August 7th is National Lighthouse Day! For hundreds of years, these lovely structures have aided in the safe navigation of ships. With over 120 standing lighthouses, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the US. Ohio only has about 20 lighthouses— but thanks to our area's proximity to Lake Erie, you don't have to travel far to see them! Here are 10 of our favorite lighthouses in Michigan and Ohio.
1. mission point lighthouse | traverse city, mi
- Built in 1870
- Open for tours
2. grosse ile lighthouse | grosse ile township, mi
- Rebuilt in 1906
- Tours available upon request
3. big sable point lighthouse | ludington, mi
- Built in 1867
- Open for tours
4. sturgeon point lighthouse | harrisville, mi
- Built in 1869
- Open to the public
5. big red lighthouse | holland, mi
- Originally built in 1870 with improvements and new structures added in the early to mid 20th Century
- Most phographed lighthouse in Michigan
6. point betsie lighthouse | frankfort, mi
- Built in 1858
- Open to the public
7. toledo harbor lighthouse | jerusalem township, oh
- Built in 1901
- Open for boat tours/special events
8. port clinton lighthouse | port clinton, oh
- Built in 1896
- Open for tours
9. marblehead lighthouse | marblehead, oh
- Built in 1821
- Open for tours
- The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes
10. ashtabula lighthouse | ashtabula, oh
- Built in 1905
- Museum open to the public
For more information on Michigan's many lighthouses, visit https://www.michigan.org/lighthouses.