Beacon Watch

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As the days last rays dip into Lake Hurons deep blue horizon, Middle Island Lighthouse (Ten miles north of Alpena) fires up for another nights watch. This red-banded sentry is just one of more than 100 towering beacons gracing the Great Lakes State shoreline; some are still active, others restored and preserved as museums or renovated into lodging, such as the former Foghorn building on Middle Island. Come explore these iconic outposts for a rewarding glimpse into the Northeast regions long and storied maritime history, rich with tales of valiant rescues, mysterious disappearances and tragic shipwrecks.

Michigan has more than 100 historic structures dubbed as lighthouses and light stations and lights. We have chosen to shire the spot light the two noted below:

Middle Island Keeper's Lodge & Boat Tours
Relive the romance of the lakes by spending the night in the converted Fog Horn building at this Middle Island treasure. During the day, narrated three to four-hour tours include a boat ride, a nature walk and viewing of restoration efforts.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park and Museum
The New Presque Isle Light Station was built in 1870 to replace the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, which is just down the road. Most people visit the older tower first and then drive here. Both are worth a stop. The new tower is an elegant spire, with green paint and a whimsical red-capped roof. The balcony at the top offers sweeping views of Lake Huron.

While on your Northeast lighthouse tour, here are some suggestions of things to do, places to eat and places to stay:

Things to Do... 

Places to Eat...

Places to Stay ... 

Now, embark on the voyage of Michigan more than 100 lighthouses and learn of their legacies, tales, myths and haunting stories.