Mission Point Lighthouse

The lighthouse is open April 30th this year. If you haven't done the climb to the lantern deck, do it this year. The number of people that took the tour in 2021 was 20,188! Tour fees help keep us open and maintain this historic site. We are open Thursday-Monday from 10 to 5. Occasionally, we are open on Wednesdays, when we have volunteers.

Park is always open until 10 p.m. Yes, you can see and photograph the lighthouse when the park is open. It's a 200-300 ft walk from the parking lot. There is access to the beach and hiking trails at our park.

Check out our online store

NEW -- Check out our new online store with a variety of exclusive lighthouse related gifts - hats, mugs, stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, magnets, ornaments, books and more . . . All your purchases help to keep us open!

Be a Lighthouse Keeper!

Our Keeper Program is very popular and unique. If you would love to stay water-front in a Traverse City historic icon; are high-energy; appreciate Michigan history; enjoy waking up to a million dollar waterfront view; love meeting and speaking with visitors from every state and many foreign countries . . . you may be a perfect lighthouse keeper for Mission Point Lighthouse! First read the handbook and check out the KEEPER PROGRAM tab and keeper testimonials.

Keeper application procedures (PDF opens new window)
Keeper handbook (PDF opens new window)
Keeper availability calendar

In-season keepers (May - November) must apply with a partner. Do not submit payment with application, we will let you know if your application is accepted then invoice you.

More questions? Email the Lighthouse Manager: missionpointlight@gmail.com. Or go to the KEEPER PROGRAM page.

Drone photo by jayedwardphotography.com

Northern Michigan Icon

Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades. Located at the north end of a picturesque drive along M-37 through cherry orchards and vineyards, Mission Point Lighthouse stands as a classic piece of Michigan history. While it no longer guides mariners through West Grand Traverse Bay as it did from September 10, 1870 until it was decommissioned in 1933, Mission Point Lighthouse now offers visitors a peek into what life was like around the turn of the century for lighthouse keepers and for others who lived and worked in the area at the time.

Lighthouse Park guests are invited to enjoy self-guided historical tours through the lighthouse for a small fee (climb all the way up to the tower!); to visit our quaint gift shop; to peek into the historic Hessler Log Cabin; to explore the miles of unspoiled trails that run through and around the park (many of which are just as historic as the lighthouse itself); to picnic; to photograph; to watch for birds and other wildlife; to stroll the beach; to gaze out at the sunset; and to simply relax. We hope to see you there!

This historic building is owned by Peninsula Township and run by the township, the Lighthouse Manager and caring volunteers. Visit our Facebook Page to keep up to date on news and events.

Park, trails and beach are open daily until 10pm all year. The park is handicap accessible but not the lighthouse since it is historic.

Admission Fees to the Lighthouse:
(May - October most days, November weekends only)
There is a small fee for the museum. Pay in the gift shop to see the 5th Order Fresnel lens, 2nd floor museum and experience the stair climb to the tower with awesome views:

$5 each - ages 13+
$2 each - ages 6-12
FREE for ages 5 and under
(parking is always FREE)

REGULAR SEASON HOURS (volunteer run shop):

10-5 Thursday-Monday
November weekends only (Sat-Sun) Noon-4

*All proceeds from admissions benefit the Mission Point Lighthouse and its preservation, restoration, and interpretation.
NOTE: The lighthouse gift shop does not sell beverages or food. No dogs or strollers are allowed inside the lighthouse. The lighthouse has NO indoor public toilet facilities, however the park grounds has outdoor toilets.

Donations

Mission Point Lighthouse is owned by Peninsula Township so it is non-profit and primarily volunteer run. We frequently receive donations for the house and the park. Donations by check can be mailed to the township at:
Mission Point Lighthouse-Peninsula Township, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

Parking

Lighthouse Park has a free public parking lot - follow the signs. All buses, vehicles with trailers and motor-homes must park on the road/M-37 - NO ENTRY into the parking lot. No street parking for any vehicle on the loop at the end of M-37. Overflow parking from the lot is on south-facing M-37 straightaway only.

Drone Use

Drones can be used at the park but must not annoy visitors and keepers. Drones must keep 60 ft away from all buildings and visitors.

Beautiful Views

North M-37 Ends at Mission Point Lighthouse road sign

Old Mission Peninsula was chosen as one of the top ten coastal drives in North America!
Looking for a new bike route? Bike to Lighthouse Park!
Old Mission Peninsula Bike Route Map (link opens in a new window)