Peninsula Point Lighthouse Tower
N 45° 40.079 W 086° 58.025
16T E 502564 N 5057159
Peninsula Point Lighthouse at the end of the Stonington Peninsula in Delta County, Michigan.
Waymark Code: WM5M17
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 01/20/2009
Views: 13
This abandoned lighthouse offers a 40 foot tower that can be climbed via a spiral staircase inside. It offers magnificent views of the Stonington Peninsula and Little Bay de Noc. There is no charge to climb the tower.
The U.S. Government recognized the need for a lighthouse on the peninsula to aid navigation around the dangerous shoals and reefs separating Big Bay de Noc, Little Bay de Noc, and Green Bay of Lake Michigan. Congress appropriated funds for the building of a lighthouse on the Stonington Peninsula on July 20, 1864.
The Michigan historical lighthouse at Peninsula Point was completed in 1865, and the lantern was lighted for the first time. The building consisted of a 40 ft. tall light tower with a beacon lit by an oil lamp and reflectors. Attached to the north side of the tower was a 1-1/2 story brick home for the and his family.
The first lighthouse keeper was Mr. Charles Beggs, who died there in 1887. The second, Mr. Henry Corgan, and the third, Mr. Peter Knutsen. In 1889 Captain James D. Armstrong was appointed keeper and this was home to him and his family until 1922. At this time an automatic acetylene light replace the hand operated oil lamp ant it was no longer necessary to occupy the site. However, Captain Armstrong continued to be responsible for Peninsula Point until 1931.
The light went out for the last time in 1936. In 1937, the USDA-Forest Service was granted custodianship, repairs were made to the buildings, and public picnic grounds were constructed by the Civilian conservation Corps.
The Stonington Grange took over the maintenance of the structure and grounds and in 1949 won first prize in their State contest for their work at the Michigan historical lighthouse.
The house portion burned to the ground in 1959. The debris was cleared and the damage to the north side of the tower repaired in 1962 by the USDA Forest Service.
The USDA Forest Service operates the grounds as a picnic area, with several picnic tables and grills available. The lighthouse tower is open for viewing by the public.
To reach the Peninsula Point Lighthouse and Picnic Area from Rapid River, go east on US-2 to the Stonington exit. Follow County Road 513 and Forest Road 2204 for 19 miles to the parking lot. The last mile of road is not recommended for recreational vehicles or trailers over 16 feet long or 8 feet high. A parking area for RV's is available at the beginning of the narrow, winding final mile of road.
This area is well known as a spot where 1,000's of monarch butterflies can be viewed in the fall of year as they migrate south.
Height of Look-Out Tower in feet: 40.00
Difficulty: 
Opening times and fees:
Year Round - Free
Parking Area: N 45° 40.104 W 086° 58.011
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Visit Instructions:
Please log only if you have been up there and you must include a photo of the scenic view from the top.