Point Betsie Light, Historic lighthouse in Benzie County, Michigan.
Point Betsie Light is a brick lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Benzie County, Michigan. The tower stands about 37 feet (11 m) tall and is connected directly to the keeper's dwelling, forming a compact complex right at the water's edge.
The lighthouse was built in 1858 to guide ships through the waters off the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula on the Great Lakes. Over the late 19th century the complex was expanded and modified to meet the growing demands of lake traffic.
Point Betsie Light has long been a favorite spot for photographers who come to the shore to capture the white brick tower against the lake. The image of this lighthouse is so tied to the region that it appears on local postcards and artwork sold throughout northwest Michigan.
The lighthouse sits right on the lakeshore and is easy to approach on foot from the nearby parking area, though spaces fill up fast on summer weekends. Visiting early in the morning gives you a clearer view and a quieter experience along the beach.
Point Betsie Light was the last lighthouse on Lake Michigan where a keeper lived and worked full-time before automation replaced human presence entirely. This means the building was in continuous human occupation longer than nearly any other lighthouse on the lake.
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