facebooktwitterpinterest

Reviews, get directions and information for Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Story

Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957.HistoryPreparationsEven before the advent of European explorers, the Straits of Mackinac were a significant hazard to water borne travelers. Consequently, before lighthouses, the Ojibwa lit the shore with fires.In the early 19th century, with large vessel traffic increasing from Lake Huron into the Straits, the first step in guarding the Straits was taken in 1829, through the construction of Bois Blanc Lighthouse to both guide mariners in making the westerly turn into the Straits, and to warn them of the shoals and shallows surrounding the island.Three years later in 1832, Congress acted on Stephen Pleasonton’s recommendation that a lightship be placed on Waugoshance Shoal as the first attempt to mark the western entrance to the Straits. In 1838, Lieutenant James T. Homans reported that the lightship was wholly inadequate. He recommended a better solution for Waugoshance and also that a light be built on the point to the west of Mackinaw Harbor. Nothing came of Homans' recommendations. In 1854, the new Lighthouse Administration decided (against the recommendation of local residents) to put a light at McGulpin Point, approximately 3mi to the west of Old Point Mackinaw.ConstructionIn 1889, the United States Lighthouse Board realized that Mackinaw Point was a better location. Their first inclination was to put a fog signal there, but when asking Congress for funding, they requested funding for both a fog signal and a first class lighthouse. Congress chose to accept their recommendation, but only voted the funding for a steam-powered fog-signal. The fog signal was built in 1890. The signal proved to be exceptionally necessary for navigation in the often fog-choked Straits of Mackinac; during one exceptionally humid fortnight, the Old Mackinac Point signal personnel reported burning 52 cords of stove wood in order to keep steam up for the foghorn.

Address: 526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA
Phone: (231) 436-4100
State: Michigan
County: Cheboygan County
Zip Code: 49701



related searches: Old mackinac point lighthouse history, Old mackinac point lighthouse photos, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse tickets, Old mackinac point lighthouse tours, Is there a lighthouse on Mackinac Island, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse pictures, McGulpin Point Lighthouse, Round Island Lighthouse
Similar places near
Colonial Michilimackinac Colonial Michilimackinac 135 miles Looked really cool. Nice being right on the water and close to downtown. Not open in ...
Mackinaw Bridge Museum Mackinaw Bridge Museum 381 miles Very historical place, must be place.
Mackinaw Parasailing Inc Mackinaw Parasailing Inc 575 miles It's nice being 350 feet above water, a great view I can see why people are scared o...
Ice Breaker Mackinaw Maritime Ice Breaker Mackinaw Maritime 1 km Self guided tour through the mighty mac. Really cool access. Not for strollers, the v...
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park 6 km Wonderful park combining adventure, history and nature. Mr. Ed did an absolutely wond...
Fort Debuade Museum Fort Debuade Museum 9 km Dedicate at least 2 hours to going through and reading the exhibits. I have been to t...
Museum of Ojibwa Culture Museum of Ojibwa Culture 9 km The Museum of Ojibwa Culture has free admission for all, but welcomes donations. This...
Mackinac State Historic Park Biddle House Mackinac State Historic Park Biddle House 11 km The Biddle house is possible the oldest house Michigan as parts of it date from 1780....
Stuart House City Museum, Mackinac Island City Stuart House City Museum, Mackinac Island Ci... 11 km Interesting but no tour guides available.
Mackinac State Historic Parks McGulpin House Mackinac State Historic Parks McGulpin House 11 km I didn’t go inside unsure if you can but the history and age of the place is awesome....
Fort Mackinac Fort Mackinac 11 km We took the carriage tour and ended at the top side of the fort entrance -very conven...
The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House... 12 km Very laid-back and relaxing break. You can stay as long as you want and come back fo...
Historic Mission Church Historic Mission Church 12 km Wonderful location for a wedding, a rehearsal, or your everyday shindig. Bonus: didn...
Les Cheneaux Historical Museum Les Cheneaux Historical Museum 37 km Visit here every year we come to Les Cheneaux. Great exhibits on local history. Also ...
Garlyn Zoological Park Garlyn Zoological Park 56 km Interesting mix of animals. A nice small zoo where you can get up close to the anima...
Top-of-the-Lake Snowmobile Museum Top-of-the-Lake Snowmobile Museum 65 km The absolute best place in Michigan to see historical snowmobiles. Admission is inex...
Reviews
Standing proud over the shores of the great lake at the tip of Mackinaw, the lighthouse acts as a landmark for the lakeside town. Perched at the tip of the hand of Michigan’s lower peninsula, from here you can see up to the Upper Peninsula and have great views of the massive Mighty Mac bridge that spans both. From the point here, you can also visit the historic fort under the bridge. Don’t miss the walk around the point here for great views over the lake.
8 years ago (14-10-2017)
Very interesting, however was turned away for top of lighthouse tour stating we missed the last tour. An announcement would have been nice. Looks like this has happened before. Was of money for tickets and front desk lady was not sympathic either. Suggested announcements but no comment. Nice when taking your money though. Denise and Wayne Sandwich ll
8 years ago (24-08-2017)
We were denied the tour to the very top of the lighthouse. My son and I were so looking forward to the view and to hear about the history. The tour guide was not only not sympathetic, but was not helpful at all. Huffing and checking his watch and telling me to exit was what we got. Waste of my money. I would have liked to learn about the history. My son was even more upset than I was.
8 years ago (16-07-2017)
Totally AWESOME, clean, nice people, great food & great fish. So glad we came, wonderful weather.
8 years ago (21-09-2017)
Really cool. Good shipwreck museum, the view from the top of the lighthouse is amazing. Nice, friendly staff.
8 years ago (15-08-2017)
Comment on this business

to add Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse map to your website;