Little Traverse Light

Little Traverse Light is a red brick coastal lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Emmet County, featuring a 41-foot tower topped with a white lantern room. The main structure includes the light tower and an attached two-story keeper's house built as a single complex.

The Michigan Legislature approved funding in 1871, though construction delays postponed completion until September 1884. The structure was built to support the growing shipping activity on the lake during that period.

The name derives from the small bay where the structure guides ships along the Michigan coast. Visitors experience how this location shaped maritime safety practices in the region.

The lighthouse sits on a quiet stretch of coast and is best approached during good weather conditions. Plan time to walk around the grounds and enjoy the waterfront setting while exploring the exterior and surrounding area.

A pyramidal fog bell tower from 1896 stands in front of the main building with its original striking mechanism still intact. This separate structure once served as a crucial navigation aid for ships navigating through poor visibility.

Location: Emmet County

GPS coordinates: 45.41890,-84.97830

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09