Mission Point Light facts for kids
| Location | Peninsula Township, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°59′28.7″N 85°28′46.1″W / 44.991306°N 85.479472°W |
| Year first constructed | 1870 |
| Year first lit | 1870 |
| Deactivated | 1933 |
| Construction | Wood |
| Tower shape | Square tower on dwelling |
| Markings / pattern | White with black trim |
| Height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Focal height | 47 feet (14 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 8.7 nautical miles; 16 kilometres (10 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing W 6 seconds. |
Mission Point Light is a historic lighthouse in Michigan. It sits at the very tip of Old Mission Point, a strip of land that reaches into Grand Traverse Bay. The lighthouse is located about 17 miles (27 km) north of Traverse City.
Built in 1870, it was an exact copy of the Mama Juda Light, another lighthouse that once stood on the Detroit River. For 63 years, Mission Point Light helped guide sailors and warned them of shallow waters.
One of the most famous things about this lighthouse is its location. It stands very close to the 45th parallel north, which is the imaginary line exactly halfway between the North Pole and the Equator.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Building and Design
The lighthouse was built to help ships navigate safely. The area around Mission Point had dangerous shallow spots, called shoals, that could damage ships. The light warned sailors to stay away from these hazards.
The building is made of wood and is painted white with black trim. It's a one-and-a-half-story house with a square tower attached. Although the building itself isn't very tall, it was built on a high sand dune. This position placed the light's lamp 47 feet (14 m) above the water, allowing its beam to be seen from 13 miles (21 km) away.
Inside the tower was a special kind of lens called a Fifth Order Fresnel lens. This type of lens uses rings of glass to bend light into a single, powerful beam. This made the lighthouse's signal very bright and easy to see from far out on the lake.
Why the Light Was Turned Off
The lighthouse was in service from 1870 until 1933. By the 1930s, technology had improved. It became possible to build a light directly on the dangerous shoal itself, which was more effective for guiding ships.
In 1938, a new, automated light was built on a tower in the water, about 2 miles (3.2 km) away from Mission Point. This new light runs on batteries and is still used today. Since the old lighthouse was no longer needed, it was deactivated, or turned off.
Visiting Mission Point Today
After being deactivated, the lighthouse was purchased by the State of Michigan. Today, it is the main attraction of Lighthouse Park, which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. About 100,000 people visit the park every year.
Fun Things to Do
Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, hike on scenic trails, and have picnics. The area is also a great place for cross-country skiing in the winter and sea kayaking in the summer.
In 2008, the lighthouse building was opened to the public as a small museum. For many years before that, it was used as a home for the park manager.
Become a Lighthouse Keeper
Mission Point Light has a special program where people can volunteer to be "lighthouse keepers" for a week. These volunteers help run the gift shop and get to live in the historic lighthouse keeper's quarters. It's a popular program that helps support the lighthouse.
Gallery
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A vintage picture of the lighthouse.
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The lighthouse seen from the beach in August 2023.
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A sign next to the lighthouse marking its location on the 45th parallel.
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The back of the lighthouse in July 2006.
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The lighthouse during the winter of 2009.
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A view of the lighthouse from the water in July 2010.
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See also
- Lighthouses in the United States
