Continuing the review of lighthouses from our recent trip to northern Michigan. Today we'll look at Point Betsie Lighthouse, in Mackinaw City, Michigan.
Point Betsie Light is located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan — at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage. Established in 1858, it was automated in 1983. The lighthouse sits on a dune, with a concrete "seawall" in front. The tower is 39' tall, and the high base, the light could be seen for 24 nautical miles.
This oldest standing structure in Benzie County, built in 1858, it marks the all-important entrance to southern end of the Manitou Passage, a once-vital maritime shipping channel. Although the lane is no longer used by large commercial vessels, the operating light signal remains a US Coast Guard aid to navigation to this day, and the site shines as a treasured landmark to mariners and landlubbers alike.
The building and immdeiate grounds were close when we were there, but we were able to wander around the area, including the public beach immediately to the south of the lighthouse.
Here's a snip from Google Earth, showing where the lighthouse is. (not my photo!):
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