Lighthouse, beach and clear Lake Michigan water

Mission Point Lighthouse

Lighthouse is CLOSED - however, the gift shop is open most weekends noon to 4pm
The regular schedule is daily May-October & weekends in November. HOWEVER, due to the Covid-19 virus, this year it is unclear when we will be open for visitors to the lighthouse. When we know the opening date it will be posted here and on our Facebook page.

Park is always open until 10 p.m.

Be a Lighthouse Keeper!

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

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 at Mission Point Lighthouse! First read the handbook and check out the KEEPER PROGRAM tab and keeper testimonials. Please click for the keeper application procedures, for the keeper handbook, and for a 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.

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.

Due to Covid-19 - The Lighthouse is CLOSED. Gift shop is open noon to 4 pm weekends only.

Non Covid - Normal Admission Fees to the Lighthouse:
(May - October, November weekends)
First floor of museum FREE, however, there is a small fee 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)
HOURS: 10-5 daily, November weekends only (Fri-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 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 be 60 ft away from the lighthouse and 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!
Looking for a new bike route? Bike to Lighthouse Park!
Old Mission Peninsula Bike Route Map (link opens in a new window)