The Ultimate Upper Peninsula Lighthouse Road Trip
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Ready to trade crowds for cliffs, and busy boardwalks for quiet shores?
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is raw, remote, and completely unforgettable. It’s also home to more than three dozen lighthouses — some still guiding ships, others turned into museums, and a few that feel like they’re standing guard at the edge of the world.
This road trip loops through the UP’s most scenic corners, from the eastern gateway near Mackinaw City to the rocky bluffs of the Keweenaw Peninsula and the quiet beaches of Lake Michigan.
You’ll hike to some lights, photograph others from afar, and find stories tucked into every tower.
Round Island Lighthouse
Viewed from Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island, MI
This red-and-white beauty guards the Straits of Mackinac and is best seen from the ferry to Mackinac Island.
Built in 1895, it’s one of the state’s most recognizable lights, even if it’s not accessible by land. The iconic structure adds a picture-perfect backdrop to any island crossing.
Things to do nearby:
- Take the ferry to Mackinac Island
- Bike the 8-mile loop around the island
- Visit Fort Mackinac or sample fudge at every stop
Where to eat:
Darrow’s Family Restaurant — Comfort food, whitefish dinners, and pies made from scratch
Murdick’s Fudge — A Mackinac tradition you don’t skip
More to Explore: 5 Unique Things to Do on Mackinac Island
Point Iroquois Lighthouse
Brimley, MI
This 1855 lighthouse sits at the mouth of the St. Marys River and offers amazing views of Lake Superior and passing ships.
Painted bright white with a red roof and surrounded by forest, it feels both stately and serene. A small museum details the area’s maritime history, and the tower climb is well worth it.
Things to do nearby:
- Climb the tower for views across to Canada
- Visit the Point Iroquois Lighthouse Museum
- Walk the beach and enjoy the quiet shoreline
Where to eat:
Bay Mills Resort & Casino — Casual dining with lakeside views
Superior Café — Cozy downtown spot in Sault Ste. Marie offers locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere
Whitefish Point Light Station
Paradise, MI
This is where Great Lakes history gets real. The Whitefish Point Light has been active since 1849 and is now home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, just miles from the wreck site of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The setting feels remote and reverent, especially on a misty morning.
Things to do nearby:
- Tour the Shipwreck Museum and see the Fitzgerald’s recovered bell
- Walk the beach and spot rare migratory birds
- Explore the boardwalk and quiet dune trails
Where to eat:
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub — Cozy spot near the falls with hearty pub food and craft beer
Crisp Point Lighthouse
Between Paradise & Grand Marais, MI
Remote, rugged, and ridiculously photogenic. This lonely beacon is perched above a wild stretch of Lake Superior, with waves crashing below and forest pressing in behind.
Crisp Point requires a long drive down a gravel road, but the view of this lighthouse is something you’ll never forget.
Things to do nearby:
- Watch the waves crash from the tower base
- Hunt for agates and driftwood along the shore
- Bring a picnic — this is true wilderness
Where to eat:
The Dunes Saloon (Grand Marais) — Pizzas, burgers, and friendly service in a cozy, woodsy space
Au Sable Light Station
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Grand Marais, MI
To reach this one, you’ll need to hike 1.5 miles from Hurricane River Campground — but the reward is a remote light perched above Lake Superior’s cliffs.
The tall, black-and-white tower stands guard over a dramatic and shipwreck-prone coastline.
Things to do nearby:
- Hike the North Country Trail to the lighthouse
- Take a ranger-led tour (seasonal)
- Explore the beach and historic remnants along the way
Where to eat:
Lake Superior Brewing Company — Pub food and house-made brews
Archie’s West Bay Diner — Classic American food with a retro diner twist
More to Explore: Awesome Mitten’s Guide to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Marquette Harbor Lighthouse
Marquette, MI
Painted bright red and perched above Lake Superior’s rocky shore, this city-adjacent lighthouse is easily accessible and open for tours.
Built in 1866, it’s a cheerful pop of color against the lake’s blues and grays and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city’s shoreline.
Things to do nearby:
- Tour the Maritime Museum & Lighthouse
- Walk the Iron Ore Heritage Trail
- Lounge at McCarty’s Cove Beach
Where to eat:
Donckers — Classic diner-style café with a candy counter and soda fountain
Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Local beer, rooftop patio, and live music
More to Explore: Best Things to Do in Marquette Michigan
Big Bay Point Lighthouse
Big Bay, MI
Stay the night in this red-brick lighthouse-turned-B&B perched on a bluff above Lake Superior.
Built in 1896, its remote location makes for unforgettable sunrises, starry nights, and sweeping lake views. It’s quiet, scenic, and yes — allegedly haunted.
