Lighthouses of Michigan – A Self-Guided Tour for History Lovers

Let’s be honest: Michigan is quietly one of the coolest states to road trip through, especially if you’re into rugged shorelines, maritime legends, and standing in places where history brushed against wild waves.

And if lighthouses give you that strange mix of awe, nostalgia, and a bit of wanderlust? You’re in for a treat.

With more than 120 lighthouses, Michigan has more of them than any other state. No kidding. They dot the edges of both peninsulas, standing guard over Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie.

Some are tall and regal, others squat and boxy, and most have stories that stretch back to the 1800s. Many are still active, some have been turned into museums, and a few are even up for overnight stays. Yes, actual lighthouses you can sleep in.

1. Grand Haven Lighthouse – Grand Haven, MI

This iconic pair of red lighthouses is one of the most recognizable sights along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore — and it’s a perfect starter for a lighthouse tour if you’re coming up from Illinois.

Located at the mouth of the Grand River, the Grand Haven South Pierhead lights have been guarding the shoreline since 1839, with the current towers dating back to the early 1900s.

What sets this site apart isn’t just the architecture, but the vibe. Locals and tourists gather at sunset to watch the sun drop behind the pier, waves sometimes crashing over the breakwall, kids eating ice cream nearby.

The original catwalk — a raised steel walkway used by lighthouse keepers during storms — is still intact, a rare feature preserved for public appreciation.

2. Big Sable Point Lighthouse – Ludington State Park

You can’t drive to Big Sable — you hike to it, and that’s part of what makes the experience unforgettable. The journey starts at Ludington State Park and winds about 1.8 miles through sand dunes and wooded paths before you finally see it: a striking black-and-white banded tower rising out of wild beach grass.

Built in 1867 and standing 112 feet tall, Big Sable is one of the most remote-feeling lighthouses in the Lower Peninsula. There’s no town in sight, just the roar of Lake Michigan, seagulls, and the whisper of dune grass in the wind.

You can climb the tower during the open season and take in endless lake views. Volunteers run the visitor center, often sharing stories about the keepers who used to brave brutal winters out here.

3. Point Betsie Lighthouse – Near Frankfort, MI

Point Betsie is that picture-perfect lighthouse you’ve probably seen on postcards without realizing it. It has a clean, classic design — white tower, red roof, green shutters — and sits right where Lake Michigan crashes against the shore near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Commissioned in 1858, it’s still an active navigational aid today and one of the most accessible lighthouses in the region — you can drive almost right up to it. Inside, a small museum shares shipwreck stories, Coast Guard history, and the daily routines of the lighthouse keepers.

And yes, you can stay here. The old keeper’s quarters have been converted into a cozy rental, so you can watch the sun rise and set without ever leaving the property.

4. Old Mission Point Lighthouse – Traverse City, MI

At the very tip of the scenic Old Mission Peninsula, surrounded by cherry orchards and wineries, you’ll find this charming little lighthouse. It’s not the tallest or flashiest, but Old Mission Point Lighthouse makes up for it in peaceful beauty and accessibility.

Built in 1870, it stands on the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole — a fact proudly displayed on a roadside sign that makes for a great photo op. The lighthouse is painted in traditional white with black trim, nestled among towering pines and gentle trails that lead to Lake Michigan.

Inside, exhibits focus on the role of women in lighthouse keeping, plus local Traverse Bay maritime history. Outside, you’ll find picnic tables, beach access, and quiet trails perfect for stretching your legs after a day of driving.

5. Whitefish Point Light Station – Paradise, MI

This lighthouse is as raw and real as it gets. Known as the gateway to the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes,” Whitefish Point is where Lake Superior becomes deadly serious — and the local museum doesn’t sugarcoat it.

Established in 1849, the lighthouse is the oldest on Lake Superior. It marks a critical point for ships rounding the Upper Peninsula’s eastern tip, a zone infamous for storms, fog, and shipwrecks — including the tragic 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located on-site, includes chilling artifacts like recovered lifeboats, logbooks, and the actual bell from the Fitzgerald. It’s powerful and sobering.

6. Crisp Point Lighthouse – Remote Lake Superior Shore

@tony.hogrefe The morning after a violent storm is always something to behold. #photographersoftiktok #workingartist #landscapephotography #photography #canoncamera #longexposure ♬ A chillingly beautiful female voice and a beautiful piano(1148500) – Chiemikan

This one is for the adventurers. Getting to Crisp Point is half the journey — unpaved roads, dense forests, and almost zero signage. But when you finally arrive, the lighthouse feels like it’s at the end of the world. Just you, Lake Superior, and a solitary tower.

Built in 1904, Crisp Point was nearly lost to erosion until local volunteers stepped in. Today, it’s fully restored and maintained, and easily one of the most scenic, remote lighthouses in the Midwest.

7. Eagle Harbor Lighthouse – Keweenaw Peninsula

Way up in Copper Country, this red-brick beauty overlooks a rocky harbor on Lake Superior. Built in 1871, Eagle Harbor Lighthouse is one of the more complete historic sites in the region, with a museum, fog signal building, and oil house all open to visitors.

The museum is operated by passionate volunteers who can rattle off shipwreck names and copper mining history like they lived it. The surrounding area — full of old mining towns and rugged shoreline — makes this feel like a step back in time.

8. Sand Point Lighthouse – Escanaba, MI

Sand Point Lighthouse (1867)
Escanaba, MI pic.twitter.com/svHeIKIsPi

— Midwest Modern (@JoshLipnik) September 24, 2024

This petite but pristine lighthouse sits right on the northern edge of Lake Michigan in Escanaba. Built in 1867, Sand Point has been beautifully restored — complete with period furnishings, keeper’s uniforms, and navigation tools of the era.

It’s easy to explore and doesn’t require a long hike or admission fee. It’s also a great family stop — kids can climb to the lantern room while adults soak in the peaceful bay views.

Final Word

If you’re coming from Illinois, Michigan’s lighthouse trail is one of the most scenic, story-rich escapes you can make without hopping on a plane. With each stop, you’re not just getting lake views — you’re stepping into a chapter of Great Lakes history, one that still echoes in the waves, wind, and worn bricks of each tower.

So whether you’re headed out for a weekend, a full loop, or chasing that perfect sunrise photo, you’re in good company — and close to the shoreline.