Weekendphotography's Weblog

Grand Haven Lights…

weekendphotography — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:41:22 +0000

Grand Haven Lights. We’ve been to these lights 7 times. Located in Grand Haven State Park next to Lake Michigan there is something for everyone. There’s a beautiful beach to relax at and swim. You can go fishing on the pier and of course it’s a pleasant walk down the pier to the lights. Grand Haven’s State Park and down town area are wonderful places to spend the day.

Directions to Grand Haven Lights: 190 miles (3 hours) north of Detroit. From I-96, take either M-104 at exit 9 or US-31 at exit 1AB, and drive towards Grand Haven. M-104 will connect with US-31 at the Grand River. Cross the Grand River and then turn right on Jackson Ave. Follow Jackson Ave until it turns into Harbor Drive. Take Harbor Drive and follow it to Grand Haven State Park from where you can walk the pier to the Grand Haven Lighthouse.

GPS Coordinates: 43.05696 -86.25598

Notes of interest: Grand Haven has a wonderful downtown area with plenty of places to eat and shop. The world’s largest Musical Fountain is located nearby, with nightly performances through the summer months. Trolley Harbor Transit offers public transportation services in Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg. The Harbor Trolley operates every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and offers a narrated tour of the area. What a great way to experience some of the history and culture of the area.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse…

weekendphotography — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:58:35 +0000

Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the few Michigan lights with a tower reaching 100 feet. Completed in 1867, Big Sable’s tower measures 112 feet high. In 1902 the deteriorating brick tower was encased in steel. We’ve been to this lighthouse twice. Or most recent visit was 5-28-06. The lighthouse was in great shape and the keepers’ house was a very nice gift shop. We parked at the beach and walked 1.5 miles (one way) to the light. If you’re not able to walk to the light see the notes of interest about bus transportation.

Directions to Big Sable Point Lighthouse: 258 miles (4 hours) north of Detroit, MI. From Ludington take North Lakeshore Drive or SR-116 and follow that into Ludington State Park. Park in Beach Cafe’ lot and walk north on beach 1.5 miles. OR… park in lot just north of the main gate and walk or bike 1.5 miles on the lighthouse service road entered from The Pines campground. There is NO PARKING in the campground.

GPS Coordinates: 44.05772 -86.51448

Notes of interest: Bus transportation is available the third Saturday of July, August and September Bus schedule from the State Park Visitors Center to the lighthouse is from 10am to 4pm. Round-trip cost per person is $2.00, Maximum of $10.00 per family. A gift shop is located in the original 1867 keeper’s quarters offering lighthouse models, books, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other lighthouse related item.

Lexington MI…

weekendphotography — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:01:42 +0000

An hour and half north of Detroit Michigan is a small town called Lexington. In this town there are a series of unique stores along Huron Ave. But as far as we’re concerned the main attraction is Wimpies. Wimpies is a small burger joint that is known for the Wimpie burger. There are also 3 or 4 places to get hand dipped ice cream. After you do some shopping, eat lunch and then have some ice cream you can take a walk on the pier located in Lexington Tierney Park at the end of Huron Ave.

Directions to Lexington: 83 miles (1.5 hours) north of Detroit, MI. Where M-25 and M-90 intersect is the center of Lexington. At the traffic light if you go east you will be on Huron Ave where most of the attractions are.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 43.268237 Longitude: -82.530990

Ludington North Pier Light…

weekendphotography — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:24:34 +0000

Ludington North Pier Light: We’ve seen this light 3 times most recently on 5-27-06. This uniquely shaped light was in need of paint the last time we seen it.

Directions to Ludington Pier Light: 252 miles (4 hours) north of Detroit, MI. From the junction of US-10 US-31 east of Ludington, proceed west on US-10 until you reach the Stearns Park at the shore of Lake Michigan. You can walk the pier to reach the tower.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 43.954460 Longitude: -86.460940

Notes of interest: You must visit downtown Ludington. Many places to shop and many places to eat. Very nice city.

Manistee Pier Light…

weekendphotography — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:23:55 +0000

Manistee Pier Light: We’ve been to this light 4 times, most recently 8-11-07. The current tower was first lit in 1927 and is still functional but needs a paint job badly. The tower is a white cylinder, and the keepers’ house is separate. In 1870, a lighthouse was built on the south pier. Unfortunately, it burnt in the Great fire of 1871, along with the town of Manistee. Coincidentally, Manistee burnt on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin, and fires in Port Huron and Holland, Michigan.

