Point Betsie Lighthouse

Frankfort, Michigan Lake Michigan Being the shortest and most convenient route on Lake Michigan when traveling from the south and heading north to the Straits of Mackinac, vessels chose the Manitou Passage, a natural channel that ran between the Manitou and Beaver Islands. The South Manitou Island Lighthouse, built in 1839, marks the western entry to this passage. But the east side of the passage was not marked until 1858 when the Point Betsie Light Station was constructed at a cost of $5,000 on the mainland, 20 miles southeast of South Manitou. Built upon a sandy point, the lighthouse was inherently unstable. Beginning in 1890 and spanning a century, with considerable concrete, timber pilings, and stone to serve as a revetment, along with the construction of two 50-foot jetties that tempered the force of the waves, the point upon which the lighthouse was built was adequately stabilized. In 1900, the original building was doubled in size to house three families and the simple modification of painting the roof red proved to be an effective daymark. Against the surrounding dunes, the bright red roof was clearly visible to mariners. After 138 years, the Point Betsie Lighthouse became automated and was the last manned lighthouse in the State of Michigan. Today, "The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse" maintain this historic building and have opened its doors to the public.