The next time you want to take a Greal Lakes lighthouse tour, consider bunking at cabins along the way. Enjoy privacy and low book direct pricing.
Scott Lakes Properties
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state (247, though only 100 are in decent condition). Many lighthouses dot the coast of Michigan from the St. Joseph’s North Pier Light in southwest Michigan to McGulpin Point Lighthouse by the Straits of Mackinac. 20 of them are actually open to the public with tours and maritime museums, depicting life back then. History buffs will love the western pike of Michigan and we’re sure of it. Cabintimers will love these Michigan cabins near lighthouses on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron.
113 vacation rental(s) found... This newly updated 2-bedroom home is located in downtown East Tawas, just blocks from the public beach and downtown Newm... Historic. Legendary. Tradition. These words certainly describe the Cabin Time experience here at our Michillinda Lodge, ... The Dove Cottage is our 1 bedroom cottage nestled in a quiet, wooded setting only a few minutes from Lake Michigan. Expe... From Hiawatha's Hideaway vacation homes - We've been in business for 25 years now. One of our top priorities has always ... Weekly FRIDAY to Friday*********2024 Booking has begun*********Large Large Lake Michigan Beach plenty of room to spread ... Introducing the newest luxury vacation rental by Hiawatha’s Vacation Home: Superior Adventures in Munising, MI. This u... Arrive in Lake Leelanau paradise while staying at this beautiful luxurious cabin! Up to 20 guests can comfortably enjoy ... Carpe Diem 365 is a newly renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo located on the beautiful sugar sand beaches of Lake ... AVAILABLE NIGHTLY & WEEKENDS; Fall, Winter, Spring -- just ask !
Wilkins Landing in Traverse City is a cozy, two-bedro... Sleeps 16. Listen to the Loons in the morning and evenings...its fun, beautiful, romantic -- a HOT TUB, kayaks, pontoon ...
Perfect Landing
Our Escape
East Tawas, MI
Pets considered
BOOK DIRECT
$150 -
$150 per night
$1050 -
$1050 per week
3rd party booking
$195 -
$195 per night
$1365 -
$1365 per week
Michillinda Lodge
Cabin F
Whitehall, MI
No pets
BOOK DIRECT
$89 -
$220 per night
$800 -
$990 per week
3rd party booking
$115.7 -
$286 per night
$1040 -
$1287 per week
Sweethaven Resort
The Dove Cottage
Union Pier, MI
Pets considered
BOOK DIRECT
$165 -
$240 per night
$1155 -
$1505 per week
3rd party booking
$214.5 -
$312 per night
$1501.5 -
$1956.5 per week
Hiawatha's Vacation Homes
Camp on Baldy Lake, upscale camping!!
Wetmore, MI
Pets considered
BOOK DIRECT
$195 -
$325 per night
$1295 -
$2275 per week
3rd party booking
$253.5 -
$422.5 per night
$1683.5 -
$2957.5 per week
Murray Properties
Beach Street @ Pere Marquette
Muskegon, MI
No pets
BOOK DIRECT
$256 -
$285 per night
$1792 -
$1995 per week
3rd party booking
$332.8 -
$370.5 per night
$2329.6 -
$2593.5 per week
Hiawatha's Vacation Homes
Superior Adventures
Munising, MI
No pets
BOOK DIRECT
$325 -
$900 per night
$5500 per week
3rd party booking
$422.5 -
$1170 per night
$7150 per week
Rustic Log Cabin Retreat
Lake Leelanau, MI
No pets
BOOK DIRECT
$1350 -
$1350 per night
$9450 -
$9450 per week
3rd party booking
$1755 -
$1755 per night
$12285 -
$12285 per week
Perfect Landing
Carpe Diem 365
Au Sable, MI
No pets
BOOK DIRECT
$140 -
$160 per night
$0 per week
3rd party booking
$182 -
$208 per night
$0 per week
Wilkins Landing at Spider Lake
Williamsburg, MI
BOOK DIRECT
$165 -
$272 per night
$1750 -
$1900 per week
3rd party booking
$214.5 -
$353.6 per night
$2275 -
$2470 per week
Songbird Cottage
Traverse City, MI
Pets considered
BOOK DIRECT
$685 -
$931 per night
$4361 -
$7200 per week
3rd party booking
$890.5 -
$1210.3 per night
$5669.3 -
$9360 per week
Long before technology, lighthouses were the only way to safely navigate boats from all over the Great Lakes and to land, primarily in the 1800s when boat traffic was at its heaviest. Over time, cargo boats were less needed as cargo shipments on land became more efficient. Lighthouses became more automated and the need to have someone there all the time had dissipated.
