Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and the surrounding grounds in Mackinaw City is maintained today as a public park. Reminiscent of a English castle, the lighthouse is a charming backdrop for a summer picnic. The last in the series of Straits lighthouses is the St. Helen Island Light. The restored brick tower and lightkeeper's cottage is a mile from the upper peninsula at the Straits. Its restoration, like that of many other lighthouses, was the result of the dedicated efforts of local civic organizations.
Lighthouses are interesting to explore any time of year.
While the brilliant skies of summer illuminate the towers dramatically, the snow and ice of winter can create another kind of magic, equally impressive. In stormy seas, these landmarks stir thoughts of their noble lifesaving role. Visited on a calm, peaceful morning, the beauty of the strong, solitary structures will give you the sense of safety and rest it once provided thousands of mariners. Take your own crew on an expedition to experience these great legacies of a bygone era on Michigan's Great Lakes.