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.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse will open for the 2023 season May 11. 

Highlights

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.

Movies

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

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

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.

Tower Tours

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.

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