Lighthouses helped shaped shipping history in America. The families that grew up in lighthouses with their many tales, slowly moved inland to find more work as lighthouses became more advanced. The history of lighthouses (some even ghostly) can be a fascinating story to tell and only those that are extensive in the knowledge can tell it. Enjoy a vacation on Michigan’s Great Lake coasts to fully experience the magnitude of lighthouse history.
1. The Peninsula Point Lighthouse: An hour away from Manistique, this lighthouse is a brick square lighthouse that is great for observing migratory birds and butterflies and sits on a shore of fossils from 400-500 million years ago. Ideal for a road trip along picturesque Upper Peninsula.
2. The Poverty Island Lighthouse: In 2011 was declared by Lighthouse Digest to be "America’s Most Endangered Lighthouse". This is located near Summer Island in the Upper Peninsula Michigan, close to Manistique.
3. The Manistique Lighthouse: This lighthouse sticks out with its bold red color and is still used for navigation purposes. It was was once used as a navigation light for the shipping industry as it was an important shipping port for the logging industry. It is privately owned and not open for inside tours.
4. The Seul Choix Lighthouse: 14 miles east of Manistique, this lighthouse has been considered haunted due to strange happenings. Well maintained, this lighthouse is a registered Historical marker with museum highlighting the history of this nautical treasure.
5. Old Mission Point Lighthouse: It’s location on the 19 mile long peninsula is especially unique to Michigan. The moderate temps allow for exceptional grape and cherry growing, therefore lots of wineries and vineyards populate this area. The view of this particular lighthouse and the surrounding area makes this a beautiful backdrop for romantic proposals and weddings.
6. Grand Traverse Lighthouse: Located in the Leelanau State Park, this lighthouse is located in Northport, MI in the “pinky” of the mitten state. This picturesque lighthouse is surrounded by water and provided a light of hope since 1858.
7. North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse: Declared as extra excess to the Coast Guard, this lighthouse that floats in the water midway between the southern end and the northern end of North Manitou Island and the mainland. If no on speaks interest in the undertaking of this lighthouse, it will be sold at an auction… anyone interested?
8. South Manitou Island Lighthouse: One of the most recognized characters on the island, this lighthouse is a focal point for many visitors looking to check out the 3 brothers shipwreck nearby or the dunes through the town’s village. Enjoy a romantic proposal, a selfie or a panoramic view of Lake Michigan with this incredible view.
9. Manning Light Lighthouse: the 2nd newest lighthouse in Michigan, this is located near Empire, Michigan. It was named after Robert Manning wished he had a lighthouse to help navigate his trips on his vessel to the mainland. After he died, the lighthouse was erected and named after him.
10. Point Betsie Lighthouse: This lighthouse was leased to the Friends of Point Betsie immediately after the Benzie County acquired it from the Coast Guard in 2004 and since then, a million dollars have been put back into it, remodeling and fixing up the lighthouse. This lighthouse makes for a perfect proposal, wedding or honeymoon. Even memorials, baptisms, and senior portraits.
11. Frankfort North Lighthouse: This is a spectacular location for a romantic picnic while the sun sets over the horizon or to enjoy a peaceful evening fishing. Pick a day with fireworks and you have an evening of lake fun and burst of color above a historical lighthouse. What sounds better than that?
12. Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse: 1 of 4 catwalks that exist on the West Coast of Lake Michigan, this pier and lighthouse is owned by the town of Manistee museum. The lighthouse is the focal part of the lighthouse park, the Douglas Recreation Park. Consider this a terrific backdrop to wedding photography, senior portraits, reunions, and ceremonies in Manistee, Michigan.
