Michigan Lights - Tawas Point

Tawas Point Lighthouse is now part of a Michigan
State Park. 9/24/2019 dwm photo

Tawas Point was our first lighthouse visit after spending a week at Mission Point Lighthouse north of Traverse City.

We drove back across the state to continue down the east side of Michigan.

The light wasn't open the day of our visit, but the grounds allowed us to walk around and explore all the angles we wanted.

This light is actually the second one on the point.  The first light became more landlocked as the wind and waves extended the point further into the lake which took the light farther from the boats it was intended to help.

The light is 70 feet above Lake
Michigan. 9/24/19 (dwm)

In the short time we were on the grounds, I saw a Pileated Woodpecker and took pictures less than 6 feet from a Green Heron.  The point is known as a resting point for migrating birds.

Tawas Point State Park is near the community of Tawas.  You can camp at the park or rent a room in a shoreline hotel with a nice view of the light.

The sun shows it's more powerful
than any lighthouse. 9/24/19 (dwm)

While the last keeper packed up and left in 1953, the light warned ships of danger until 2015 when it was deactivated and a new beacon placed on a more utilitarian tower.

The state has owned the light and building since 2002 when it purchased the site from the Coast Guard.

The light is the featured attraction at the park with the house rehabilitated to show how keepers lived and worked during the glory days of light keeping.

The tower, home, and grounds make this one of the prettiest you will see without viewing it from a boat or plane.

After our visit to Tawas, we headed south to Saginaw and the Rear Range Light, but since that house has already been featured, we'll drive up Michigan's thumb to show you the Port Austin light next Sunday.

See more lighthouses by clicking here.