Lighthouse tower view to Lake Michigan

Mission Point Lighthouse and beach, view from water

Backyard and visitors at the lighthouse

lighthouse grounds, beach and people from above

historical black and white photo of lighthouse, 2 men and horse

overcast winter day at mission point light house

winter sunrise mission point lighthouse

Mission Point Lighthouse

The regular schedule is daily May-October & weekends in November. Gift shop is limited hours due to COVID-19 and the fact that we are volunteer run. Gift shop hours are Noon to 4 pm on Thursday - Monday. Tower and museum will likely be closed through May. Due to the Covid-19 virus, it is unclear when the museum and tower climb will be open for visitors. When we know the opening date for tours of the tower and museum, it will be posted here and on our Facebook page (link opens new window). Bus tour groups can schedule the special tour for $12 per person on Wednesdays only, minimum 6 persons.

Park is always open until 10 p.m.

Gift shop hours are Noon to 4 pm on Thursday - Monday. Tower and museum will likely be closed through May for individual visitors.

New Online Store

NEW this winter -- Check out our new online store with a variety of Lighthouse related gifts - Hats, Mugs, Towels, Plush Toys, Water Bottles, Puzzles, Ornaments, Coasters and more . . .

Be a Lighthouse Keeper!

Our Keeper Program is very popular and unique. Accepting applications for the 2021 cancellation list. 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.

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

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.

When open, lighthouse visitors are invited to enjoy self-guided historical tours through the lighthouse for a small fee (climb all the way up to the tower!). We encourage visitors to shop our souvenir 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 10 pm all year. The park is handicap accessible but not into the lighthouse since it is historic.

NOW NEW! Online shop for some merchandise, see Visitors tab and Gift Shop page on this website.
Or click here:

Non Covid19 - Normal Admission Fees to the Lighthouse:
(May - October, November weekends)
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:

10-5 daily
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. A donation can be made directly at the online gift shop, see VISITORS section of this website. 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 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 are allowed at lighthouse park but you cannot disturb other visitors and drones must be at least 60 ft away from the lighthouse, visitors and all buildings.

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! (link opens in a new window)

Looking for a new bike route? Bike to Lighthouse Park! Old Mission Peninsula Bike Route Map (link opens in a new window)

Find more fun Traverse City features at this link:
https://www.kayak.com/