Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

TODAY’S HOURS: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., last admission/ticket sold 4:00 p.m.

TODAY’S EVENTS:
Tower Tours: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Rules apply to Tower Tours.
Fog Signal Demonstrations: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

About Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Made to be seen.

This is Mackinac.

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, tours of 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.

2024 Seasonal Hours

May 9 – May 31, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Last ticket sold 4:00 p.m.

June 1 – September 1, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Last ticket sold 5:00 p.m.

September 2 – October 6, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Last ticket sold 4:00 p.m.

2024 Admission Rates

Adult $10.25
Child (Age 5-12) $7.25

Click here for more information and to save on combination tickets and season 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.

Location Information

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

Demonstrations and Experiences

A demonstration of the Fog Signal Whistle, led by a costumed 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.

Tours of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse tower take place at scheduled times throughout the day. Space is limited to 10 people per tour, and tower tour times are assigned by the Guest Services Representative in the Fog Signal Building. Tours of the tower are offered at no charge, but are not guaranteed with admission. Certain restrictions apply to tours of the tower. Tower tours are offered at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Scheduled groups may limit tower tour availability – check with the Guest Services Representative upon arrival. Certain rules apply for climbing the tower – click here for more information. 

Movies

Shipwrecks of the Straits and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Tower Tour are presented in the Barn. They alternate throughout the day.

Exhibits

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.

Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum 

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.

Experiences

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, as well as tours of the Tower.

Exhibits

The house itself is home to multiple exhibits, and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum is not to be missed!

Other Mackinaw City Attractions