Mackinac Island Historic Lighthouse - Mousepad From Smiling Wombat

Mackinac Island Historic Lighthouse

Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and the location of the Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957

The Mackinac Point Lighthouse was built in 1892, "on a foundation of ashlar limestone, the tower, and attached keeper’s dwelling were both constructed of Cream City Brick, trimmed with Indiana Limestone. The double-walled cylindrical tower was laid with an outside diameter of 13 feet 4 inches (4.06m), and as each course was added, rose to a height of 45 feet (14m), surmounted by a circular iron gallery and an 8-foot-8-inch (2.64m) diameter watch room, which was in turn capped by a prefabricated octagonal iron lantern."The lens is a fourth-order Fresnel Lens.

Its light was visible for 14 nautical miles; 26 kilometers (16 mi), which made it "particularly valuable" to the ships operating between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.

In 2000, serious restoration was undertaken, with the intent of restoring it to its appearance around 1910. The lighthouse is reopened to the public, and the castle-style structure, which design is unique in the Great Lakes was restored. the first floor is fully accessible, and includes period furnishings and accouterment, plus hands-on exhibits that test one's nighttime navigation skills, light a miniature Fresnel lens, and put on lighthouse keeper clothing. Historic interpreters lead tours up the tower and into the lantern room. Starting in 2018, major exterior and interior masonry restorations were undertaken by National Restoration Inc.

The Mackinac Point Lighthouse is adjacent to the Mackinac Bridge which offers a good view of the bridge and boat traffic