Climb the Tower - Point Iroquois Light

Aaah, the history and mystery of lighthouses seem to beckon us to stop whenever we are near one.  Point Iroquois Light in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the one we are revisiting today.  

Point Iroquois Light

Miniature Replica of Point Iroquois Light near Brimley, Michigan

BACKGROUND:  Point Iroquois was named for the Iroquois warriors massacred there by the Ojibwe in 1662.  By 1856, the first Pt Iroquois Light was lit to guide ships safely between Whitefish Bay and the St. Mary's River.  Its wood and rubble-stone tower was 45 feet high.  However, the structure was not constructed well.  In 1870, the first light station was demolished and the current light station was built.  The new 65’ brick tower had a fourth order Fresnel (the “ess” is silent) lens.   In 1963 its light was deactivated and the light station was left unoccupied for years.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 30, 1975. 

It took several years to complete the renovation but it was accomplished through the co-operative efforts between the Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Society and the Forest Service (Hiawatha National Forest). In an effort to interpret local history, they furnished the assistant keeper’s quarters to show how it might have looked in the 1950’s.    

Assistant Keeper's Quarters - Living Room

Assistant Keeper's Quarters - Kitchen

Inside the two-story house is a gift shop offering lighthouse-themed items and books.  We wander through several rooms with a variety of informational displays regarding keeper’s duties, Fresnel lenses, and nautical history. 

Gift Shop

Fresnel Lens Display

The attached white brick tower has a spiral stairway consisting of 72 steps to the top of the tower.  Michigan has over 100 lighthouses but only about 20 will allow you to climb the tower.

Tower Rules

Doorway to Tower Stairs

Tower Stairs

Hatch at Top of Tower

From the top of the tower, we have a panoramic view of Lake Superior, the coastline of Whitefish Bay, and any freighters that may be passing by the point.  One thing you should know - the lantern room is small and the glass-enclosed space gets very warm especially on a sunny summer's day.

View from Lantern Room/Top of Tower

Before we leave the lighthouse grounds, we take a short walk (.2 mile) on the interpretive boardwalk trail that leads to the beach along Lake Superior.  Some people are searching for rocks along the shore.   In my youth, I was a “rock hound” too.  Once in awhile I’ll search the shores for these souvenirs but not today … maybe on our next visit. 

Boardwalk Trail

Trail to Lake Superior Beach

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  The lighthouse is located about 20 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula  (USA) - from the intersection of M-28 and I-75 drive 7.5 miles west on M-28 to M-221/ Brimley. Turn right (north) and drive 2.5 miles on M-221 to Lake Shore Drive (FR 42). Turn left (west) on Lake Shore Drive and drive 6.5 miles to the lighthouse.   

Telephone:   (906) 437-5272

HOURS OPEN:  The museum, gift shop, and tower are open every day from May 15 - October 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There isn’t a fee to tour the building or climb the tower; however, donations are always appreciated.  There are restrooms and picnic tables on the grounds. 

The town of Brimley (population in 2010 was 1,337) is about 8 miles from the lighthouse.  It is a small town offering a few lodging and dining options. 

Sault Ste. Marie (population 14,098 in 2013) is about 20 miles from the lighthouse.  The “Soo” has a large variety of restaurants and lodging options ranging from large national chain establishments to cozy B&B’s.

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews for eating and sleeping options.

If you are interested in other nearby lighthouses, I invite you to view my blog posts by clicking on the following links:
Crisp Point Light: from Doomed to Resumed
Whitefish Point - Light, Lodging & Lake Superior

If you are staying in Sault Ste. Marie, I invite you to view my blog posts on the Soo Locks and historical landmarks by clicking on the following links:
A Look at the Locks
Historic Sites at the "Soo"

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.