Carefree Travel Guide 2023

George Knudsen | Copper Harbor, Copper Harbor Light

Lights of Lake Michigan

Laurie Jacobson | St. Joseph, St. Joseph North Pier Outer Light

April Jonatzke | St. Joe Lighthouse

West Michigan’s historic lighthouses offer places of inspiration and solace. People come to ponder and reflect, hopefully appreciating the perils of sailing the waters of the Great Lakes and its unique nautical challenges. Ships and boats – both hulking and small – depended on these illuminating beacons of light or the bleating horn. These symbols, both audible and visual, guided them to safe passage, declaring ‘stay away’ or ‘here’s the way.’ Surely, they are nostalgic. Offering breathtaking views and picturesque scenes, standing proud, just waiting for the camera lens to snap or the artist’s brush to sweep across the colorful background sky. Nature’s glory is ever-changing and offers something spectacular every season of the year. Today, 129 remain, perched on hills, on gravel islands, sandy beaches, sandstone cliffs, and grassy knolls. They stand iconically on piers and breakwaters and grassy paths, sentinels to the past and to changing times and seasons. Become part of their history on your visit as you climb the many steps to the top of the tower, or maybe even spend the night in the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and help tend the lights!

Nikolas Moon | Pier Marquette

Brittany Todd | Old Mission Point Lighthouse

Marie Clark | Grand Haven, Lighthouse

Connie Haylett | Big Sable Point Lighthouse

CAN’T-MISS LIGHTHOUSES

Marie Clark

Patricia Lynn

GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK MUSEUM PARADISE People often call Whitefish Point “hauntingly beautiful”. Experience shipwrecks, lighthouses and life-saving at the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. ShipwreckMuseum.com

POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE FRANKFORT Built in 1858, Point Betsie Lighthouse is open late spring to early fall. Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse offers a public beach, historic landmark, and gift shop. PointBetsie.org

HOLLAND HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE HOLLAND Built in 1870, Holland Harbor Lighthouse is affectionately known as “Big Red” by locals and visitors alike. Visit the lighthouse up close at Holland State Park, or at nearby Mt. Pisgah, 157 feet above sea level.

NORTH PIER LIGHTHOUSES ST. JOSEPH Sitting on the entrance of the St. Joseph River, the Inner and Outer North Pier Lighthouses are a great place to catch a stunning Lake Michigan sunset.

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#WestMichigan | 2023 Carefree Travel Guide