Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Point Betsie Lighthouse located on the shore of Lake Michigan was built in 1858 to mark the southern end of the once important Manitou Passage. Point Betsie was orginally called "Point Aux Bec Scies" by the French; this meant "sawed beak point". The lighthouse has a fourth order Fresnel Lens that is remains in use to this day. The Point Betsie Lighthouse became fully automated in 1983. The lighthouse is now owned by Benzie County and is maintained by the non-profit group, The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse which did extensive renovations to the lighthouse. Lighthouse tours are available from Memorial Day until October for a small fee. See the Point Betsie website for specific details. The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, which can accommodate up to 6 guests, is available for weekly rentals.

The Point Betsie Lighthouse is located north of Frankfort and south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore off Highway M-22 at the end of Point Betsie Road.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Lovely restored lighthouse.

Cons

Tours hours are limited.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Lighthouse
Family friendly
Near lake or river
Guided tours
Vault toilet
Flushing toilets

Location

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