TODAY’S HOURS:
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., last admission 4:00 p.m.
TODAY’S EVENTS:
Fog Signal Whistle Demonstrations: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Castle on the Straits Walking Tour: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens, a chance to explore the second floor of the house, the lighthouse tower, a movie, Shipwrecks of the Straits, and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum make this “Castle of the Straits” a true gem of the Great Lakes.
This is Mackinac.
September 7 – October 11, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Last ticket sold 4:00 p.m.
Closed Monday, October 5
Adult $11.00
Child (Age 5-12) $7.75
Click here for more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn about weekly passes.
Group rates are available! If you have 12 or more people visiting with you please contact our Marketing and Group Travel Coordinator.
Parking at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is free. The main lot is located adjacent to the site entrance. Additional parking is located along Huron Ave. and nearby at the Colonial Michilimackinac entrance.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is located within the boundaries of Michilimackinac State Park on the shore of Lake Michigan, just off I-75 in Mackinaw City. It is just to the east of the Mackinac Bridge. The Fog Signal Building serves as the entrance to the site.
526 N. Huron Ave.
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
A demonstration of the Fog Signal Whistle, led by a historic interpreter, will take place in front of the Fog Signal Building at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. The Castle on the Straits Walking Tour, also led by a historic interpreter, starts outside the Fog Signal Building at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Tower is available to explore. Certain rules apply for climbing the tower – click here for more information.
Shipwrecks of the Straits and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Tower Tour are presented in the Barn. They alternate throughout the day.
The Keepers’ Quarters contains three rooms restored to their 1910 appearance and a gallery exhibit on the history of the lighthouse featuring hands-on displays and original artifacts. A new exhibit devoted to optics and lenses as well as sound and fog signals is located on the main floor of the house. On the second floor, a gallery space and two bedrooms restored to their appearance in 1910 tell the story of the Keeper George Marshall, his wife Maggie, and their extended family as they lived and worked at the lighthouse.
Located in the reconstructed warehouse, this exhibit features audiovisual displays and a variety of original artifacts to tell the story of the numerous shipwrecks that dot the Straits of Mackinac.
A historic interpreter, dressed in a lighthouse keeper outfit from around 1910, provides informal interpretation of the house. Demonstrations of the Fog Signal Whistle take place throughout the day. The Castle on the Straits Walking Tour explores Old Mackinac Point’s role as an important maritime landmark for 65 years.
The house itself is home to multiple exhibits, and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum is not to be missed!
