LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — National Lighthouse Day, observed on August 7 this year, is the perfect time to celebrate Michigan’s rich maritime heritage. Boasting nearly 130 lighthouses, Michigan has more of these sentinels than any other state in the U.S., making them an integral part of the state’s history and culture.

Michigan’s lighthouses, many of which are still operational with automated lights maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, stand as monuments to the state’s seafaring past, according to Kelly Wolgamott, interim vice president of Travel Michigan. 

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“Michigan ranks no. 1 nationally with more than 120 lighthouses along our 3,288 miles of Great Lakes coastline. National Lighthouse Day provides an opportunity to honor the vital role these historic beacons have played in our state’s rich maritime culture and to celebrate our Great Lakes lighthouses as a source of inspiration to visit Michigan during all four seasons,” Wolgamott told MLive.

The first lighthouse in Michigan, built in 1825 at Fort Gratiot near Port Huron, marked the beginning of a statewide effort to guide mariners safely through the waters of the Great Lakes (Clarke Historical Library). Over the years, as shipping traffic increased, more lighthouses were constructed, each uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of its location. Today, while many lighthouses have been decommissioned, their legacy continues as historical landmarks. 

Preservation efforts, however, are necessary to maintain these historic structures. The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, funded by the “Save Our Lights” license plates, has awarded over $2.9 million in matching grants since 2000 to help repair and restore these landmarks. 

Not only are these lighthouses historical structures, but they are also beloved tourist destinations. Many are open to the public, offering tours, historical programs, and even overnight stays. Iconic lighthouses like the Big Red near Holland and Point Betsie light north of Frankfort have become popular Instagram spots, drawing photographers and tourists alike. 

For those interested in a lighthouse-centric vacation, Pure Michigan provides itineraries that include stops at some of the most picturesque and historically significant lighthouses.