The views are great here. The wooded area is nice to walk through. We didnt get a chance to tour the lighthouse but the whole scenery is so worth it. read more

See all

This is the cutest lighthouse! Many historical elements and artifacts inside. There is a nice video that explains the history of the lighthouse as well as plaques with more information. There is also a small Snow Owl exhibit which was a nice added touch! The gift shop has various trinkets for sale. All the staff were friendly and helpful! A nice stop in Traverse City! read more

Beautiful setting! Well worth the trip up. We were able to go inside the lighthouse. There is also another building or cabin that you could visit, which gave a great glimpse of life in the earlier days. read more

See all

A beautiful drive up to the lighthouse. It was peaceful and no traffic. Once you get up there, you will have no problem finding parking. It's $8 for one adult to explore the museum other than that you can explore the gift shop for free. It's not a big place but you can leisurely explore the area. It can get breezy and cold so wear a jacket/coat/hoodie. Staff was very kind and helpful. read more

See all

This is a cute little lighthouse with a lovely beach setting. It's a nice drive from Traverse City. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain and the lighthouse was closed at the time of our visit. There is some signage available outside, along with a historic cabin, and a very interesting note that this is located on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. There is a good sized paved parking lot available, and then it is a short walk through the woods to the lighthouse. read more

See all

It's a nice little focal point for a drive up the Old Mission Peninsula, set on a lovely little beach (currently blanketed in giant piles of zebra mussel shells) with an inexplicable little swing set, possibly making it the most scenic spot in the world where I have ever pushed my children on a swing. The lighthouse itself is small and crowded, with a lot of complicated negotiations about who exactly is allowed to step into which part of the lighthouse at what time (don't just count on being able to duck into the gift shop without prior notice!). And while it's interesting to see the way the peninsula divides the water currents in different directions, the view from the lighthouse itself is about what you'd expect, really? I hate to say "seen one Lake Michigan lighthouse, seen 'em all," but it wouldn't be in inappropriate sentiment. read more

Unfortunately we got here too late so the lighthouse was closed. The drive up is spectacular and once you arrive the views only continue. Our family enjoyed looking at the lighthouse and walking down onto the beach. I love that they had swings for our kids to play with as an alternative. Everyone there was super nice. read more

We couldn't get in because it was closed. At 5pm. Sad face. The beach that surrounds the lighthouse is really pretty and has a cove at the end and neat found art of driftwood! I recommend the beach! You can still tour the grounds and take pics but not inside the lighthouse. read more

See all

I have lived in Michigan my entire life and this was my first visit to Traverse City. I have lives a relatively sheltered life. Like for real. We have been planning this trip since early 2020. This was my birthday trip , and I have been anticipating it. However, last June things were still shut down due to COVID. Things started to open up but he wanted to be sure I got the full experience so we went somewhere closer and postponed to November. Well, three days before we were supposed to go the state shut down again. I was beginning to think this trip would never happen! But it did! And it was magnificent! He wanted to be sure I got to check out both peninsulas. I have never been to a lighthouse before so I was excited to come here. It was a very chilly, windy day, but sunny so who cares right? We anticipated the chilly June day and dressed accordingly. So we were fine. The view was beautiful. And believe it or not, there were kids swimming at the beach! The limit the number of people inside due to the close quarters. We went in and stopped at the gift shop. We chatted for a bit with the people running the place. They are from our area and their daughter lives very close to me! For $5 each you can go upstairs. It's a bit scary climbing to the top. Particular if you are afraid of heights. But I managed to do it. So beautiful up top. It was fun to learn about the history of the area. Very happy we came. I would love to check our more light houses in the area but out trip did have a time limit haha! read more

Mission Point Lighthouse - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

This is a lovely spot to visit. Beautiful area with a beach below the Lighthouse and lovely grounds. We could not go inside but we enjoyed the walk and reading the signs. read more

