If you're at all interested in the world of Great Lakes maritime, or you just really like picturesque scenes along the shore, you should plan on seeing a few Upper Peninsula lighthouses on your next trip up.
The Crisp Point Light, featured in the time lapse video (above) is about an hour east of Deer Park Lodge. The grounds are always open, and the lighthouse itself is open mid-June to September from noon to 5:00 PM. Visit the Crisp Point Light Historical Society for more information.
Au Sable Light Station has been lighting the coast of Lake Superior since 1874, and is a fine example of a complete, totally restored light station, including auxiliary buildings. It's 12 miles west of Grand Marais, in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The light is operated by U.S.C.G. and the National Park Service. Creative Commons photo by Kelly Krupka
The Whitefish Point Light, is near the little town of Shelldrake. It was first lit in 1861 and is still in operation as an active aid to navigation. It's managed by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. NPS photo by Ralph Eshelman
This is just a short list. You could spend much of a summer visiting all the lighthouses and stations of the Great Lakes. There's plenty of information available to get you started. Here are a few excellent resources provided by the National Park Service, Russ Rowlett of the University of North Carolina (who knew), and a list of accessible lighthouses put together by michigan.org.
NPS: Historic Light Stations - Michigan Lighthouses
UNC: Michigan Lighthouses: Upper Peninsula
Michigan.org: Accessible Lighthouses
