MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
Are you interested in lighthouses on, or near, the Great Lakes? What about one on Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan located at the tip of Harbor Point in Harbor Springs? I am fascinated by these historic structures. Their stories helped shape water transportation and vessel safety throughout Michigan. HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE is one such intriguing lighthouse!
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“Living in a small town…is like living in a large family of rather uncongenial relations. Sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes it’s perfectly awful, but it’s always good for you. People in large towns are like only-children.”
― Joyce Dennys, Henrietta Sees It Through: More News from the Home Front 1942-1945
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
Government’s involvement in safe navigation began early in American history. The first lighthouse was established on the east coast in 1716 at Little Brewster Island at the entrance to Boston Harbor. 73 years later there were a dozen active beacons in place.
On the Great Lakes, the first lighthouses were established around 1815 at Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario and the Presque Isle light on Lake Erie. Many followed suit in the years to follow!
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As commerce boomed on the Great Lakes, the number of lighthouses commensurately increased. By 1865, there were approximately seven on Lake Ontario, perhaps twelve on Lake Huron, approximately twenty-six on Lake Michigan and nearly fifteen on Lake Superior. Each new lighthouse was a step towards more safety. They warned sailors of dangerous shores and reefs and assisted navigation by guiding them to the safety of a harbor.
The PETOSKEY BREAKWALL, BOYNE CITY’S LIGHTHOUSE and CHARLEVOIX LIGHTHOUSE blog posts are just as fascinating reads centered on small town America, if you are interested!
~Burt Bacharach
A small town is a place where there’s no place to go where you shouldn’t.
Oh! The irony of the above quote… This is the closest I could get to the Harbor Point Lighthouse located in Harbor Springs, MI without taking our boat out onto Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. One picks their fall trips out onto Lake Michigan wisely with big wave action…this week was not the week to do this adventure.
You see, this elusively located lighthouse is situated within a private exclusive association of resort homes located on Harbor Point. One must drive through this stone gate to drive the streets (kind of a loop) down the peninsula to the tip of Harbor Point to view the lighthouse and lighthouse keepers home located there. This area is seldom open to the public and I was promptly met by a gentleman in a golf cart making sure I knew to not go any further than this gate when I attempted to go explore for a closer photo.
I really didn’t think it would be a big deal. I’m a local. My deceased mother-in-law grew up in Harbor Springs. Several of her family members remain rooted in Harbor Springs yet today, as business owners and retirees. Her family descends from a very long standing family firmly embedded in the fabric of old school Catholic Harbor Springs. I was actually quite surprised to be stopped, but I totally understand the need for security and privacy in these associations from invasive tourists. So, of course I respected their wishes.
This surrounding area is really unique and very special. I will get my photo at some point from the water vantage point and update this post at that time. In the meanwhile, my focus on this elusive lighthouse led me on a little sight seeing tour. I tried to look at Harbor Springs from the eyes of a tourist. It has been a while since I toured Beach Drive and all the amazingly wonderful discoveries to be found there!
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
HISTORY OF HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
The Harbor Springs lighthouse stands at the entrance to the harbor of Harbor Springs at the tip of Harbor Point. The Little Traverse Bay Light is located in Emmet County on the north side of the Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan.
The Harbor Point Lighthouse is not available to the public and can be seen only from the water. Occasionally, the Harbor Springs Historical Society hosts a fundraising tour of the lighthouse. The next will take place October 1-2, 2021 from noon-5pm. Each 75-minute, guided tour costs $60.00 per person. Tickets are by appointment only through the Harbor Springs Historical Society and are exclusive. I’ll have to work on this angle.
When the Harbor Point Lighthouse was decommissioned, the US Coast Guard erected a 41′ white steel skeleton tower visible today from the shores of Beach Drive. Many pleasure crafts benefited from this light. The light on the tower is visible for 14 miles.
“I am lighthouse rather than lifeboat. I do not rescue, but instead help others to find their own way to shore, guiding them by my example.”
– UNKNOWN
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS
Do lighthouse keepers still exists? What a fascinating history these people provide! Each story from each lighthouse location has intrigue and wonder. I encourage you to listen to a story keeper’s recount of a historical lighthouse near you! Each story is filled with what these keepers witnessed and provided to vessels on the lakes. It is such a rich history!
Harbor Point’s Lighthouse was first manned by a woman in 1884. Forty-Two year old Elizabeth Whitney WIliams who served on the 3.5 acre site.