Directions to Manistee Pier Light: 254 miles (4.25 hours) north of Detroit, MI. Where M-53 and US-31 meet take US-31 west into Manistee. Turn right on to Monroe St. then enter Harbor Village Condos and take it to the waters edge by the Coast Guard.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 44.250300 Longitude: -86.340880

Notes of interest:

Frankfort Pier Lights…

weekendphotography — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:25:45 +0000

Frankfort Pier Lights: We’ve visited these lights 4 times, most recently on 8-11-07. Adjacent the beach along Lake Michigan, where the lighthouse is located, you can spend the night at Harbor Lights Motel & Condominiums (248-613-6213). The condo we stayed at was clean and had a view of the beach.

Directions to Frankfort Pier Lights: 250 miles (4.5 hours) north of Detroit, MI. Take M-115 west into Frankfort. Where Highways M-115 and M-22 meet in Frankfort, go south to Main Street, turn right onto Main Street and follow it to Lake Michigan and the breakwater. The Frankfort Lighthouse can be reached by walking the breakwater. To get an alternate view of the lights from the city of Elberta take M-22 south to north M-168 (also known as Frankfort Ave) to Furnace Ave to Bye St, this will led you to a beach area. This view was nice for picture taking.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude 44.629860 Longitude -86.244070

Notes of interest: The city of Frankfort has plenty of places to eat including a Kilwins Chocolates where you can get ice cream and chocolate.

Point Betsie Lighthouse…

weekendphotography — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:38:55 +0000

Point Betsie Lighthouse: We’ve been there a total 4 times. On our most recent trip, which was on 8-11-07, we were pleased to see fresh paint on the lighthouse which was built in 1858.

Directions to Point Betsie: 263 miles (4.5 hours) north of Detroit, MI. The lighthouse is located south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore. From M-22, west of Crystal Lake and south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore, take Point Betsie Road west until it dead ends. The Point Betsie Lighthouse will be on your right.

GPS coordinates: Latitude: 44.6917 Longitude: -86.255.

Notes of interest: The lighthouse is open to the public from Memorial Day to Columbus Day (May 24th to October 12th) Saturdays: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM – Sundays: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Fridays. In July and August only; 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM – Holiday Mondays – Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is a public beach adjacent to the site which is easily accessed. Roadside parking is problematic and there are no public facilities available. A half hour west of the lighthouse, at intersection of M-115 & US-31, there is Mobil gas station with a Subway “restaurant?” located inside. About 4 miles south is Frankfort which has places to eat, shop and yes, a lighthouse to see. If you’re looking for Petosky stone at the beach by Point Betsie you may not find any.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse…

weekendphotography — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:55:09 +0000

Grand Travers Lighthouse is located in Leelanau State Park. The current lighthouse was built in 1858. It was recently restored and is a beautiful lighthouse to see. We’ve been there 3 times, most recently 5-29-06.

Directions to Grand Travers Lighthouse: 292 miles (5 hours) north of Detroit, MI. Follow Highway 22 up either side of the peninsula towards Northport. From Highway 22, take Highway 201 through Northport. At the northern end of Northport the road will become County Road 640 and then County Road 629, which will dead end at Leelanau State Park.

GPS coordinates: Latitude: 45.2102 Longitude: -85.54996

Notes of interest: Grand Traverse Lighthouse is an hour north of Traverse City and is located in Leelanau State Park. An entry fee is required, by the park, to visit the lighthouse. The lighthouse is open daily during the month of May from Labor Day through October from noon to 4 p.m. From June through Labor Day, the lighthouse is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Noon to 4:00 p.m. are the hours on weekends in November. There are public facilities for use at the park.

Old Mission Lighthouse, out first recorded trip…

weekendphotography — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:32:11 +0000

Our first recorded trip together was to Old Mission Point Lighthouse on 12-27-02. We have been there a total of 3 times. The last visit there was 5-19-07. Old Mission Lighthouse was built in 1870 and has the look of an old schoolhouse. Every time we’ve been there the lighthouse was in good condition. You cannot go on the grounds but you can walk around to view and take pictures. There are stairs leading to a beach area on the shore of Lake Superior. Unfortunately each time we go here the water level has been lower leaving exposed rocks and muddy sand, however it does make for some interesting photo opportunities.

Directions to Old Mission Point Lighthouse: 272 miles (4.5 hours) north of Detroit, MI. Take M-37 North up the Mission Peninsula about 16 miles until it dead ends at the lighthouse parking area.

GPS coordinates: Latitude: 44.9911 Longitude: -85.47963

Notes of interest: The lighthouse is about 30 minutes north of Traverse City. There are many wineries in the area you can visit. Old Mission Point is half way between the North Pole and the Equator exactly on the 45th parallel. There are public facilities on the grounds of the lighthouse for use.