Whitefish Point - Light, Lodging, & Lake Superior

Whitefish Point Light is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at 18335 North Whitefish Point Road, Paradise, Michigan (USA).  

Telephone:  (888) 492-3747

Since we love lighthouses, we have been to Whitefish Point numerous times – usually in April.  Spring in the Upper Peninsula (U.P. for short – because it is “UP” north from us) is unpredictable.  We have experienced a potpourri of weather from snow to fog to sunny blue skies … but that is part of the beauty of the “UP” north experience.  

Sometimes I can't help but wonder how things get their names.  So why Whitefish Point?  A quick research on the Internet provided the answer ...
Since I don't eat fish and fishing is not my "thing", I didn't have a clue. The answer should be obvious.  Many places are named after a natural features or items commonly found in the area. Whitefish Bay was an excellent spot to find Whitefish (a favorite menu item in the U.P.). 

My favorite thing is to discover unique lodgings.  A couple of years ago, we inquired about staying at the Crews Quarters at Whitefish Point Light.  So, we are finally taking a long weekend to spend a "night at the light".  

The lighthouse complex includes the original U.S. Coast Guard building that was built in 1923.  The building has been restored and now serves as an informal Bed & Breakfast with five guest rooms (one the first floor and the rest on the second floor).  Lodging at the Crews Quarters is available from April 1 through early November.  To reserve a room, call 888-492-3747 or visit their website at

Crews Quarters Lodging - Whitefish Point 

We arrived at Whitefish Point and knocked at the door of the Crews Quarters. Our host gave us a quick tour of the building.  The Crews Quarters is a two story square white building.  As we enter the building, a short set of stairs takes us to the main floor.  The front of the house has the library to our left of the entry and a living room to our right.  The back of the house has the main floor bedroom (opposite the library) and the kitchen/dining area (opposite the living room). 

  Living Room 

Kitchen

  

Library

View from Crews Quarters

We are shown to our room (Assistant Chief Room #3).  It had a view of Lake Superior but the fog prevented us from seeing the lake (at least for now).  

Assistant Chief Room #3

The gift shop and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum are open from May 1 to the end of October.  There is a fee for the self-guided tour of the museum but it also includes a guided tour of the light keeper’s quarters and an opportunity to climb the tower stairs. 

During your museum visit, Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting song commemorating the “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is playing as background music.  A number of exhibits involve the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald which sank November 10, 1975 (17 miles off-shore from Whitefish Point) along with several other ship wrecks.  More vessels have been lost in the Whitefish Point area than any other part of Lake Superior making it known as the "Graveyard of the Great Lakes".  On display is a huge Second Order Fresnel (the “s” is silent) Lens taken from Michigan's White Shoal Lighthouse. 

    

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibits

                            

                                   Second Order Fresnel Lens

We go outside and take pictures of the lighthouse and walk along the quiet beach. 

Whitefish Point Light - April 2012 & 2013

Lake Superior Pebbles & Logs

After we spend a little time enjoying the solitude of this foggy afternoon, we return to the Crews Quarters and watch the Shipwreck DVD about the Edmund Fitzgerald.  While we are viewing the video, the foghorn begins signaling to the lake freighters.  Listen, I do believe I hear a freighter is signaling back. 

For dinner, we decide to drive into Paradise ... a small town about 11 miles from here.  Our dining choices are limited.  We stop at a bar for sandwiches and chili.   We drive back to Whitefish Point.  It is dark and the beacon light is shining.

The next morning, we go downstairs to the kitchen.  This is not your typical Bed & Breakfast.  Here breakfast consists of cold items and is completely self-serve. 

After breakfast, we have a tour of the restored 1861 Lightkeeper’s Quarters.  It is furnished in period pieces with displays and exhibits that tell the tales of life as a keeper of the light. 

Light Keeper's House

The Whitefish Point light is the oldest operating light on Lake Superior.  The original structure was constructed in 1847.  However, the current Whitefish Point Light was built in 1861 and automated in 1971.  For me, the highlight of this tour was climbing to the top of the tower.  Small groups are allowed to have a guide take them up the 56 spiral steps to the tower’s lantern room.  We are able to go outside on the walkway and see the Lake Superior scenery from our 80 foot high perch.  If you are afraid of heights or small spaces I would not recommend doing this. 

  Tower Stairs & View from the "Widow's Walk"

View of Crews Quarters from Tower

If you want to stay in the Whitefish Point area but the Crews Quarters is not for you, the small town of Paradise does offer limited lodging and dining options.  The town of Newberry (about 21 miles south via M-123) has a broader range of options from national chain restaurants and hotels to local dining and bed & breakfast establishments. 

A nice side trip from Paradise is Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  Please refer to my blog post on the falls for photos and information by clicking on the following link:  

Phenomenon of Tahquamenon