Round Island Lighthouse and Round Island Passage Lighthouse

Any visitor to Mackinac Island has seen these lighthouses multiple times. The ferries run between them on the Straits of Mackinac. We've been coming to the island annually for many years and these are all photos taken from the ferry or the island, and in all kinds of weather 😊

Round Island Lighthouse operated from 1895-1947 and had keepers until 1924 when it was automated. It fell into disrepair and was partially destroyed in a storm. Some restoration began in the 70s and the rest of it was completed in the 90s. The light was re-lit in 1996.

Round Island Passage Lighthouse was installed in 1948 and has always been automated.

One year we found a worker on the light. You can also see the Native American heads in relief near the top.

Big Mac in the background.

Another lighthouse (Waugoshance) stands about 15 miles west of Mackinaw City and is close to being reclaimed by the lake. It was built in 1851 and deactivated in 1912. During World War II, the navy conducted drone strikes nearby, some of which damaged the lighthouse. Recent attempts to restore the light were abandoned. This photo hangs in the Mission Point Resort Museum.

Thankfully, Round Island Light was restored and together with the Passage Light continue to guard the shipping lanes and entertain all passengers to Mackinac Island.

And don't miss McGulpin Lighthouse and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse,

both found on the Island.

 

McGulpin Point Lighthouse, 500 Headlands Road, Mackinaw City, Michigan

The lighthouse was built in 1868, disestablished in 1906, and was under private ownership in 1913 until the citizens of Emmet County bought it in 2008 and have been in the process of restoring it ever since. It was closed the day we were there.

Behind the lighthouse, stands a Well House replica of the 1896 original.

The coolest thing about this lighthouse is the trail that leads you to Lake Michigan, McGulpin Rock, and the Mackinac Bridge. There are historic signs along the way and it's a lovely walk in the woods.

And then you get to the lake.

It's a beautiful spot and not another soul was around.

McGulpin Rock has been used in navigation since 1615 when it was "found" by a French trader. It's ten times bigger than Plymouth Rock and is nine feet tall.

Then we walked the trail back to the lighthouse.

The lack of crowds and the lovely walk in the woods to the lake make this lighthouse a favorite.

Old Point Mackinac Lighthouse

Round Island Lights