Point Betsie Lighthouse is located on the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and north of Frankfort, Michigan. The original 1858 lighthouse, keeper’s residence, fog signal building, and Boathouse Museum are open to the public. Our gift shop carries gifts, apparel, toys, and decorative items to help you remember your trip to the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
The name Point Betsie originates from the Native American people who were in the area and communicating with the French at the time. The French “Pointe Aux Bec Scies” comes from the Indigenous word “Ug-Zig-A-Zee-Bee” which People of the Three Fires [Tribal] Council gave to a river flowing into Lake Michigan just a few miles to the south, where sawbill or Merganser ducks thrived. Translated, Point Betsie means Saw Beak Point. [1] Construction of Point Betsie began in 1854 and was completed in 1858, with service beginning in the shipping season of 1859. The lighthouse was constructed at a cost of $5,000. The light was the site of one of the earliest Life-Saving Stations, built in 1875. The cost of the Life Saving Station was $3,000. [2] Point Betsie was built with Cream City Brick and the plans called for a light 37 feet in height from the foundation to the top of the ventilator ball. Placement of the structure, on the dunes, exacted the lighthouse at a focal plane of 52 feet above lake level. Five concentric brick rings encircling the tower beneath the lantern, each successively larger in diameter than the lower ring, formed a support for the gallery on which a decagonal cast iron lantern was installed. In 1900, due to a critical need for a day marker, the Point Betsie tower and dwelling were painted white, and the roof and parapet were painted red. Point Betsie was the last lighthouse on Lake Michigan to be completely automated; a white, Vega VRB-25 was installed in 1983. Before automation, the lantern room was fitted with a Fourth Order Fresnel (pronounced fruh-nel) Lens. The “wickies” operated this light for 106 years. [3].
“In 2010, this site received The Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. Today, with 300 members strong, The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse continue to preserve the site, and educate the public about Point Betsie Lighthouse. Dedicated volunteers and caring individuals serve as museum guides to the delight of guests who will often hear stories steeped in history and lore. To many, Point Betsie is arguably one of the finest of all historical lighthouse sites in the Great Lakes region.
Point Betsie is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Reference #84001375.
We welcome you to Point Betsie Lighthouse! Come visit us for a tour or to spend some time on our beautiful beach. Inside the lighthouse you will find interesting exhibits telling the history of Point Betsie along with examples of the living conditions that the lighthouse keepers experienced. Experience an exhilarating view from the top of the lighthouse tower. It is only 34 steps up a spiral staircase. You will enjoy stories told by an knowledgeable docent.
