To the Top of the Tower - McGulpin Point Lighthouse

While downtown Mackinaw City tempts visitors with tasty treats and scenic sites, don’t forget to go outside of the hustle and bustle of this touristy town to the quieter spots like McGulpin Point.

Entrance Sign

McGulpin Point Lighthouse

LOCATION:  500 Headlands Road, Mackinaw City MI (USA) - about 3 miles west of Mackinaw City

The McGulpin Point Light served as an aid to navigation from 1869-1906 when it was deactivated.  Then, the lighthouse property became privately owned until 2008.  At that time, Emmet County purchased the property and began restoring the lighthouse and opened it to the public. 

During the 2015 season, the McGulpin Point Lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through the end of October.  There isn’t an entrance fee to tour this lighthouse.  The property has a gift shop, exhibits, and a great video on the history of local shipwrecks (up the tower stairs to the second floor). 

Last I knew, there were less than 20 Michigan lighthouses that you could climb the tower to the lantern room at the top.  McGulpin Point Lighthouse offers visitors that opportunity to experience the “tower climb” that lighthouse keepers did several times a day – every day – for years.    

Tower Stairs & Entrance to Lantern Room

The spiral stairway (44 steps) may be challenging for some people and, at the top, the Lantern Room is small and can be very warm during a summertime visit. 

If you do not have a fear of heights/falling, you can crawl through the small door onto the widow’s walk that circles the lantern room.  From the top of this nearly 40’ tall tower you get a nice view of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge.  

Doorway to Widow's Walk

View from Widow's Walk

This 11.5 acre property also includes a .3 mile trail to Lake Michigan (an elevation change of 68 feet).   Here you will see the “Big Rock” known as “Chi Sin”.   Hundreds of years ago, this rock was under water.  Now it is used as a marker to determine the rise and fall of water levels in Lake Michigan. 

Chi Sin Trail

"Chi Sin" (aka "Big Rock")

Lake Michigan Beach Trail at McGulpin Point

If you don’t want to walk the trail to the beach, you can drive down a steep hill.  Parking at the beach is extremely limited unless the lake level is low exposing more of the beach.  

Speaking of parking, the lighthouse has a small paved parking lot but there is an overflow non-paved parking area across the street where you will also find some picnic tables and two porta-pottys … which I would only use if I was desperate for a restroom.      

For more information on the McGulpin Point Lighthouse, please click on the following link:

Emmet County - McGulpin Point Lighthouse

Mackinaw City has plenty of dining options during the summer “peak” season.  On our most recent trip (August 2015), we enjoyed a sit-down casual lunch at the Cunningham Family Restaurant (312 E Central Avenue) in downtown Mackinaw City. There are also a few fast food places and lots of other options that feature local favorites like pasties (think pot pies) and Mackinaw's famous fudge. 

There are various lodging options in Mackinaw City from bed & breakfast to national hotel brands. Prices will vary according to location and amenities.  Many hotels are located on Huron Street (near downtown) where you will find the ferry docks to Mackinaw Island.