Name and Location

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is located at 15500 Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670, USA.

Construction and History

Built in 1852 by the United States Government, the lighthouse was originally intended to serve as a navigational aid for ships traversing Lake Michigan. The structure's design was influenced by the local maritime culture and the harsh weather conditions of the region.

Architecture and Materials

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is a brick tower with a height of approximately 60 feet (18 meters) and a focal height of about 63 feet (19 meters). Its architecture is characteristic of lighthouses from the Victorian era, featuring a square base, a cylindrical midsection, and a conical roof. The structure was constructed using local limestone and brick, with a red lantern room at its summit.

Light and Navigation

The original light source was a third-order Fresnel lens, which emitted a white flash every 30 seconds. In 1973, the lighthouse was automated, and the light was modified to display a Fl(3)W.15s pattern, characterized by three flashes of white light in 15-second intervals.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum is open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visitors can access the site via a guided tour or self-guided visit. On-site facilities include a gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, East Bay, and Lake Michigan from various vantage points around the lighthouse. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, forests, and scenic hiking trails.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• Legend has it that the Grand Traverse Lighthouse was originally intended to be built on a nearby island but was relocated due to concerns about erosion and the challenging construction process.
• Another local tale claims that the lighthouse's light can be seen from as far as 20 miles (32 kilometers) away on a clear night.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has been automated since 1973 and no longer serves as an active aid to navigation. The nearest nautical chart reference points are Lake Michigan Charts #15110, 15120, and 15200.

Further Information

• "Grand Traverse Lighthouse: A History" by the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum
• "Lake Michigan Nautical Charts" by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• "Michigan State Register of Historic Sites" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources