McGulpin Point Lighthouse Historic Site
Historic brick lighthouse offering stunning Mackinac Bridge views and local shipwreck history. A scenic gem on Lake Michigan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for bridge photos
McGulpin Point Lighthouse Historic Site
Best Time
Golden hour for bridge photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic brick lighthouse offering stunning Mackinac Bridge views and local shipwreck history. A scenic gem on Lake Michigan.
"Awesome views of the Mackinac Bridge from the beach and lighthouse top!"
🚶♀️ Nature Trail to Beach
Take the short, wooded trail for amazing beach and bridge views.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse and Mackinac Bridge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mackinac Bridge Vista
Trail to the water
Breathtaking views of the Mackinac Bridge from the beach. Perfect for photos!
Historic Lighthouse Climb
Lighthouse interior
Climb to the top for panoramic views and learn about the lighthouse's past.
Shipwreck History Plaques
Grounds
Discover fascinating local shipwreck stories and the lives lost.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Trails
Admission & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Nature Trail to Beach
Take the short, wooded trail for amazing beach and bridge views.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse and Mackinac Bridge.
Need activities to do for our visit
💡 Learn Local History
Read the informative plaques about local shipwrecks.
💰 Affordable Admission
Small fee for a rich historical experience.
Suggestions for 3 days in mackinaw city/st ignace?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Nature Trail to Beach
Take the short, wooded trail for amazing beach and bridge views.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse and Mackinac Bridge.
💡 Learn Local History
Read the informative plaques about local shipwrecks.
💰 Affordable Admission
Small fee for a rich historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise McGulpin Point Lighthouse for its stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge, especially from the beach trail. The historic lighthouse itself and the informative shipwreck history plaques are also highlights, offering an educational and scenic experience for a small admission fee. Some note the trail has elevation, but the payoff is well worth it.
"Recommend taking the trail down to the water for awesome views of the Mackinaw Bridge. Great facility photos. The trail is relatively short but there is some elevation. Views from the top are also pretty epic."
Gerid Adams (Wired4Sound)
"Nice light house with an interesting history of ownership.
The placards with the brief shipwreck history is interesting. Lots of lost lives."
joel m-d
"Nice lighthouse and grounds with a beautiful nature trail that leads down to the beach and bridge view!"
Shannon Stanhope
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McGulpin Point Lighthouse is located on the Lake Michigan side of Mackinaw City. It's accessible by car and offers a scenic drive.
Yes, McGulpin Point Lighthouse is situated near Mackinaw City, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area.
Nearby attractions include other Mackinac State Historic Parks sites and scenic spots in St. Ignace like Bridge View Park.
While you can drive to the lighthouse, there are beautiful walking trails on the grounds and down to the beach.
Combine a visit to McGulpin Point with exploring Mackinaw City's other attractions and enjoying the Great Lakes scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small admission fee, typically around $3, which grants access to the lighthouse and its grounds for a self-guided tour.
While admission is required for the lighthouse itself, enjoying the surrounding natural beauty and views of the bridge from certain points might be accessible without a fee.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Mackinac State Historic Parks website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Typically, tickets can be purchased on-site. Advance booking is usually not required for McGulpin Point Lighthouse.
The grounds are generally accessible, but climbing to the top of the lighthouse involves stairs. The trail to the beach has some elevation.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail leading down to the beach offers incredible vantage points for photographing the Mackinac Bridge. The lighthouse itself is also a picturesque subject.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, provides beautiful lighting for both the lighthouse and the bridge. Summer evenings are particularly popular for sunset shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the lighthouse, allowing you to capture its historic interior and the views from its windows.
While generally encouraged, always be respectful of other visitors and the historic nature of the site. Drone photography may have specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge and lighthouse together. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the bridge.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can explore the restored lighthouse, learn about its history and local shipwrecks, and enjoy a scenic nature trail down to the beach with bridge views.
A visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the lighthouse, reading the historical markers, and enjoying the beach.
Restroom facilities are usually available at the site, which is convenient for visitors.
The nature trail is relatively short but has some elevation. It's generally considered easy to moderate, but wear appropriate footwear.
Built in 1869, it's a historic brick lighthouse that served as a navigational aid. The site also features informative plaques detailing local shipwreck history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Pack some snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. Wear comfortable shoes for the trail and consider bringing a small bag for any souvenirs from the gift shop. It's a low-cost activity that provides both educational value and outdoor fun.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Key photo spots include the lighthouse exterior, the interior climb for unique perspectives, and the beach area for bridge panoramas. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the bridge and lighthouse together, and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of the bridge's structure. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse photographic opportunities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch enjoyed on the beach overlooking the Mackinac Bridge for a truly cost-effective and memorable experience. It's a great option for those looking for enriching activities without breaking the bank, especially when compared to some of the larger attractions in the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of McGulpin Point Lighthouse
Beyond its function as a lighthouse, the site provides a rich historical context through its self-guided tours. Visitors can explore the grounds and the lighthouse interior, learning about its ownership and the lives it touched. The detailed information about five local shipwrecks is particularly compelling, highlighting the dangers faced by sailors and the lives tragically lost. This historical narrative adds depth to the visit, transforming it from a simple scenic stop into an educational experience about the region's maritime heritage.
Experiencing the Natural Beauty
Upon reaching the beach, visitors are greeted with spectacular, unobstructed views of the iconic Mackinac Bridge. This vista is a major draw, providing an unparalleled backdrop for photographs and a serene spot to relax and take in the grandeur of the Great Lakes. The combination of the historic lighthouse, the peaceful woodland trail, and the majestic bridge view makes McGulpin Point a multifaceted destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Social
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