25+ Breath-Taking Photos of Michigan Lighthouses in Winter

Have you ventured out to enjoy any frozen Michigan lighthouses this winter? Exploring Michigan lighthouses in winter is one of the best winter things to do in Michigan, and we’re thankful for so many great Michigan photographers who share their winter lighthouse explorations with us on Instagram!

There are over 100 lighthouses in Michigan – the most in one state in the nation – which tourists flock to each and every summer. Droves of people visit the resort towns and coastline of Lake Michigan every year during the warmer months. Michigan’s Great Lakes have a lot to offer in the winter as well, especially when it comes to lighthouse and shoreline beauty.

As we’ve enjoyed exploring these same Michigan lighthouses during the cold winter months (whether in person or through amazing photos of frozen Michigan lighthouses), we’d like to argue that Michigan lighthouses look better in winter.

Photos of Michigan Lighthouses in Winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fewer Crowds at Frozen Lighthouses in Michigan

One of the perks of exploring frozen lighthouses in Michigan is that the crowds of summer aren’t around. You’ll see mainly the winter in Michigan enthusiasts and Michigan photographers battling the frigid winds coming off the lake, along with large balls of ice, snow drifts, and slippery roads.

Tips for Michigan Lighthouse Winter Adventures

Former Awesome Mitten contributor, Aaron Cruz, shared: “I’ve climbed snow piles to reach the South Haven Light and St. Joseph lighthouses on Lake Michigan in the winter. When the easterly winds pick up on these exposed lighthouses, look out! The waves come crashing onto the pier and into the lighthouse, creating ice on everything it touches when temps are far below freezing. Michigan’s coastline that sits on the windy, east side of Lake Michigan is a reason many people, including myself, flock to its lighthouses in winter.”

During most winters, Aaron suggested visiting early in the season before the lake starts to freeze over, meaning fewer waves, hence less chance of ice on the lighthouses, piers and other surfaces.

Other Winter Lighthouses in Michigan

Have you ever visited a Michigan lighthouse in winter? What other Michigan lighthouses do you recommend checking out?

There are so many great things to do in Michigan in winter, including romantic winter getaways in Michigan and family-friendly Michigan winter destinations to visit!