Grand Traverse Light

Guiding Mariners Since 1858

Nestled at the tip of Michigan’s scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Grand Traverse Light has been a beacon for sailors navigating the Manitou Passage, where Lake Michigan flows into Grand Traverse Bay. Known locally as Northport Light—or sometimes “Cat’s Head Point Light”—this historic lighthouse has guided ships safely through these waters for over 160 years. Today, it’s not just a maritime landmark. It is also a charming destination for visitors exploring Michigan’s wine country and scenic shoreline.

A Historic Beacon at Leelanau’s Tip

The story of Grand Traverse Light begins in 1850, when President Millard Fillmore authorized construction of the first lighthouse. This original brick tower, paired with a separate keeper’s quarters, was built slightly east of the current location. However, it was soon deemed inadequate. In 1858, the original structure was torn down, and the lighthouse we see today was constructed inside what is now Leelanau State Park, roughly eight miles north of the small town of Northport. Visitors can still spot remains of the original foundation. This foundation was identified in 1999.

Historic Recognition and Fresnel Lens

The 1858 lighthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (Reference #84001799) and recognized as a Michigan Registered Site (S0615). A state historical marker was added in 1993, and the lighthouse also appears on Michigan’s State List/Inventory. Inside the keeper’s house, you’ll find Alpena, Michigan’s Fourth Order Fresnel Lens. This lens is a marvel of 19th-century engineering that once guided ships across Lake Michigan’s sometimes treacherous waters.

Visiting Grand Traverse Light Today

Step inside and you’ll be transported to the 1920s–1930s era, when lighthouse keepers lived and worked here. The restored lighthouse features exhibits about local lighthouses, foghorns, shipwrecks, and the region’s rich maritime history. The Lighthouse and Fog Signal Building houses the restored air diaphone foghorn. This foghorn is demonstrated throughout the year, delighting visitors with its historic sound. Adventurers can climb the tower for sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding peninsula.

The shoreline near the lighthouse features rocky yet accessible beaches, perfect for a scenic stroll. As part of Leelanau State Park, visitors will need either a park entry fee or a Michigan Recreation Passport. There is a separate admission for the lighthouse itself. The park also offers campsites and amenities, making it a great stop for both day trips and overnight adventures.

Explore, Learn, and Enjoy

Whether you’re a history buff, a lighthouse enthusiast, or just in search of breathtaking views, Grand Traverse Light is a must-visit gem in Northern Michigan. From its historic Fresnel lens to the panoramic Lake Michigan vistas, this lighthouse offers a window into the past. It also provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

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Start planning your trip today and explore the legacy of Michigan’s maritime history!

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Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.