Things to do nearby:
- Book an overnight stay at the lighthouse
- Hike the Yellow Dog River Falls trail
- Visit hidden waterfalls tucked into the woods nearby
Where to eat:
Thunder Bay Inn — Comfort food and rustic charm
The Lumberjack Tavern — Casual eats with a side of folklore
Ontonagon Lighthouse
Ontonagon, MI
This sturdy brick lighthouse was built in 1866 and restored by the local historical society. Guided tours bring its story to life, and the location on the Ontonagon River near its mouth offers both history and views.
Things to do nearby:
- Take a guided tour with the historical society
- Explore the Ontonagon County Historical Museum
- Watch the sunset at Ontonagon Township Park
Where to eat:
Syl’s Café — Home-style cooking and big portions
Roxey’s Bar & Grill — Laid-back dining with local flavor
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Eagle Harbor, MI – Keweenaw Peninsula
Set against a rocky shoreline and surrounded by deep blue water, this working lighthouse was built in 1871 and still shines today.
It’s also part of a museum complex that explores shipwrecks, minerals, and Keweenaw history.
Things to do nearby:
- Visit the Keweenaw County Historical Museum Complex
- Watch waves crash on the breakwall
- Explore nearby falls and scenic drives
Where to eat:
The Fitz (Eagle River) — Smoked meats, cocktails, and lake views that steal the show
More to Explore: Spend a Day in Eagle Harbor MI on the Keweenaw Peninsula
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
Copper Harbor, MI
First lit in 1849, this lighthouse is one of Michigan’s oldest and sits on the rugged northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It’s accessible only by boat and shares a cove with historic Fort Wilkins.
Things to do nearby:
- Take the seasonal boat tour
- Drive Brockway Mountain Drive for jaw-dropping views
- Hike or bike local trails through forest and shoreline
Where to eat:
Harbor Haus — Fine dining with Euro-inspired dishes and a backdrop of Lake Superior
Brickside Brewery — Friendly, low-key, and brewed right in town
More to Explore: Awesome Mitten’s Guide to Copper Harbor Michigan
Rock Harbor Lighthouse
Isle Royale National Park, MI
One of the most remote lighthouses in the country, Rock Harbor Light was built in 1855 and is only accessible by boat or seaplane.
Its white tower with black lantern room rises above Isle Royale’s wild shoreline, adding to the island’s mystique.
Things to do nearby:
- Hike the trails around Rock Harbor
- Tour the lighthouse and nearby buildings
- Spot moose or wolves if you’re lucky
Where to eat:
Greenstone Grill — Lodge-side café (open seasonally)
Rock Harbor Lodge Dining Room — Scenic dining at the end of the world
More to Explore: Explore the Wilderness of Isle Royale National Park
Sand Point Lighthouse
Escanaba, MI
This bright white lighthouse, with its red roof and square tower, has stood guard since 1867. Now a museum, it offers insights into local history and maritime life on Little Bay de Noc.
Things to do nearby:
- Tour the lighthouse and museum
- Walk the Escanaba riverfront
- Visit nearby Ludington Park
Where to eat:
Hereford & Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub — Steaks and local beer
The Stonehouse Food Truck — Enjoy the beloved dishes of the original Stonehouse Restaurant served from their new food truck
More to Explore: Awesome Mitten’s Guide to Escanaba Michigan
Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse
Manistique, MI
This bright red lighthouse marks the entrance to Manistique’s harbor and is a local landmark. It sits at the end of a concrete pier that stretches into Lake Michigan and makes for a peaceful walk.
Things to do nearby:
- Walk the Manistique Boardwalk and Riverwalk
- Visit Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater spring
- Relax on the beach with a picnic
Where to eat:
Three Seasons Café — Classic UP breakfast and lunch spot
Cedar Street Café — Sandwiches, soups, and a casual vibe downtown
More to Explore: 5 Must-See Things to Do in Manistique
Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse
Gulliver, MI
Known as “Michigan’s most haunted lighthouse,” this 1895 tower overlooks a rocky stretch of Lake Michigan’s northern shore. The Italianate architecture and remote setting give it an eerie charm.
Things to do nearby:
- Tour the light and the keeper’s house
- Listen for ghost stories (including the scent of cigar smoke…)
- Visit the small on-site museum and gift shop
Where to eat:
Main Street Pizza — Local favorite serving classic and specialty pizzas, subs, and wings with generous portions and pickup-friendly service
Upper Crust Café — Homemade bread, fresh pies, and laid-back meals
A Road Trip for the Wild at Heart
This isn’t a trip you rush. It’s the kind of journey where you lose cell service, but find a connection with the land, the lake, and the stories that echo from every tower.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lighthouse loop is as rugged as it is rewarding — a trip filled with foghorns, freighters, and forests. Take the back roads. Stay up late for the stars. And don’t be surprised if this becomes your favorite route of all.