13. Big Sable Lighthouse: This peculiar history and beautiful backdrop set the tone for this lighthouse. This lighthouse was erected after 1855-the year where three tragic shipwrecks caused the loss of many lives on board. Construction and habitants continued until 1968. This is when electricity made this lighthouse fully automated, therefore eliminating the need for the Coast Guard. After they vacated, the State Dept. Of Social Services operated an experimental program with delinquents, using survival therapy techniques in the lighthouse.
14. Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse: often voted #1 lighthouse in Michigan, this lighthouse is in Stearns Park in Michigan where activities are boundless for the day. This lighthouse is a great place to bid adieu to the passengers of the S.S. Badger, the Lake Michigan Car Ferry. Play a round of mini golf, be adventurous at the skate park, or pack a picnic for the sunset here.
15. Pentwater Pier Lighthouse: these lights mark the entrance to the channel connecting Lake Michigan and Pentwater Lake. The park it is set next to Mears State Park outside of Pentwater. Lots of festivals, fireworks and contests are always going on in this area. Check the local website for current events in Pentwater.
16. Little Sable Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse was the last one lighthouse to be electrified in Michigan, therefore not getting abandoned until 1958. When the concrete proved to be unstable the building next to the tower was demolished and the only thing left was the tower.
17. White River Lighthouse: Located near Whitehall, Michigan this light is situated on a narrow peninsula and is home to a thorough museum, highlighting maritime history. This lighthouse was constructed during the prime lumbar industry days. The keeper, his wife and 13 children occupied this small residence.
18. Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse: Muskegon, once home to the largest concentration of millionaires in the 1800s due to the rebuilding of Chicago after the great fire. Climbing the tower is a favorite among children today.
19. Grand Haven Lighthouse: This tower has been the site of shore erosion and a meteor strike, proving Mother Nature can sometimes be quite moody. This red lighthouse is currently being conserved under the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy.
20. Holland Harbor Lighthouse: This is a must stop of those that desire a great road trip along Lake Michigan. This charming town, home to the annual tulip festival every year, is a gorgeous town, complete with its might fine red lighthouse. This is only 2.5 hours from Chicago so to even make a day of it is simple.
21. South Haven South Pier Lighthouse: This lighthouse is certainly a celebrity in this beach town along Lake Michigan. This town hosts the Haborfest every year and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Unfortunately, the lighthouse, while looking magnificent on the outside, needs a lot of repair on the inside due to erosion. Only 2 hours from Chicago.
22. St. Joseph Pier Lighthouse: This lighthouse is in St. Joseph, the Riviera of the Midwest, which makes this one very popular. This lighthouse once served as headquarters to the Red Cross. The catwalk is still used to for fishing, running, or biking.
While enjoying your Michigan lighthouse tour, take a drive down the West Michigan Pike. With wine and craft beer tours along serene and quiet beach towns, you’ll want to stay for more, which is why you will want to rent a Michigan Vacation Rental along the coast. Enjoy the street performers of Holland, Michigan or the sand dunes at Silver Lake. Enjoy a historical sail across Lake Michigan on the Friends Good Will Ship, telling the story of commerce in the 1800s and War of 1812.
The Great Lakes hold more than 6,000 sunken ships. In the springtime, Lake Michigan can be so clear that even finding shipwrecks from an airplane can be easy. The cold freshwater at the bottom is about 39 degrees year-round which is a great temperature for preserving shipwrecks and even the handful of airplane crashes. If you’re looking for excitement on your lighthouse tour, here it is.
The maritime history among all the lighthouses are a nautical nod to our nation’s past in historical events such as the Pearl Harbor attack, World War II, and the Cold War. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse is a must see for travelers looking at Michigan lighthouses. This is the tallest along Lake Michigan and is great view from the top. A great way to admire the sunset on Lake Michigan. Another popular one is north of Grand Haven is the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier, festively decorated with lights along the pier. A famous and most often photographed is the majestic Ludington’s North Breakwater Light. Ranked #1 in the state, this lighthouse is also a must see on your Lake Michigan lighthouse tour.
Summertime is great for travel to West Michigan as tours of the lighthouses are always going on. But added bonuses to this type of travel is the aurora borealis, also called the northern lights, after the night begins to fall. This rare glimpse of Mother Nature’s magnitude is highly recommended and can only be seen in certain parts of the world. The golf courses along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan are also some of the best in the country.
Relax. Enjoy a lighthouse tours. You’re on Cabin Time.