Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse on Lake Michigan offering tours, museum, and panoramic views from its tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on Lake Michigan offering tours, museum, and panoramic views from its tower.
"A must-visit spot packed with history, lake views, and Pure Michigan charm."
🚗 Scenic Drive is a Must
Enjoy the 18 miles of Traverse Bay views on your way in. It's pure bliss!
📸 Capture the Sunset
The lighthouse at sunset is absolutely stunning. Don't miss it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Traverse Lighthouse Tower
Lighthouse interior
Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding peninsula.
Leelanau State Park Shoreline
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Enjoy peaceful walks on soft sand beaches, perfect for rock hunting and quiet contemplation.
Lighthouse Museum & Keeper's Dwelling
Lighthouse interior
Step back in time with exhibits detailing Michigan's maritime history and lighthouse keeping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Journey to the Tip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive is a Must
Enjoy the 18 miles of Traverse Bay views on your way in. It's pure bliss!
📸 Capture the Sunset
The lighthouse at sunset is absolutely stunning. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Well-maintained trails offer woodland walks with glimpses of lake views.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small fee ($6 for adults) grants access to the lighthouse building and museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive is a Must
Enjoy the 18 miles of Traverse Bay views on your way in. It's pure bliss!
📸 Capture the Sunset
The lighthouse at sunset is absolutely stunning. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Well-maintained trails offer woodland walks with glimpses of lake views.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small fee ($6 for adults) grants access to the lighthouse building and museum.
🏖️ Peaceful Beach Time
The nearby beach is clean, quiet, and perfect for relaxing or skipping rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Grand Traverse Lighthouse for its stunning location, historical charm, and the breathtaking views from the tower. The peaceful beaches and scenic trails within Leelanau State Park are also highly appreciated, offering a serene escape. While some note limited amenities beyond the lighthouse itself, the overall experience is described as a beautiful and worthwhile visit.
"Really stunning lighthouse and property. We did not experience all that was available, but what we did see was lovely. The lake access was great, and some were stacking stones (kairns) on the shoreline for fun. Aside from the small gift shop next to the lighthouse and the play ground in the parking area, there is not much else there to see. It does have great camping sites and some trails to walk."
Brett Scudder
"The drive in was 18 miles of pure bliss, Traverse Bay views alternating on both sides. Once you arrive you can expect to see wonderful soft sand beaches, with stunning views. A great place to be at peace"
Dyllen Shepherd
"The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is a must-visit spot if you’re anywhere near the Leelanau Peninsula. The lighthouse itself is beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into Michigan’s maritime history. It’s perched right at the tip of the peninsula with stunning views of Lake Michigan that are worth the drive alone.
The beach nearby is peaceful, clean, and perfect for a quiet stroll or skipping rocks. Not overly crowded, which makes it feel like your own personal slice of paradise.
The trails were a surprising bonus—well-maintained and scenic, weaving through the woods with moments that open up to lake views. Whether you’re into nature walks or just looking for a peaceful afternoon outdoors, the trails deliver.
Between the historic charm of the lighthouse, the natural beauty of the beach, and the relaxing trails, this place checks all the boxes. Bring a picnic, take your time, and enjoy one of Michigan’s most underrated gems."
Brian Hines
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula within Leelanau State Park. The drive from Traverse City is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, offering scenic views of Traverse Bay. Many visitors describe the drive as 'pure bliss'.
Yes, there is a parking area near the lighthouse, which also includes a playground. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the lighthouse and the beach.
While there aren't dedicated bike lanes for the entire route, cycling enthusiasts might enjoy the scenic roads leading to the lighthouse. Be prepared for some hills and ensure you have appropriate gear for the journey.
From Traverse City, take M-22 North towards Northport. Continue on M-22 until you reach County Road 629 (Leland Road), then turn right. Follow this road to County Road 619 (Fishtown Road) and turn left. Continue on County Road 619 until you reach the entrance to Leelanau State Park.
Public transportation options are very limited in this rural area. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or rent a car for the most convenient access to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The lighthouse and museum typically operate seasonally, often from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current information. The grounds are generally accessible even when the lighthouse is closed.
Admission to the grounds is free as part of Leelanau State Park. There is a fee to enter the lighthouse building and museum, typically around $6 for adults and less for children, which helps support preservation efforts.
