In May of 1892, construction began for the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, located at the tip of the Michigan mitten. This lighthouse served as a beacon for those sailing the Straits of Mackinac, a passage between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. With a foundation of limestone blocks and khaki-colored brick, the 50-foot light tower was attached to the two-story living quarters occupied by the keeper and assistant keeper and their respective families. The interior residence rooms were constructed with hardwood and pine flooring and decorated with woodwork. The roof was made of a red pressed metal. The lighthouse was first lit later in 1892. Although no name is officially listed as the lighthouse designer, it is known that the Ninth District of Detroit engineer's office issued the plans. The style of this lighthouse is known to be irregularly charming as compared to other lighthouses of the time.
The lighthouse was deactivated in 1957 due to the Mackinac Bridge's completion. The bridge's lights eliminated the need for an active lighthouse. Three years later in 1960, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission purchased the lighthouse. The lighthouse would become a major tourist attraction of Michilimackinac State Park. In 1969, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In modern times, visitors can climb the tower and interact with hands-on exhibits at the lighthouse.
Located in Frankfort, Michigan, on the western side of the state, the Frankfort North Breakwater lighthouse faces Lake Michigan. The original lighthouse was constructed in 1873 at the end of one of two parallel wooden piers off the shoreline.
In 1932, however, the original lighthouse form was amended by placing it atop a new two-story structure, increasing the height of the overall lighthouse by 25 feet. At a total height of 67 feet and made of steel, the plain white tower is a tourist attraction in modern times due more to its history than its beauty.
Still in activation, the lighthouse sits at the entrance of Frankfort's harbor, at the edge of Main Street, on what is now known as the northern concrete pier. The town of Frankfort is also home to a radio beacon and a U.S. Coast Guard station.
Thunder Bay Island, located off the eastern coast of Michigan near the city of Alpena, is known as the home of the Thunder Bay Island Light. Situated on the island's southeastern tip, the lighthouse was built in 1831, quickly disintegrated and was rebuilt and established in 1832. In 1957, the limestone lighthouse was covered in brick to stave off further harm. In an area once known as "Shipwreck Alley" before the lighthouse was built, the lighthouse is still maintained and used as a navigational beacon, though it was automated in 1980.
One of the oldest currently utilized lighthouses in the state of Michigan, the Thunder Bay Island lighthouse is accessible by boat only. Although still operational, efforts are currently underway, as of March 2010 and years prior, to renovate the structure due to an old foundation and cracks on the lighthouse's outer surface.
