This was an adorable place to stop and visit. So pretty especial during the fall time. We had fun going here and enjoying the scenery. read more

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First off their parking situation is a joke. There's basically NO parking lot. You park along the side of the road. The lighthouse is very nice it just kinda demands attention sitting on top of a small hill. I didn't go inside for the $5 tour due to it was too busy for my taste. The gift center / museum display was another building. The display was very nice with lots of information. The beach portion was spectacular. A nice long beach. To the right in front of lighthouse there's a heavy duty metal seawall. The lake crashing into it creates a very enjoyable sight and occasionally a weird noise. Plus the lighthouse towering over you is great. Overall a 4 1/2 star review, losing the half due to the crazy parking situation. I'll round up though to the full 5. Would I return? Absolutely! There is no reason the parking is so stupid. The area behind it is Government land. Put in a frickin parking lot for crying out loud. read more

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We came to the lighthouse when Covid was dying down and things started opening up. Sadly, we arrived to find the lighthouse closed. We did park on the side and walked down to the water instead. We found a few Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. There were a few others searching for some stines as well. We were able to walk up and see the lighthouse from behind. It does look quite beautiful. The water was cold and looked beautiful. No one really swims in this area but it is a calming spot to enjoy. We will definitely come back another tome and hopefully get to go inside the lighthouse as well. read more

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Nice place for a walk, fun exploring and well-stocked gift shop. Lots of history here, gorgeous views of historic buildings and lighthouse. Love the period furnishings- and kitchen. Take some time to explore! The volunteers here have done so much to keep this place beautiful and restore it to a historic well-cared for site! read more

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This is a beautiful lighthouse with a wonderful tour of the keeper house and tower. Loved our docent who was knowledgeable and sincere. The gift shop and interpretation center are very nice. Great views over the water and dunes. Our whole experience was ruined by the incredibly rude and arrogant man (staff) who came in five minutes before the 30 minute movie was over and kicked us out! I've never been so shocked at horrible behavior by a staff person at a historic location. He just marched in the door, said we're closing now you have to leave. We explained we had watched the whole movie and it was almost over, surely he could wait a couple minutes. "No! I'm not doing that, we're closing!" Then he turned off the TV, no apologies, no explanation. When we said we didn't even know what happened to all the crew, he rudely told us the ending! He could care less what we wanted or how he affected our experience. Of course there were still other people on the property so it would have been another 10-15 minutes before closing. I should have gotten his name but it was 5:00 on June 26, 2022. What a jerk! read more

You can only visit during the season. We showed up off season and it was closed. I thought maybe still Trails to walk or something but it is all privately owned land so you can't go anywhere unless you go during the summer. I will have to actually check it out next year. Kind of a bust with the kids this time. read more

Betsie Pointe Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frankfort, Michigan

What a beautiful lighthouse to visit. To me this is probably one of the best lighthouse is here in Michigan to check out. The beach itself is just a gorgeous area to check out and to enjoy a beautiful scene of the Great Lakes and the power of the water as the waves come in. The lighthouse itself sits above the shoreline and I love to watch the waves hit the rocks and the cement. I was a little disappointed when I showed up that the lighthouse itself was closed I'm guessing for seasonal reasons but overall it was nice to still be able to walk the area with the lighthouse and check out just a beauty of it. I came here twice because I really did enjoy seeing this lighthouse and taking photos of it. I do wish they did have a little better parking for people who are coming to check it out because there wasn't much for that and I wasn't alone checking out this lighthouse. read more

Betsie Pointe Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frankfort, Michigan

We didn't get to tour since we went on a Saturday evening. But, we enjoyed the beach and walking along the beach path at the Lighthouse at sunset. We loved and seeing the light at dusk. read more

