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Grand Traverse Lighthouse

15500 N Lighthouse Point Rd · Northport, MI

Why you should go…

Sitting at the northern point of the Leelanau Peninsula where Grand Traverse Bay meets Lake Michigan, this working lighthouse has guided ships since 1852. Inside, exhibits on shipwrecks and lighthouse keeping fill a restored 1920s-era keeper's home, and the tower is open to climb.

  • #lighthouse
  • #museum
  • #leelanau peninsula
  • #lake michigan

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Grand Traverse Lighthouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Black Star Farms

    Under $25

    A Leelanau Peninsula winery and farm estate with tastings, a creamery, and an inn.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Charlevoix

    Free

    A storybook harbor town of mushroom-shaped cottages and a working drawbridge.

    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Fishtown

    Free

    A cluster of weathered fishing shanties on the Leland River, still home to working charter boats.

    17 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Chateau Grand Traverse

    Under $25

    One of the founding wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail, on a narrow strip between two bays.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    Music House Museum

    Under $25

    A collection of antique automated music machines, from player organs to a theater pipe organ.

    29 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Traverse City

    Free

    Northern Michigan's Cherry Capital, wrapped around Grand Traverse Bay with wineries and sandy beaches.

    32 mi awayMore like this