Just a mere 18 miles north of Traverse City on the scenic drive on Center Road/M-37 one can enjoy sweeping vistas of orchards and vineyards until they reach the shore of Lake Michigan’s northernmost tip. Off the busy highways one can enjoy the peaceful setting at Mission Point Lighthouse. Here one can meander in the lighthouse for a time at the Lake or browse through the information site of the Lighthouse and Museum.
The lighthouse is open from May through October and on weekends in November. Tours hours vary as this is a volunteer-run site so refer to their website (listed below)for hours. There is a small fee for the museum and tower climb.
On site is also the Hessler Log Cabin, a gift shop in a very quaint setting. After one has done all the cultured and indoor things a soul can wander and explore the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
In the 1860’s congress set aside funding for the lighthouse to be situated on the 45th parallel after a ship ran aground. However, due to the Civil War, it was not completed until 1870 and the lighthouse was first lit in the harbor on September 10, 1870. During its use, seven keepers maintained the lighthouse, one of which was a woman keeper as she continued the duties she and her husband had previously shared after he passed.
In 1933 the lighthouse was decommissioned and was replaced by an automated buoy offshore.
Various events are held throughout the year and can be viewed on the Lighthouse site.
I enjoyed the peaceful, quiet setting at the Lighthouse and found limited numbers of people which lent to it being rather rustic and tucked away off the beautiful route.
I was not fortunate enough to be at this location during the northern light showing, which I am told can be most enjoyable in this area. Perhaps with luck I will enjoy on a future adventure in this area.
This is a very natural setting and is therefore challenging to anyone with limitations however, I would note I saw people with canes and walkers coming up off the beach so if you are stable enough you can accomplish a walk on the beach at this site. The lighthouse will of course have its own set of challenges.
LINKS:
www.missionpointlighthouse.com
Love this! Any stories about it being haunted?