For general access to the grounds, no advance tickets are needed. If you plan to tour the lighthouse interior and museum, it's advisable to purchase tickets upon arrival, though advance booking is usually not required unless for special events.
Yes, Leelanau State Park has an entrance fee, which covers access to the park's amenities, including the lighthouse grounds and beaches. This fee is separate from the admission to the lighthouse museum itself.
While the interior of the lighthouse and museum will be closed, you can still visit and enjoy the exterior grounds, the beach, and the surrounding park areas. Many visitors enjoy the scenic beauty even without touring the inside.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour the historic lighthouse museum, climb the tower for stunning views, walk along the beautiful sandy beaches, explore the well-maintained trails in Leelanau State Park, and enjoy photography.
Yes, visitors can climb the steep stairs to the top of the lighthouse tower for spectacular panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.
Absolutely! Leelanau State Park offers several well-maintained and scenic hiking trails that wind through the woods and offer occasional glimpses of the lake. These trails are a surprising bonus for visitors.
The lighthouse itself, the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline, dramatic sunsets,
The grounds and beach areas are generally accessible. However, climbing the lighthouse tower involves steep stairs, which may not be suitable for everyone. The museum in the keeper's dwelling may have limited accessibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' offer the most beautiful light for photographing the lighthouse and shoreline. Sunsets are particularly dramatic.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. While some aerial shots have been captured,
The lighthouse exterior against the lake, the sandy beach with stacked stones (kairns), the panoramic views from the tower, and the surrounding natural landscapes all provide excellent photo opportunities.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted, but flash photography might be restricted to protect artifacts. It's best to inquire upon entry.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, making for a relaxed and budget-friendly meal. The well-maintained trails are also great for family walks, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the park at their own pace. The drive to the lighthouse itself, with its stunning bay views, is also an enjoyable part of the experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch or snacks, as on-site dining options are limited. This significantly cuts down on expenses. The scenic drive to the lighthouse is also a free activity that adds to the overall value of the visit. For those looking for accommodation, camping within Leelanau State Park is a more affordable option than hotels in nearby towns.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The expansive Lake Michigan shoreline provides opportunities for capturing serene beach scenes, interesting rock formations, and the vastness of the Great Lakes.Don't miss the chance to capture the panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse tower, offering a unique perspective of the Leelanau Peninsula.
For those with drones, the aerial views can be spectacular, showcasing the lighthouse's prominent position. Remember to bring a variety of lenses, from wide-angle for landscapes to telephoto for details, and a tripod for low-light conditions.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Its strategic location at the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula made it a crucial navigational aid for vessels traversing these vital Great Lakes shipping lanes.Today, visitors can step back in time by exploring the keeper's dwelling, which has been transformed into a museum. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of this iconic structure and the maritime history of the region. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum is a key attraction for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
+1Ascending the lighthouse tower is a highlight for many, providing unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding natural beauty. The climb, though steep, rewards visitors with a breathtaking perspective that truly captures the essence of this stunning location.
+2 The lighthouse is a significant landmark, often featured in Grand Traverse Lighthouse photos due to its picturesque setting.Exploring Leelanau State Park: Beyond the Lighthouse
For those who love to explore on foot, the park boasts well-maintained trails that weave through wooded areas, offering moments of serene beauty and occasional glimpses of the lake. These trails are a delightful surprise for many visitors, providing a refreshing contrast to the open shoreline.
Leelanau State Park also offers camping sites, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
+1 The combination of the historic lighthouse, the beautiful beaches, and the extensive trail system makes Leelanau State Park a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Leelanau Peninsula.Capturing the Magic: Photography at Grand Traverse Lighthouse
The ever-changing skies over the Great Lakes also provide incredible opportunities for capturing unique cloud formations.Beyond the lighthouse, the shoreline of Leelanau State Park presents numerous photographic possibilities. The soft sand beaches are perfect for capturing serene landscapes, while the practice of stacking stones (kairns) adds an interesting human element to the natural scenery.
+1For those interested in aerial perspectives, drone photography can capture the lighthouse's dramatic placement at the tip of the peninsula, showcasing its relationship with the vast expanse of Lake Michigan.
When planning your visit for photography, consider the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – for the most flattering light. Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit