Park It at Lighthouse Park (Michigan USA)

Michigan’s State Motto is “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Old Mission Peninsula is a peninsula within Michigan’s lower peninsula. If you are seeking scenic sites, wining and dining, or year ‘round recreational opportunities, this 19 mile long strip of land is the epitome of Michigan’s motto.

There are plenty of things to do in the Old Mission Peninsula but my favorite is visiting Lighthouse Park. It’s a scenic drive to the tip of the peninsula where M-37 (aka Center Road) dead-ends at the park entrance.

Lighthouse Park (120-acres) has trails and a beach area (no lifeguard) and the grounds are open every day until 10:00 p.m.

PHYSICAL LOCATION: 20500 Center Road (aka M-37), Traverse City, Michigan (USA)

Phone: (231) 223-7324

Website:  Mission Point Lighthouse

From 1870 to 1933, the Mission Point Lighthouse served as an aid to navigation for those mariners sailing on Lake Michigan.

In 2008, the lighthouse and gift shop was opened to the public. During its normal season (May-October), the lighthouse is open from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For a nominal fee, visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the tower. We did this in 2013. A light fog surrounded the area when we arrived at the top of the tower for an 180 degree view of Lake Michigan. At that time, Lake Michigan’s water level was so low that we could walk on the bottom of the sandy lake bed for quite a distance before reaching the water. I am happy to report that during our 2017 visit, it was obvious the Lake Michigan water levels have risen. Inside the lighthouse is an interesting chart showing the fluctuating water levels over the years.

During its active years, the lighthouse had a Fifth Order Fresnel lens. FYI - there are six “orders” of lenses for lighthouses – the first order is the largest and the sixth order is the smallest. “A Fresnel lens can be regarded as an array of prisms arranged in a circular fashion, with steeper prisms on the edges and a nearly flat convex center.” Some lenses can be seen from as far a way as twenty miles or more.

Mission Point Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in the Grand Traverse area. It was designated a Michigan Historic Site on October 15, 1992. It also has the distinction of being located at the 45^th Parallel. The 45th parallel north is often called the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole.   

45th Parallel Signs

Mission Point Lighthouse is surrounded by five acres of wooded land with well marked trails. The Lighthouse Park grounds has handicap parking, picnic tables and two outdoor toilets.

Another building on the park grounds is the Hessler Log Cabin. The cabin was built by Joseph and Mary Hessler. It was completed in 1856 and, today, it represents pioneer life in Michigan. The log cabin was saved from demolition when it was moved to Lighthouse Park.  It was designated a Michigan Historic Site on July 15, 1999.  

  Exterior & Interior

Local History Sign

State Historic Signs

Mission Point Lighthouse is one of many Michigan lighthouses that has a Lighthouse Keeper Program. To learn more about Michigan’s Lighthouse Keeper, Program, please click on the following link:

Lighthouse Keeper and B&B Info

If you would like to stay overnight at a lighthouse but would prefer to be a guest rather than experiencing some of the duties of a keeper, I invite you to view my Blog Post on Lighthouse B&B’s by click on the following link:   

Denice's Blog Post - Lighthouse B&B's

Immediately south of Lighthouse Park is the Old Mission Point Park (520-acres). There are miles of multi-use trails traversing through forest, meadows, and scenic overlooks. The trails are marked and maps are posted at each trail head. Much of this land was filled with cherry orchards before the State purchased it in the 1980’s. The State later leased the land to Peninsula Township.   

Trail Map Sign

There are lots of things to see and do while visiting the Old Mission Peninsula. I invite you to view my blog post on touring the Old Mission Peninsula by clicking on the following link:

Denice's Blog ost - Old Mission Peninsula

While driving around the Old Mission Peninsula, you will find farm markets and wineries (Chateau Chantel Winery is also a beautiful B&B with scenic views of the East and West Grand Traverse Bays). For more information on Chateau Chantel B&B, I invite you to view my Blog Post on Michigan B&B’s by clicking on the following link:

Denice's Blog Post - Michigan B&B's

Old Mission Peninsula does not have any national-chain restaurants or hotels (try Traverse City for these options). However, Old Mission Peninsula does offer several charming Bed & Breakfasts and local restaurants. For a map of the Old Mission Peninsula and other tourist information, please click on the following link:

Old Mission Peninsula Info

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews. In the meantime, I wish you safe travels!