PointBetsie has been undergoing complete renovation for some time now, with the exterior of the lighthouse and two storage buildings completed in the summer of 2006. Regular visitors to the site were pleasantly surprised to see Point Betsie’s new "old" look evolving from the one she had sported for the last half century. After significant work and expenditures, Point Betsie now displays some historically correct features: a black lantern, a new shingled roof, all new windows and doors, and a new paint job on windows and doors reflecting the historical accuracy of the structure, returning to the original color scheme that had not seen since the 1950's.
The FogSignalBuilding, that sits just a couple of hundred feet north of the lighthouse, was almost fully completed by 2007. It, too, returned to a look not seen in many, many decades, and now once again reflects it’s sturdy and fire retardant features —such as metal siding—because the huge steam boilers were originally always fired up inside in order to blow the fog signal in a pre-electricity era. Finishing touches on both in interior and exterior were finished by 2008, just in time for the Sesquicentennial celebrations and a 150th birthday art exhibition displaying juried pieces inspired by Point Betsie.
The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc. has been working in concert with BenzieCounty since 2001, raising money, cleaning up the site, hiring professionals in historical restoration, and executing master plans for this treasured icon. The group’s mission is to provide historical, educational and environmental stewardship. We do this through advocacy, fundraising and volunteers. We want to give the public access to this still-operating Federal facility, to promote related educational opportunities for the benefit of all, while carefully maintaining the historical and environmental integrity of the site.
Even if you can't make it for a tour or for gift shopping during our hours of operation, many visit our beautiful beach from which you can still enjoy spectacular views of the Lighthouse, the stars, the sunset, the ManitouIslands, and more.
. Order Great Point Betsie
Goods! .
Peggy Hawley's special Point Betise Light
Station Sesquicentennial Poster
(Autographed by the artist.)
Jon Hawley's brand new book "Point Betsie - Lightkeeping and Lifesaving on Northeastern
Lake Michigan"
(Autographed by the author.)
To schedule an Event or Group
Tour, please contact Amy Ferris at (231) 352-4915 or email
her.
SPECIAL REQUEST
If you, one of your relatives, or someone you know was ever assigned to duty at
the Point Betsie Lighthouse or Point Betsie Life Saving Station, or if you have
any historical photographs or information, we would like to have you contact
us. What you have, know, or remember may enhance our historical information. Please
email, write, or call, and we will
be in touch with you. Your help is sincerely appreciated.
