Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
1. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Marker
This light is opposite the turning point for ships making the difficult passage through the Straits of Mackinac, one of the busiest crossroads of the Great Lakes. McGulpin's Point light, two miles to the west, had been established in 1856, but it was not visible from all directions. In 1889 Congress appropriated funds for the construction of a steam-powered fog signal here, which went into operation on November 5, 1890. Construction of the light tower and attached lightkeeper's dwelling began, and the light was first displayed on October 25, 1892. Heavy iron and brass castings were used throughout the structure, and the light was visible to ships sixteen miles away. In operation until 1958, the lighthouse is now a maritime museum.
Erected 1972 by Michigan Historical Commission, Mackinac Island State Park Commission. (Marker Number S377.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1831.
Location. 45° 47.252′ N, 84° 43.779′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac, and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Radio Beacon 1937/1938 (within shouting distance of this marker); Michilimackinac State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Lighthouses of the Mackinac Straits (within shouting distance of this marker); Fog Signal Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Michilimackinac State Park
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, November 26, 2004
2. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Marker
Also see . . . Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Mackinac State Historic Parks website entry (Submitted on February 3, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2011
3. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Marker (view looking northeast across Alexander Henry Park)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 10, 2025
4. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Marker
The lighthouse can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, November 26, 2004
5. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2011
6. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (northeast corner view)
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 2, 2024
7. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse and its outbuildings are now encircled by a white picket fence.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
8. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and House
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,342 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 16, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on February 3, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on April 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on February 3, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on April 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on August 26, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 8. submitted on July 9, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
