10 Most Scenic Northern Michigan Lighthouses to Visit
Photo(s) by Taylor BrownPoint Betsie Lighthouse More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined 303 Red Hot Best winners and 700+ honorable mentions. Here you’ll find the best Northern Michigan lighthouses to visit on your next vacation.
First Place: Point Betsie Lighthouse, Frankfort
From morning’s clear light to the neon orb of sunset, this hipped-roofed queen of the Benzie County shoreline is a beacon of beauty. Bring your camera and a bathing suit—the beach is amazing. Open to tours; $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6–11.
Second Place: Mission Point Lighthouse, Old Mission Peninsula
This beautiful light stands guard at the tip of the peninsula with a sandy beach out front. Admission to the first-floor museum is free; $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under to climb the stairs to the top. Be a Mission Point Lighthouse keeper for a week!
Third Place: Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Northport
See the restored keeper’s dwelling and climb the tower for a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, Cathead Bay, Grand Traverse Bay and the Manitou Passage. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6–12. (Ask about the lighthouse treasure hunt!) Before you go, take this video tour of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and read this ghost story—you never know what you might see.
Enjoy aerial views of the Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse!
Finalists for most scenic lighthouses
- Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse, Frankfort
- Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse, Munising
- North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse, Lake Michigan
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City
- Round Island Lighthouse, Straits of Mackinac
- South Manitou Island Lighthouse, Leelanau County
- Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Paradise