Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

History of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

The initial part of this light station that was completed was the fog signal. It was finished and put into use in 1890, a full two years before the lighthouse was completed. The first fog signal building was in service until 1907, when a new fog signal was completed and put to use. It was at that point that the original fog signal building was used as a warehouse. It was later destroyed in the 1940s.

The lighthouse and attached keeper's dwelling was completed in 1892 and used until 1957 when the Mackinac Bridge was opened. Most mariners felt the lights on the bridge were more visible than the lighthouse, thus making the lighthouse unnecessary. Restoration of the lighthouse started in 2000 returning the lighthouse to its 1910 appearance. The restoration was complete in 2004 and the lighthouse opened to visitors. The lighthouse is open from May to October.

List of keepers:

• George Marshall (1890-1919)
• James Marshall (1919-1940)
• Henrik Olsen (1940-1951)
• John Campbell (1951-1957)

Directions: From I-75 heading north, get off at exit 339. Take North Nicolet Street north. Once you cross over Huron Street, it will put you into a parking lot for the park. The lighthouse is on your right.

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