Grand Traverse Lighthouse: History & Visitor Guide

An aerial view of the historic lighthouse, modern beacon, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Photograph by Todd.

At the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, Grand Traverse Lighthouse brings together a historic keeper’s home, a rooftop tower, and a broad Lake Michigan setting. The preserved station offers a look at lighthouse life and a reason to explore beyond Northport.

Quick Facts

Location	Leelanau State Park, near Northport, Michigan
Waterway	Lake Michigan · Entrance to Grand Traverse Bay
Station established	1852
Current lighthouse first lit	1858
Historic light deactivated	1972 · Replaced by an automated light on a separate tower
Design	Square tower integrated into the keeper’s dwelling
Today	Historic lighthouse museum

History & Description

The first station was built in 1852. Its vulnerable shore location led to replacement in 1858, when the present lighthouse was constructed on higher ground. A square tower above the dwelling held the lantern and a fifth-order Fresnel lens.

A fog signal building was added in 1899. The additional work required an assistant keeper, and the dwelling was enlarged into a duplex. In 1972, a separate automated beacon took over the navigational role. Restoration began in 1985, and the station opened as a museum in 1987.

The house and rooftop tower give this station a domestic character: the keeper’s living space and working light were part of the same building. It is also known historically as Cat’s Head Point Light or Northpoint Light.

Visitor Information

Getting there: 15500 N. Lighthouse Point Road, Northport, Michigan. The station is inside Leelanau State Park, about eight miles north of Northport. Follow lighthouse and park signs north from town.
Museum and tower: Seasonal visits include the restored keeper’s dwelling and a tower climb. The fog signal building houses additional exhibits. Check the museum’s current schedule before traveling, especially outside summer and fall.
Admission: A Michigan Recreation Passport or applicable state park entry pass is required. Lighthouse museum admission is separate.
Accessibility: The dwelling and tower require stairs, including a steep final climb. The museum identifies the fog signal building and gift shop as accessible; contact staff about individual access needs.
Planning your visit: Allow time for the museum and park shoreline. Leelanau State Park’s hiking trails are in a separate area reached from Densmore Road.

Visitor information checked October 12, 2026. Confirm current visitor information →