Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse isn’t just a round tower—though one does stand guard here over these chilly Great Lake waters. You’ll also find a series of original buildings to explore here, which double as tiny museums home to artifact-laden exhibits, galleries, and displays. The barn has been transformed into a theater, where two short films are worth watching. Guides in period garb run tours several times a day, including up the 55 steps to the tower, which still houses the original lens.

• Wandering the grounds is free, but you need a ticket to access the museum and lighthouse.

• Restrooms, free parking, and a small gift shop are available.

• Tower tours require climbing 55 steep, narrow steps, so are inaccessible to travelers using wheelchairs.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is at 526 N. Huron Ave. in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Most visitors arrive by car as there’s plenty of free parking onsite. That being said, Mackinaw City is tiny; if you’re staying overnight, your hotel might be within walking distance. Otherwise, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft do service the area.

The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is open from early May to early October. As long as you’re visiting in that window, there’s no bad time to visit—just keep an eye on the weather and dress appropriately. Most visitors spend roughly two hours here, and tower tours only take about 15 minutes.

If you’ve never heard a foghorn blow, here’s your chance. A costumed interpreter puts on a daily demonstration at the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse; it typically runs every two hours from 10am. It’s technically a fog whistle, but everyone calls it a foghorn—it’s loud, and there’s nothing whistle-like about its epic sound.