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.     

History Isn't A Mystery - Mackinaw City Heritage Village

I have visited Mackinaw City, Michigan (USA) dozens of times over the past ten years but I never knew about the Mackinaw City Heritage Village until I started doing research on one-room schoolhouses.  That is when I discovered the Freedom School had been moved here.

Recently, we were in Mackinaw City and the Heritage Village was at the top of my list of things to do.  It is located at 1425 West Central Avenue (about 1.5 miles west of Mackinaw City).  A white entrance sign marks the long gravel road to the park.

Entrance Sign and Drive

There is a wide grassy parking area at the end of the road/driveway.  This 143 acre parcel is home to several historic buildings that have been restored to their 1880’s-1917 appearance.  There are also modern outhouses and a pavilion and the park appears to be handicap accessible. The Village is open seasonally from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays through Mondays.  If a volunteer is not present to give you a guided tour, there is an “Audio Tour of the Buildings” you can access by calling (231) 486-003 and entering the numbered stop that corresponds to the building.   Historical Parks are a great place for families to spend time together and learn about the local history.  

The first building I see is the Heritage Chapel.  This church (built in 1897 and closed in 1960) served the local people of Brutus as a place of worship.  In 2010, the church was moved to the Heritage Village where it was restored to its 1897 appearance.  It is handicap accessible and available for weddings. 

Heritage Chapel - Exterior & Interior

The Stimpson Farmhouse (Maple Ridge Farm) was originally built in the 1880’s (located about 3 miles southeast of Mackinaw City).  The original farmhouse burned down in the late 1960’s.   As a result, this farmhouse has been recreated from the original and it is considered a good representation for that era.

Stimpson Farmhouse

Dining Room

Bedroom

The two-room Detweiler Log Cabin (built 1883) was originally located in Brutus (about 13 miles south of the Heritage Village).  

Detweiler Two-Room Log Cabin

Interior of Log Cabin

Next to the Detweiler Cabin is the Kitchen Garden where fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables were grown and harvested to provide food for meals.  The Heritage Village added the Kitchen Garden in 2009.   

Kitchen Garden

Now, we walk over to the Freedom School (1885-1933).  The school was moved from its original location southeast of Mackinaw City in the town of Freedom – now you will find the town only exists on State of Michigan Road Maps. 

Freedom School - Exterior and Interior

In the 1900’s a “Pestilence House” was used to prevent the spread of contagious diseases by placing the person under quarantine.  This “pest” house is thought to be the last remaining one in Michigan. 

"Pestilence House" - Exterior and Interior

There are a few more surprises to see and a nature trail to explore but I will leave some things for you to discover on your own. 

For more information on the Mackinaw City Heritage Village, please click on the following link:

Mackinaw City Heritage Village

Mackinaw City has a variety of restaurants open during the summer “peak” season.  We have tried a number of dining options and found Cunningham Family Restaurant (312 East Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI) to have good food and service.  There are also a few fast food places and lots of other options that feature local favorites like pasties (similar to a pot pie) and Mackinac'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.     

Lighting the Way - 40 Mile Point Lighthouse

Michigan has over 3,000 miles of shoreline and fronts four of the five Great Lakes.  With this much coast, Michigan built lighthouses to guide ships sailing the Great Lakes.  Over the years, many of these lighthouses have fallen into disrepair, been destroyed, or were demolished.  Currently, Michigan has over 100 lighthouses with about 35 that are open to the public.  Some are privately owned (e.g. as a bed & breakfast) and some are museums.  Among the lighthouse museums is the one located at 40 Mile Point. 

LOCATION:  7323 US 23N Lighthouse Park, Rogers City, MI 49779

A brief History:

The 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1896.  It has a similar blue print to the Big Bay Point Lighthouse which was also built in 1896.  The Coast Guard took over maintenance of the lighthouse in 1944.   In 1996, the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was declared surplus property and cited for disposal.    In 1998, the deed to the property was turned over to Presque Isle County.  Since then, the County and 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Society have been working together to restore and preserve the lighthouse and the other historic pieces located on the 2.4 acre park. 

The Lighthouse Park is open year around from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.  There is a large parking area, picnic tables, and restrooms.  The lighthouse museum is open for tours (closed on Mondays).  Admission is free and visitors can climb the tower stairs. 

40 Mile Point Lighthouse (built in 1896)

The 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. 

