Photo by GrandTraverseLighthouse.com
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within the Leelanau State Park, about eight miles north of the town of Northport. It’s one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, and has guided ships in the Manitou Passage of Lake Michigan for close to 150 years. This lighthouse is sponsored by the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Foundation and you may tour the historic and educational museum, which depicts a lighthouse keeper’s dwelling from the early 1900s. You will find a variety of exhibits depicting a broad spectrum of maritime and local history. Inside the lighthouse you can view various exhibits, including shipwrecks, foghorns, and other area lighthouses. Demonstrations on the foghorn take place throughout the year, and a small admission fee lets you climb the tower where you are treated to fantastic views of Lake Michigan.
In 1858, the present light was built, replacing a separate round tower which was built in 1852. Many refer to this as Northport Light, as it is near the town of Northport, or “Cat’s Head Point Light.” In 1852, the first light was built…a brick tower and separate keeper’s quarters in the state park campground. Just six years later in 1858, these structures were razed and the present light was constructed.
The Fourth Order Fresnel Lens is on display in the keeper’s quarters, and the light itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Festivals and events celebrating many aspects of life are scheduled throughout the year in the Leelanau County area.
Located along the Lake Michigan, Leland is the site of an area nicknamed “Fishtown” for its charming historical preservation.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
A small village of about 400 people, Empire is a destination for fishermen, nature enthusiasts, beach lovers and ice explorers.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Suttons Bay, in Leelanau County, is midway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula and is a very popular destination.