Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
Iconic red lighthouse on Lake Michigan, offering stunning sunset views and a scenic pier walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic red lighthouse on Lake Michigan, offering stunning sunset views and a scenic pier walk.
"A popular spot for fishing, family fun, and breathtaking sunset photos."
🌊 Check Lake Conditions
Walk the pier only when waves are calm. Safety first!
📸 Sunset Photography
The lighthouse at sunset is a photographer's dream.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
Frankfort Harbor
Iconic red lighthouse on Lake Michigan, perfect for sunset views and photography.
Lake Michigan Beach
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Relax on the sandy shores, enjoy the swings, and take in the expansive lake views.
The Pier Walk
From the harbor to the lighthouse
A scenic, albeit sometimes uneven, walk along the pier offering unique perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Check Lake Conditions
Walk the pier only when waves are calm. Safety first!
📸 Sunset Photography
The lighthouse at sunset is a photographer's dream. +1
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The pier path can be uneven and crumbling.
🎣 Great for Fishing
Popular spot for catching pike and salmon. Bring your gear!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Check Lake Conditions
Walk the pier only when waves are calm. Safety first!
📸 Sunset Photography
The lighthouse at sunset is a photographer's dream. +1
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The pier path can be uneven and crumbling.
🎣 Great for Fishing
Popular spot for catching pike and salmon. Bring your gear!
🚻 Vault Toilets Available
Facilities are located in the south parking lot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the picturesque Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse, especially for sunset photos and the scenic pier walk. It's also a popular spot for fishing and family outings. However, the pier's uneven and crumbling condition, along with a lack of railings, raises accessibility and safety concerns for some.
"The water was calm enough to walk out when I visited. I would not recommend walking out when the waves are crashing over the side of the walkway. Nice, easy walk with good beach views and swing set facing the lighthouse. There are chunks out of the concrete and areas that are crumbling. I would not label it as accessible. Vault toilets are available in the south parking lot."
Brenda Bennett
"It’s a popular spot with an easy walk to the lighthouse and beautiful views of the harbor and Lake Michigan’s coastline. Both the North and South Piers are walkable when the waves are calm."
QL QL
"This area is just amazing! From the cute shops, to the nice beach, to the fun walk to to lighthouse! This are is a great place for.a fun family afternoon! Plenty of local food, fishing spots, and a few geocache spots (if you're into that like me)! 10/10 recommend!"
Timothy Keys
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located in Frankfort Harbor. Parking is available nearby, and it's a short walk to the pier that leads to the lighthouse.
Yes, parking is available in the south lot, which also has vault toilets.
No, you'll need to walk along the pier from the harbor to reach the lighthouse.
Access is typically from the harbor area. Be mindful of the pier's condition.
It's a moderate walk along the pier, but the uneven terrain can make it feel longer for some.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the lighthouse and walking the pier is generally free and open to the public.
The area is typically accessible during daylight hours, but always check local advisories for any specific closures.
There is no entrance fee to access the lighthouse and pier.
Typically, you cannot go inside the lighthouse itself, but you can walk out to it on the pier.
The main restriction is weather-dependent; avoid the pier during rough waves.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy scenic walks, photography, fishing, and relaxing by Lake Michigan.
It's safe on calm days, but parts are uneven and crumbling, with no railings.
Sunset, the lighthouse itself, and the expansive Lake Michigan views are prime spots. +1
Yes, vault toilets are located in the south parking lot.
Yes, with caution regarding the pier's condition. There are also swings and a beach nearby.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for catching northern pike and salmon.
Anglers often catch northern pike and salmon.
Bring your fishing gear and a light if you plan to fish at night.
Yes, enjoy the nearby beach, swimming, paddleboarding, and exploring Frankfort's shops.
Swimming is possible, especially on calmer days, and the beach offers a great spot to cool off.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting and colors. +1
Experiment with shots from the pier, the beach, and even drone footage for unique perspectives.
Be mindful of the pier's condition and the weather. The lighthouse has undergone repairs due to vandalism.
Drone footage can offer stunning views, as seen in several videos.
Yes, artists have created paintings inspired by the iconic Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
Be aware of the pier's condition for unique ground-level perspectives, and consider visiting during the off-season for fewer crowds and more unobstructed shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
While the lighthouse itself is a draw, the experience extends to the pier walk. This concrete walkway extends into Lake Michigan, offering visitors a chance to get closer to the lighthouse and experience the lake's grandeur. However, it's crucial to note that the pier's condition varies; parts can be uneven, crumbling, and lack railings, making it potentially hazardous, especially for older visitors or those with mobility challenges.
Recent reports have highlighted efforts to protect the lighthouse, including repairs following vandalism. This underscores its importance to the local community and its status as a beloved landmark.
Visitors are encouraged to appreciate its beauty while being mindful of its preservation.Exploring Frankfort Harbor and Beyond
For those seeking adventure, the waters of Lake Michigan are a playground. Fishing is a popular pastime here, with anglers reporting success in catching northern pike and salmon.
Frankfort also serves as a gateway to exploring more of Northern Michigan's attractions. It's a common stop on road trips that might include other lighthouses like Point Betsie or Ludington, sand dunes, and charming lakeside towns.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit