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. There’s just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens, 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.

The Covid-19 pandemic will likely delay the opening of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse for the 2020 season. It will be opened as soon as possible.

New dates will be announced here as soon as they are known. Thank you.

Highlights

Exhibits

Click on the map to expand.

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. New for 2020: the second floor of the house will be open to the public for the first time in the house’s history with exciting new exhibits. A new gallery space and two bedrooms restored to their appearance in 1910 will tell the story of the Keeper George Marshall, his wife Maggie, and their extended family as they lived and worked at the lighthouse.

Tower Tours

Tours of the lighthouse tower are given throughout the day, on a first-come, first served basis. Tours are provided at no additional charge and are not guaranteed with admission. For the safety of everyone special restrictions apply. Please consult the Tower Tour Rules to see if you can make the climb.

Movie

A fifteen-minute program, Shipwrecks of the Straits, is presented in the Barn. It repeats continuously.

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.

Fog Signal Whistle

At 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, a demonstration of the Fog Signal Whistle, led by a costumed interpreter, takes place in front of the Fog Signal Building.

Watch the video below to see all that Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has to offer!