See all

Driving up Mission Point is a relaxing casual drive through rural farms and winery country. When you get to the point of the peninsula you are rewarded with the Mission Point Lighthouse which has a unique design compared to all the other lights we saw on Lake Michigan. There is plenty of parking at this light, and a short walkway brings you from the parking lot to the lighthouse itself. The lighthouse is well maintained and the grounds are in great shape. A historic cabin is also located on the site. On the north side of the house, a staircase leads down to a nice sandy beach which I lined with forest along one edge. It was getting late in the day so the sun was starting to reflect off the water as we looked out into Lake Michigan. Since it was late the light was not open for tours any longer but it is a very peaceful place to visit. read more

See all

Lucky Me to have been here twice! The first time was when my daughter was only three years old. We were visiting my father-in-law during autumn and included this side trip up north to see the fall colors. The second time we came, my daughter was 16! I made her pose for the same photos we took of her when she was three! There are some incredible views from the lighthouse and you are able to climb to the top of the tower. This is one of Michigan's 129 lighthouses. The state of Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state. This lighthouse used to guide mariners from 9/10/1870 to 1933. As you are touring inside the lighthouse, you are able to see how a lighthouse keeper lived. There are miles of trails to hike and walk through all around the lighthouse. Lots of wildlife and birds to photograph or just gaze at. We were able to walk into the waters of the Grand Traverse Bay and the water was perfect temperature. read more

See all

What beautiful fun, the drive up. Running past orchards and farms and wineries and wonderful rustic road side stands selling all manner of curious wares. Oh my. Absolutely beautiful fun. So the lighthouse and primitive cabin were closed up for season but at least they still let you run about the grounds and beach. Small fun definitely worth the trip for the beautiful Sunday drive on up. Plenty of port-o-potties for those in need; clearly they've addressed this issue from other reviews; as if. read more

See all

October 23, 2019 This stop in Traverse City, is located at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, North on M 37, called Mission Point Lighthouse. It is a great drive up while passing apple orchards, some farms and wineries. Check out this lighthouse and visit the Museum as well by climbing to the top! Adults= $4 and Ages 6-12= $2. I enjoyed a small walk on a trail nearby. Then a stop on the sandy beach shore area to reflect, enjoy the waves of water, breathe the air with a bit of a chill from the windy breeze. Very Peaceful. I wasn't able to remove my boots and walk in the sand since it was a Fall day. The temperature was a bit chilly. If traveling a long distance? then make a stop to stretch and walk the trails or the beach and take photos. This scenic and historical building is a non-working lighthouse. The park and trails are open all year until 10pm. It is an enjoyable and a worthwhile visit for 30 to 45 minutes. Inside is a gift shop with volunteer residents working. No food or drinks and no rest rooms. read more

Mission Point Lighthouse - Be a Keeper of the Lighthouse! There's a 2 year wait list. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

If you visit the Traverse City area and don't make the drive to the lighthouse, you've missed out! The beautiful vineyards and glimpses of the deep blue east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay from atop the gentle hills or around the bends along the way are stunning. Travel along MI37 through cherry, apple and peach orchards until you can't go any further. Literally. As the sign says, it's the the end of the road! The lighthouse is the prize at the end of the journey! There's a short, easy walk from the parking lot. The grounds and lighthouse are very well kept. It's such a simple structure, it's hard to imagine what an important role it played in the lives of sailors from 1870 until it was decommissioned in 1933. During Covid, visits to the lighthouse are limited to the exterior property only, but that doesn't diminish the experience or fun. The lighthouse is pristine and the view of the bay is worth the trip. read more

See all

This place is INCREDIBLE! Go here for a sunset, you certainly won't regret. We wanted to just drive down the peninsula and stumbled upon the beautiful beach and lighthouse. Serene experience. read more

See all

A beautiful lighthouse and viewing area. We arrived a bit too late to go inside unfortunately but it was worth the trip anyway. It has a small beach area and a paved path also. There is a small historic log cabin on the property that you can peek inside to see what life was like during that time period. A picture perfect Michigan day we visited here in August read more

See all

We were in the area visiting some wineries and decided to check out the winery. The lighthouse was already closed by the time we got there. But it was still a great quick stop. The lighthouse is pretty and the small walk to the beach had a great view of the water. read more

