McGulpin Point Lighthouse
McGulpin's Point Lighthouse, Wilderness Park Dr, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA
Name and Location
The McGulpin Point Lighthouse is located at the intersection of Lake Michigan and the Straits of Mackinac, standing tall at 1500 Birch Street, Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Its coordinates are 45.7871401° N, 84.7730634° W.
Construction and History
The McGulpin Point Lighthouse was built in 1855 to guide mariners through the treacherous Straits of Mackinac, a narrow waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The original lighthouse was constructed on a rocky outcropping overlooking the straits, serving as a vital aid to navigation for centuries. A storm destroyed the original lighthouse in 1858, and it was rebuilt in 1869.
Architecture and Materials
The current McGulpin Point Lighthouse is a modified version of the original structure, built in 1898 after the previous one was destroyed by a storm. The present lighthouse stands at 45 feet (13.7 meters) tall, featuring a square tower with a red brick exterior and a white lantern room.
Light and Navigation
The McGulpin Point Lighthouse serves as an active aid to navigation, providing vital guidance to mariners traversing the Straits of Mackinac. The lighthouse's original Fresnel lens was replaced in 1983 with a modern optic system, ensuring continued reliable service.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can explore the McGulpin Point Lighthouse Museum, located within the Straits State Park. Open from May to October, the museum offers guided tours and exhibits showcasing the region's maritime history and the lighthouse's significance.
Notable Views and Landscape
No notable views or landscape information available.
Anecdotes and Folklore
The McGulpin Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Its rich history makes it a significant part of Northern Michigan's maritime heritage.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse has been automated since 1960, with an optic system installed to reduce maintenance costs. The original lighthouse was destroyed by a storm in 1858 and rebuilt in 1869.
Further Information
- 1. National Historic Landmarks Program - McGulpin Point Light (en.wikipedia.org)
- 2. United States Coast Guard - McGulpin Point Lighthouse (uscg.mil)
Details
| Name | McGulpin Point Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 45.7871401, -84.7730634 |
| Year of construction | 1855 |
| Events | shipswrecks |
| Stories | one of the oldest lighthouses on Lake Michigan, original lighthouse was destroyed by a storm in 1858 and rebuilt in 1869 |
| Construction material | red brick |
| Tower height | 45 |
| Renovations | destroyed by a storm in 1858; rebuilt in 1869 |
| Access description | Visitors can explore the McGulpin Point Lighthouse Museum, located within the Straits State Park. Open from May to October, the museum offers guided tours and exhibits showcasing the region's maritime history and the lighthouse's significance. |
| Accessible | true |
| View description | rocky coast, dunes |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
| Opening hours | May to October |
| Nearby attractions | Straits State Park |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Automated | true |