At the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, a white lighthouse sits between sandy beach and forest. Mission Point’s attached dwelling and tower offer a quiet waterfront landmark at the end of the drive north from Traverse City.
Quick Facts
| Location | Old Mission Peninsula, north of Traverse City, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Grand Traverse Bay · Lake Michigan |
| First lit | September 10, 1870 |
| Decommissioned | 1933 |
| Design | White keeper’s dwelling with an attached tower and lantern |
| Ownership | Peninsula Township |
| Current use | Historic lighthouse museum and park |
History & Description
Mission Point Lighthouse first shone on September 10, 1870. It warned mariners of shallow, rocky water at the end of Old Mission Peninsula and guided traffic through West Grand Traverse Bay.
The station combined a keeper’s home with a tower rising above the roof. Its white exterior, dark shutters, steep gables, and small lantern give the building a domestic scale beside the beach.
The light was decommissioned in 1933. Today, the lighthouse preserves the story of the keepers who lived and worked here, with a museum inside and parkland around the station.
Todd’s photographs show the building from the beach, lawn, and above. The winter image offers another view of the same shoreline steps, with snow replacing the summer sand and greenery.
Visitor Information
- Museum and tower
- The lighthouse operates seasonally, generally May through October and some November weekends. Museum admission includes the second floor and stair climb when available. Check the official visitor information for current hours, fees, and access; volunteer staffing can affect opening times.
- Park, beach, and trails
- The surrounding park offers beach access and wooded trails. Exterior views are available during park hours even when the museum is closed. Follow posted rules and seasonal conditions.
- Getting there
- Follow M-37 north along Old Mission Peninsula to the lighthouse park. The public parking area is a short walk from the building.
- Photography
- The shoreline steps lead the eye toward the lighthouse. Other permitted paths offer views of the lawn, fence, and dwelling. The park prohibits drone flights; follow current site rules.
Photo Gallery
Eight views of Mission Point and its shoreline setting. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Explore Grand Traverse Bay
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