See all

Stunning views from the lighthouse on our first trip here. I can't get over how beautiful the view and water are. It was National Lighthouse Day when we visited. The lighthouse keepers handed out free cookies in celebration. There was a line to get into the tiny light house and people had to wear masks. We stopped by a deli on the way hand enjoyed a picnic lunch with a bottle of wine too. Plan to bring some food and drinks to sit awhile on the Adirondack chairs or at the two picnic tables by the lighthouse. You can also take a swim in the lake in front of the lighthouse so long as you don't have an issue with steps. There's even a swing set on the beach. read more

Mission Point Lighthouse - beach area in front of lighthouse - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

We arrived on 11/1 and the first storm and it was amazing. The lightkeepers were so nice too. Highly recommended. We were the only visitors - plenty of safe and social distancing fun was had. read more

See all

Friendly light house keepers that man the gift shop, give assistance and answer questions you may have. Self toured with multiple levels. Free to residents but good value for others. Located on the end of Old Mission and readily accessible to beaches and hiking trails. read more

A light in the middle The Mission Point Lighthouse was lit on Sept, 10, 18 1870 and was decommissioned in 1933. It's a relatively small lighthouse and stands only 36 feet tall but since it's on a small hill the focal plane is 46 feet and the light extends out to 13 miles. The lighthouse is now a museum and located in Old Mission Point Park. The park is open all year long and has free parking but the lighthouse itself closed down from Nov to May. It's four bucks to climb to the top and see the museum. The museum is very cool with all kinds of artifacts and information about the lighthouse, lighthouse keepers and general area. The lighthouse originally had a fifth order Fresnel lens but like many of the beautiful old lens, nobody has any idea what happened to it. It might have been destroyed, or it might be sitting in some old building or perhaps even in a private collection. A Fresnel Lens from another lighthouse was located now graces the museum. This is a lovely and historic old lighthouse that was restored and is maintained in pristine condition. The lighthouse is in a wonderful location, almost exactly half way between the equator and north pole. A fascinating and beautiful place to visit all year long. read more

See all

Cool little lighthouse (no longer operational) that's worth the drive to see a historical building and a lovely view of the water. They have a small gift shop inside too! It's free to see the first floor and grounds but to see the museum upstairs is a few dollars per person. No dogs, no food/drink and no public bathroom inside! read more

See all

The soft sand beaches and vast blue depths of Lake Michigan are beautifully watched over by this stunning 1800's era lighthouse. Currently, 6/1/21, the lighthouse is closed, assuming because of continued precautions of Covid-19. But you can still view the exterior and take pictures from the yard outside. The Hessler Log Cabin has a great viewing area from the back and even has a phone number you can call for a virtual tour! It's such an innovative way to allow for a tour without needing to depend on a guide that may not see anyone that day, depending on the weather! Although this is a review for the lighthouse, I can't get over how beautiful the beach itself is and don't get me started on the stunning open vineyards and views on the way there. The lines of cherry trees, bunches of grapes, and bright blue waters make for a fantastic appetizer for the entree of such a wonderful stretch of sun heated sand and crisp refreshing splashes of the lake. It's a great spot for stone skipping, sea shell collecting, and cairn building. Explorers welcomed! You never know what might wash up on this beautiful beach! read more

See all

It was an incredible view looking over the lake. We took a short hike through the woods which was lovely. Toured the grounds and played at the beach. Definitely worth the trip to check out. read more

I can't get over how breathtaking it was. Right out of a movie. The grounds are well kept. The view is truly a vision I can't even describe. I was lucky to come at sunset and catch the colors and beauty. read more

The drive to the lighthouse up the peninsula is beautiful! One at the park, The Beach is gorgeous! There are trails into the park and very dog friendly. The lighthouse itself is very cute, museum inside with a lot of neat info. Volunteers are very sweet and knowledgeable. Must pay the $4 per adult to go to the top of the lighthouse but it is so worth it! The view is incredible. read more