“A small town is a place where the news circulates before the newspaper does.”
– Evan Esar
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
WANDERING HARBOR SPRINGS
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View from Josephine Ford Park
Harbor Springs, Michigan is one of those sweet, cute Northern Michigan resort towns free of “Big Box” style shopping and provide many trendy elegant fine dining restaurant choices with killer views! Vast numbers of “summer” homes are boarded up the majority of the year and enjoyed only during the short, wonderful Northern Michigan summers that are beyond compare.
Most homes are generational homes that are passed down from family member to next generation family member for their use and enjoyment. Many homes display unique architecture. Oh! The stories that these homes could tell if the walls could talk! These gorgeous homes face Little Traverse Bay on pristine Lake Michigan and Harbor Pointe Lighthouse. One house after another, located in these exclusive associations, scream to be admired and viewed for each’s uniqueness. Each are vastly different from the next. The only drawback I observed that could be considered a negative feature was that they are all on top of each other with no privacy of acreage. The shared view more than made up for this inadequacy though!
This is my husband’s mother’s hometown. According to the latest census from 2010, Harbor Springs, Michigan has a population of 1,194 residents that live there all year long. The population in the summer is vastly different as many summer homes sit vacant during the long, cold winters of Northwestern Lower Peninsula Michigan unless the residents return for a ski weekend. Many second homes are located in this Emmet County community.
Tourism is a blessing and a curse. Without tourism this area would suffer dramatically in its commerce. Neighboring BOYNE HIGHLANDS & NUBS NOB located here in Harbor Springs, Michigan draws summer golfing and winter skiing tourism.
“Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal, and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse; that’s the story I want to tell.”
– ELINOR DEWIRE
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
LAKE MICHIGAN LAZY AFTERNOONS ON LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY
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~Wanda UrbanskaIf you approach townspeople with the idea that they’re unique treasures, you’re likely to find individuals who will dazzle you, often their small-town cover of plain brown paper.“
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
ADVENTURES OF THE LAKES
Harbor Springs is best known for its marina life, high end restaurants, and resort homes for travelers to enjoy. It is not uncommon to see famous celebrities dining locally with their families enjoying this hidden gem of a town. Many hidden parks, serene gems can be observed by many.
~Wanda Urbanska
“Probably the most common mistake newcomers to small towns make is in assuming that the community and its institutions are backward and that you, having come from the cutting edge of culture and life, naturally know better, have experienced better or simply deserve better.“
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY VIEW FROM PETOSKEY LOOKING AT HARBOR SPRINGS
The early morning fog over Little Traverse Bay blocks the view of Harbor Springs from the Petoskey shore that looks over to Harbor Springs, Michigan. This bay frequently fogs and the fog light is a necessary guide to many boaters.
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – HARBOR POINT’S LIGHTHOUSE
OTHER HARBOR SPRINGS ADVENTURES
How about capturing a sunrise, early morning, with the promise of a new day prepared before you? What about a sunset shimmering on the sparkling crystal clear waters of Lake Charlevoix, Michigan? Beaches of the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan are pristine, sparkling Caribbean-blue freshwater gems. What a treasure to enjoy! What a gift from God!
God’s inspiration can be found by simply looking around and observing all of His blessings abounding, especially here in this tranquil, beautiful location. Observe the twinkle of the sunlight on the water as the waves break on the rocks…
However you find God’s inspiration each day, allow it to serve as a reminder that He is in control. Trust in Him, fear not, and replace any doubts you have in Him with prayer, asking Him to teach you to trust more and more each day. The God that created the heavens and the earth and the lakes and the sun will watch over, protect, and guide you each day if you only ask for Him to be a part of your life. Grow in your faith and trust in Him. He awaits you. He is willing to walk beside you through all of your life adventures…even exploring breakwaters, small towns and lighthouses!
We hope this has inspired you to discover new adventures while exploring break-walls and lighthouses as we have discovered. I am interested if you have a favorite small town or a lighthouse that you have explored? Please leave a comment below to recommend an adventure exploring a lighthouse, Mayan ruins, or a snorkel adventure that you’d like for us to try out on our next Inspirational Travel Adventure!! I am so excited to hear from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
ABOUT ME:
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
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31 Comments
Debbi H
Such beautiful pictures! I find it fascinating that this lighthouse was first kept by a woman. So unusual in the 1800s, but I love it!