Lights and horns The Point Betsie Lighthouse is one of the most popular and visited lighthouses on Lake Michigan. It was also the last manned lighthouse and was finally automated in 1983. It's no longer active but still has the 4th order Fresnel Lens at the top of the tower. The construction of the lighthouse started in 1858 and was first lit the next year. The light marked the entrance of the once vital and busy Manitou Passage and served to protect shipping through the area for decades. The light original had a 4th order Fresnel Lens that was upgrade to a 3rd order lens in 1888. Besides the Fresnel Lens, there was also a massive fog horn that was one of the most powerful on Lake Michigan. Despite the new technology, the Point Betsie Light is still an active aid to navigation. Point Betsie is now a museum, complete with a gift shop and helpful volunteers to answer any questions. For five bucks you can climb the tower but unfortunately the hours after summer can be iffy and it was closed when we were there. Besides the lighthouse there is also a nice beach for swimming and walking and if you're luckly you might even find one of those enigmatic Petosky Stones. A very well maintained and lovely lighthouse complete with great views and a lovely beach. It's easy to see why Point Betsie remains one of the most popular and visited lighthouse on Lake Michigan. read more

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Summer 2020: Although the lighthouse museum is closed due to COVID-19. the small strip of beach remains popular. Most people respected each other's space. Some drop by for a short visit to see the water, then leave. A few people wandered the shore looking for rocks. Unfortunately, the first area of beach has been littered with bonfire debris and needs a serious cleanup. I also saw a few people bring dogs here - not sure if they're actually allowed. The strong waves roar in like the ocean. This is not a good place to use inner tubes and such, as you'll be pulled away from shore in no time. The absolute best reason to go here is to see those gorgeous shades of blue and green in the water, and hear the crashing waves. read more

Betsie Pointe Lighthouse - Beach - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frankfort, Michigan

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Beautiful! This is more then a Lighthouse, it is yet another Entry way to the scenic beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan and portrait pictures for a beautiful setting. When at the Lighthouse you can sense a chill of back in "the old days" and how historic the location is. You should visit Point Betsie for the beach, pictures, monument, history, and make it in to the Village of Frankfort as part of a trip. Enjoy the peace, beauty, and tranquility. read more

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The Point Betsie Lighthouse, Benzie County's most famous landmark, is located on the Lake Michigan shore of the county just south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and just north of Frankfort, Michigan. Point Betsie is the second most photographed lighthouse in the USA, and likely the most visited attraction in Benzie County. Watching the sunsets from Point Betsie is a long-standing tradition. Hours of Operation: Weekends Only Memorial Day to Columbus Day (May 23th to October 11th) Saturdays: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM Sundays: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Fridays In July and August only; 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM Cost: $2 per adult $1 per child under 12 Notes: Tickets stop being sold about 4:15 PM to allow everyone a chance for a complete tour. No one under 3 1/2 feet in height will be allowed to climb the tower and therefore will not be charged the cost of the tour. read more

Betsie Pointe Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frankfort, Michigan

This was one of my favorite lighthouses in Michigan!!! Really wonderful property and a beautiful view! Loaded with information and a must for people that love history and old lighthouses!!! read more

Point Betsie Lighthouse is quaint and in an area by Betsie Lighthouse Beach where you can take beautiful pictures. I would highly recommend a stop if you are touring Northern Michigan cities and I would bring a sandwich and a corkscrew! read more

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We enjoy visiting lighthouses when they are in an area that we are traveling through. We were on our way to Sleeping Bear Dunes and decided to make a quick stop. The Point Betsie Lighthouse is located on Lake Michigan just south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and just north of Frankfort, Michigan. Beautiful place to stop and it's a lovely lighthouse to see. read more

Great little beach with lots of rocks. Surf was mildly calm and the sunset was beautiful! When night comes a few groups of people decided to come down and build little fires on the beach. All in all a great spot! read more

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How can you go wrong, a beautiful old lighthouse on the shore of Lake Michigan. It seems a bit unique in that the light tower is not as tall as most lighthouse. The whole area is nice, and this is a great little sport to stop to get some of that Pure Michigan feeling. read more

Incredible! The water looks like a beach an the Riviera Maya, clear azure waters. The lighthouse is incredible and you can tour some parts of it. It is a fantastic spot for photos, you won't be disappointed on a sunny day! read more

Didn't visit the lighthouse (2 adults, 3 kids was going to be $18) but the public beach was nice. Very stony first 10 feet in the water, but sandy and cold after that. Bathrooms at lighthouse gift shop are brand-spankin new and they didn't seem to mind sandy kids. read more

This is a nice place in the most northern spot in the area. It is worth the state park sticker fee. Don't expect a sandy beach, its very rocky.....but take camera, the scenery is pretty. read more