S S Calcite (1912-1961)

This 436’ long, self-unloading vessel was one of the first of its kind to sail the Great Lakes.   The pilot house has found a home in the Lighthouse Park. 

Joseph S. Fay Shipwreck (built in 1871)

Trail to Fay Shipwreck

In 1905, this 216’ long wooden steamer ship was loaded with iron ore and heading for Ohio.  On October 19^th, heavy waves swept the ship toward shore.  It struck a sand bar where the ship was torn apart and washed to shore near the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse.   Visitors can see part of the remains (spikes and wooden beams) along the sandy shore of Lake Huron. 

Life Boat

Glawe School (1880’s-1960)

Glawe School was originally built on Ocqueoc Road and was moved to the Lighthouse Park in 1999.  The schoolhouse is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from the last weekend in June to the last weekend in August. 

For more information about 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Park, click on the following link:

40 Mile Point Lighthouse

For a list of Michigan lighthouses open to the public, click on the following link:

Michigan Lighthouses Open to the Public

Food and Lodging can be found in the nearby towns of Alpena or Rogers City.  

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Fortunately for us, in 1970 Congress authorized the preservation of this beautiful stretch of land in and around Lake Michigan known as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Located in the northwest quadrant of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the “Dunes” are a special place. 

First, some preliminary information - Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS is a fee area.  If you don’t have a Park pass, one can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Empire, Michigan.  While you are at the Visitor Center ask for the self-guided informational brochure on the scenic drive.  It will explain the interpretive numbered signs you will see. From Empire, take M-22 north for 2 miles to M-109, then left on M-109 for 2 miles.  Just off M-109 is the Entrance Station.  You will be asked to show your park pass before you can enter the scenic drive. There are picnic areas, restrooms and lots of things to see and do along the way.  It is a seasonal drive (generally it is open from May to mid- November – weather permitting). 

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive:

This “must see” scenic loop drive is 7.4 miles long and offers views of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes landscape.  It can be particularly lovely to see during the fall color season.

After we begin the one-way loop road, we pass through a short covered bridge.  While Michigan is not well known for its covered bridges, this one is often recognized and photographed. 

Covered Bridge

Next, we stop at the Glen Lake Overlook.  To our left is the landmark known as “Alligator Hill” and to our right is the bridge along M-22 that separates Little Glen Lake from Big Glen Lake.

Do you see the green alligator head?

Glen Lake Overlook

The Overlook at Cottonwood Trail offers a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and the dunes.  Near the wooden observation deck is the beginning of the 1.5 mile Cottonwood Trail.  

Overlook at Cottonwood Trail

The Lake Michigan Overlook is a very popular spot – especially near sunset.  FYI … the drive gate is locked 30 minutes after sunset. We walk the paved trail to the boardwalk trail (usually covered in sand) to the wooden deck.  From here, the view is breathtaking.  The Lake Michigan Overlook is 450 feet above Lake Michigan (the fourth largest fresh-water lake in the world).   It is a real treat to see Lake Michigan this calm.  

Lake Michigan Overlook

Sandy Trail

Beach Reflection

Lake Michigan Sunset

The Pierce Stocking Drive curves through shady forests and loops back to the beginning.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

There is so much more to see and do in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS.  For some hiking ideas, please refer to my Blog Post on Exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS by clicking on the following link:

Exploring & Hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS

If you are interested in history, please refer to my Blog Post on Historic Sites of Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS for more photos and information by clicking on the following link:   

Historic Sites in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS

There is limited food (local restaurants and bars) and lodging (small hotels and B&B’s) in Empire and Glen Arbor.  The Traverse City area (about 30 minutes from the "Dunes") has the usual array of national- chain and locally-owned places to eat and stay the night.  Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews.

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To help plan you visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes, click on the following link:

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - NPS

Barns, Buildings,and a By-Gone Era - Historic Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS

Fortunately for us, in 1970 Congress authorized the preservation of this beautiful stretch of land in and around Lake Michigan now known as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Included in this 71,199 acre park is an extensive rural historic farm district (Port Oneida).  But historic structures aren’t limited to the Port Oneida District - there are plenty of other hidden gems (some in plain sight) waiting for you to discover in other areas of the park as well

These back-country roads make for a great Sunday drive.  So, get comfortable – we’re going for a ride.