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.