that the lighthouse had cracks in its walls and was leaning to the east. The following September, a violent three day storm eroded vast amounts of the shore. The lighthouse was undermined, and before repairs could be made, it toppled over in November. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1829. The total cost of the new structure was $5,001.48.
Just a short trip up the road from Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point lighthouse and shipwreck museum is a great place to spend the day learning about Lake Superior, bird watching the protected habitat, or rock hunting for agates along the beach.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in Michigan, was built in 1825. During the summer of 1828, Keeper McDougall reported that the lighthouse had cracks in its walls and was leaning to the east. The following September, a violent three day storm eroded vast amounts of the shore. The lighthouse was undermined, and before repairs could be made, it toppled over in November. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1829. The total cost of the new structure was $5,001.48.
Just a short trip up the road from Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point lighthouse and shipwreck museum is a great place to spend the day learning about Lake Superior, bird watching the protected habitat, or rock hunting for agates along the beach.
Lighthouses