I grew up in New England, so lighthouses have always been a love of mine. Your pictures are beautiful!
Cindy
What a great little town! I would love to visit there someday.
Debbie
Interesting history even if it’s a challenge to get close too!
Terra Booth
I’m confident you will get that picture!!
Kadi
I love your lighthouse series! They are just so beautiful to see, and every one is different! Great job 🙂
Linda Winans Egeler
I also am fascinated bt lighthouses. I didn’t even know that the Harbor Point Lighthouse even existed. I was intrigued when you said that the public is rarely allowed past the gate. So I googled the lighthouse: they are conducting public tours this weekend! (October 1st and 2nd, 2021) Hoping to work it out so we can go!
Barbara Robinson
We are out of town this weekend (my son’s college football schedule has us traveling every weekend.) If you are able to go I’d love to know what you think! Take photos for me!
Alice
When I lived in Pellston three summers in the early 1990’s Spring Harbor was one of my favorite places to visit. I loved the little shops, the different beautiful homes, and just looking at all the big boats docked there. Thanks for the memories.
Barbara Robinson
It really is a unique, beautiful place!
Alicia
I love that you’re doing this series! Michigan lighthouses fascinate me! I also didn’t realize they’d been around so long!
Barbara Robinson
Each lighthouse is so different and evolved in their communities differently. I find it so interesting to read about the history and the people.
Tiffany
It’s amazing how different each lighthouse and it’s history is!
Cindy Moore
What a charming town and lighthouse! I’d love to see both.
Barbara Robinson
Harbor Springs is a really charming, unique town!
Katie
Such great facts! Lighthouses are so beautiful.
Barbara Robinson
The city of Harbor Springs was more of a fascination on this one!
Ayesha Ayub
What a lovely Michigan resort towns and Harbour Pointe Light House
Barbara Robinson
Glad you enjoyed!
Chelsea
Like you, I’d be so interested in the history of the lighthouses! I’d love to hear info like if they still have keepers. 🙂
Barbara Robinson
Each lighthouse story discusses the keepers and why they no longer have keepers. The US Coast Guard took over ALL lighthouses in the 70’s and keepers had to either join the Coast Guard to keep their positions or retire. Today, everything is automated, so no need for people any longer…just maintenance.
Pam
I love that each lighthouse is a little bit different! I’ve seen a few of them but need to plan trips to visit the rest!
Barbara Robinson
They are fun to visit! It takes you to a new perspective of a wonderful lake!
Heather Jandrue
Thi lighthouse series has been fantastic. I was just reading an article about haunted lighthouses we have here in Massachusetts. The stories are all so fascinating.
Lisa
Maybe you can go see the light house on the next fundraising tour. Too bad you can’t go all the time.
Julie Gazdecki
We’ve been making our way around the coast of Michigan, and this summer we reached just south of Harbor Springs. Next year we should make it to see Harbor Point Lighthouse.
Barbara Robinson
Good for you! That is great! I remain with several lighthouses on my list! When we are in those areas I will feature the ones that are still on my list!
Trisha
My husband and I stayed in Harbor Springs during our honeymoon. I love all of the historic homes and the quaint small town feel it has.
Marianne
Absolutely stunning lighthouse! Can’t wait to be able to explore some of Michigan’s lighthouses!
Melissa Jones
That looks like a beautiful place to visit!
J.R.
“I really didn’t think it would be a big deal” (to drive onto H.P.) … made me laugh out loud. I’ve summered in the area since the 60s … I did have an acquaintance who was a nanny on the point … and did go to a party in Weque. that John Kennedy was attending (he was staying on the point), and one of my friends met / hung out with one of the Gamble girls on Zorn Beach, but I haven’t made it out on the point (for a social visit) yet.
Of course during the Summer season no cars are allowed … there are horse-drawn carriages that constantly circle the loop or you can walk / ride bikes.
The occasional tours are a great way to see the lighthouse there.
I didn’t look at all your pages yet, but it’s a lovely site … And of course somewhere I assume you mentioned that there are more lighthouses in Michigan than any other state in the country.
Enjoy the remainder of your Summer …
Barbara Robinson
What interesting history you share! Thanks for your sharing your experience! Northern Michigan Tourism is alive and well! Us locals, try to keep to the quieter countryside away from the crowds.