Cheboygan Crib Light Cheboygan
A picturesque lighthouse on Lake Huron, offering scenic walks, family fun at Gordon Turner Park, and glimpses of maritime activity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Cheboygan Crib Light Cheboygan
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque lighthouse on Lake Huron, offering scenic walks, family fun at Gordon Turner Park, and glimpses of maritime activity.
"Beautiful spot with a nice walk to the lighthouse and a great park for families."
🚶♀️ Walk the Jetty
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the jetty leading to the lighthouse for great views.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Park
Gordon Turner Park has a large playground, perfect for kids.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cheboygan Crib Light
End of the jetty, Gordon Turner Park
Iconic lighthouse offering picturesque views and a peaceful walk along the water.
Gordon Turner Park
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Spacious park with a sandy beach, playground, and scenic walking paths.
Ferry and Boat Sightings
Waterway near the lighthouse
Watch ferries and local boats pass by, adding a dynamic element to the coastal scenery.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Jetty
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the jetty leading to the lighthouse for great views.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Park
Gordon Turner Park has a large playground, perfect for kids.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse and Lake Huron.
🚢 Ferry Views
Catch a glimpse of ferries passing by the lighthouse.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Jetty
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the jetty leading to the lighthouse for great views.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Park
Gordon Turner Park has a large playground, perfect for kids.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse and Lake Huron.
🚢 Ferry Views
Catch a glimpse of ferries passing by the lighthouse.
🦅 Eagle Sightings
Keep an eye out for bald eagles in the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cheboygan Crib Light for its scenic beauty and the enjoyable experience at Gordon Turner Park, highlighting the playground and beach as great for families. While the lighthouse interior isn't accessible, the picturesque setting and opportunities to see ferries and wildlife make it a worthwhile stop.
"The lighthouse was closed for maintenance when I visited on 6.20.2025, but i got several pictures of it and enjoyed a walk along the jetty. Even found a Coast Guard Cutter nearby."
Rick White
"Very nice and clean. Easy access and free. Beach with sand and rocks of all sizes. Large playground area. Lighthouse was locked and the bathrooms are locked as well for the season still. Enjoyed the Ferry going by the lighthouse. You can see the front lighthouse in a far distance."
Jewel Gwaltney
"This was a beautiful spot! The walk to the lighthouse is very nice and well manicured. There is a huge park and playground area. It is definitely a win for a day with family.
It was a touch chilly on our early spring day visit, but it was still enjoyable. We were also able to see a US Coast Guard ship, which was really neat, too."
Amanda Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cheboygan Crib Light is accessible via Gordon Turner Park in Cheboygan, Michigan. You can drive to the park and then walk along the jetty to reach the lighthouse. Parking is available at the park.
Public transportation options directly to the lighthouse are limited. It's best to drive to Gordon Turner Park.
A well-maintained path and jetty lead from Gordon Turner Park directly to the Cheboygan Crib Light, offering a pleasant walk.
While it's a bit of a walk, you can reach Gordon Turner Park and the lighthouse from downtown Cheboygan, especially if you enjoy scenic strolls along the riverfront.
Access to Gordon Turner Park and parking is generally free, making it an accessible destination for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit the Cheboygan Crib Light. It is an outdoor attraction accessible through Gordon Turner Park.
The Cheboygan Crib Light is not open for interior tours. Visitors can admire it from the outside and walk along the jetty.
As an outdoor landmark, the Cheboygan Crib Light is accessible at any time. However, park amenities like restrooms may have seasonal hours.
Gordon Turner Park offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly destination for families and individuals.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers the most beautiful lighting for photographing the Cheboygan Crib Light and the surrounding scenery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk the jetty to the lighthouse, enjoy the sandy beach at Gordon Turner Park, watch ferries and boats, and explore the playground.
Restrooms are available at Gordon Turner Park, though they may be seasonal. It's advisable to check their availability if visiting outside of peak summer months.
Absolutely! Gordon Turner Park features a large playground and a sandy beach, making it a great spot for family outings.
While there's a beach at Gordon Turner Park, swimming conditions can vary. It's best to check local advisories for safety.
Visitors have reported seeing bald eagles and various waterfowl in the area, adding to the natural beauty of the location.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Cheboygan has a downtown area with several dining options, including breweries and coffee roasters, a short drive from the lighthouse.
Gordon Turner Park is an ideal spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy it with a view of the water.
Typically, there are no food vendors directly at the lighthouse. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or dine in Cheboygan's downtown.
Cheboygan Brewing Co. and Cheboygan Coffee Roasters are popular local spots mentioned by visitors for a bite or a drink.
Food delivery services might be available to Gordon Turner Park, but it's best to confirm with local providers.
📸 📸 Photography
The jetty leading to the lighthouse offers excellent vantage points. The beach at Gordon Turner Park also provides scenic framing. 
Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.
Drone regulations can vary. It's crucial to check current FAA and local park rules before flying a drone near the lighthouse or park.
For lighthouse photos, consider a tripod for stability, especially during low light. Experiment with aperture for depth of field and shutter speed for capturing water movement.
Yes, the passing ferries offer dynamic subjects. Use a telephoto lens if you have one to capture them clearly as they navigate the waterway.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at the park, as there are no food vendors directly at the lighthouse. The proximity to downtown Cheboygan also means easy access to family-friendly dining options if needed. Remember to bring sunscreen and hats, as the area is quite open.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the chance to capture the passing ferries and boats, which add a sense of scale and activity to your images. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as bald eagles, which can make for truly special shots. A tripod is recommended for low-light conditions and to ensure sharp images.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Combine your visit with a stroll through downtown Cheboygan to experience the local shops and cafes. If you're feeling particularly energetic, consider renting paddleboards for a unique perspective from the water, as some visitors have enjoyed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Cheboygan Crib Light
While you cannot enter the lighthouse, its historical significance is evident in its design and location. It stands as a testament to the engineering and navigational needs of the past. The surrounding waters were busy with commercial traffic, and aids like the Crib Light were essential for safe passage, especially during challenging weather conditions on Lake Huron.
Today, the Cheboygan Crib Light remains a picturesque landmark, appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and its connection to the region's maritime heritage. It's a popular spot for photographers and visitors looking to experience a piece of Great Lakes history.
Exploring Gordon Turner Park and Surrounding Attractions
Beyond the park itself, the Cheboygan area offers more to discover. Visitors often mention the proximity to Cheboygan Brewing Co. and Cheboygan Coffee Roasters, providing local flavor and refreshment after a day of exploring. The downtown area is also noted as being worth a weekend getaway, suggesting a charming small-town atmosphere with shops and eateries.
For those interested in maritime activity, watching the ferries and local boats navigate the waterway near the lighthouse adds an element of dynamism to the scenery. Some visitors have even been fortunate enough to spot bald eagles, adding a touch of wild beauty to the experience.
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