After a ship hit the rocks off Mission Point and sank in the 1860’s construction on the Mission Point Lighthouse began. It was not completed until the 1870s because of the Civil War. The white-sided little lighthouse guided ships around the Grand Traverse Bay until 1938 when an illuminated buoy was placed offshore. The light shining from the lighthouse was no longer needed. After the lighthouse was deactivated visitors continued to visit the area including the lighthouse. The tip of the point became a park operated byPeninsulaa Township and you can visit the lighthouse and walk along the shoreline. It’s a beautiful drive out the lighthouse from Traverse City through the cherry orchards and wineries.
If you go don’t forget to stop to the Mission Point General Store HERE not far away on the east side of the point. If you are visiting in the evening be sure to stay for the sunset over the bay and the Leelanau Peninsula. Of all the lighthouses I have visited in Michigan I think this one is a favorite because of the natural beauty surrounding the lighthouse plan on spending some time walking around and enjoying your visit.
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