We recently got back from a week in the beautiful state of Michigan. We have now been to 44 states. 🙂 Anyway, while in the state we had a blast exploring the Detroit area as well as the Upper Peninsula. We had an amazing view of Lake Huron from our room in Mackinaw City, where we could also see part of the Mackinaw Bridge. Another perk was that we could walk out onto the beach just a few steps from our porch. While in the area Gene wanted to check out the Shipwreck Museum up in Whitefish Point. I was more than eager, as I wanted to see the Whitefish Point Lighthouse. It was about an hour and ½ from where we were so it wasn’t too bad and the drive was beautiful.
It was sad but also inspiring in a way. Peaceful. It’s not something I can really explain in this post. I guess you’d have to see it and experience it yourself. I will say we had a nice time walking around the area, taking pictures, popping into a few buildings, checking out the gift shop, and walking down to the beach. It was nice and there weren’t as many bugs as there were near the Mackinaw Bridge. Above is an aerial glimpse of Whitefish Point via the Shipwreck Museum website. I hope you are able to visit if you are in the area. It is a place I won’t soon forget. Check out their website at the link above if you are planning your own visit.
Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum and Lighthouse Visitor Information
Address:
18335 N. Whitefish Point Road, Paradise, MI 49768
Phone:
888-492-3747
Hours:
May 1 to October 31 — Daily 10 am – 6 pm
Price:
- Adults: $14.00
- Children 17 and under: $10.00
- Children under 5: FREE
- Family, 2 adults, and 2 or more children: $45.00
- Single Family, 1 adult, and 2 or more children: $32.00
Directions:
From the Straits of Mackinac:
Follow I-75 north to Rt. 123 (Exit #352), which is the Newberry, Tahquamenon falls exit. Follow this route through Trout Lake (be sure to take the right turn in Trout Lake to stay on M-123), crossing M-28. Follow M-123 all the way to Paradise, Michigan. Once in Paradise, continue north on Whitefish Point Road for 11 miles to the Whitefish Point Light Station. All roads are well paved and maintained by the State/County.
Travel Time = approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes
From Newberry and Tahquamenon Falls:
Follow M-123 east and turn left at the stoplight in Paradise, Michigan 11 miles north to Whitefish Point.
Travel Time = approximately 50 minutes from Newberry and approximately 20 minutes from Taquamenon Falls
From Sault Ste. Marie:
Follow I-75 south to M-28 west. Take M-123 north to Paradise, Michigan. Once in Paradise, continue north on Whitefish Point Road for 11 miles to the Whitefish Point Light Station. All roads are well paved and maintained by the State/County.
Travel Time = approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes
Parking
Free
Wow!44 states… We have a long way to go still as I have barely scratched the surface but your posts will definitely inspire me ..
this place sounds wonderful.. shipwrecks are always fascinating (though sad they happened in the first place, and i find myself wondering about the lives of those who were on that ship ages ago(
Thanks for your comment. I felt sad too, but it’s one of those things that you want to see and take a moment, reflect, and pay homage to those lost wherever it may be. It has taken us a long time to visit the states we have. Once we realized how many we had visited, we were like, why not finish and see all 50, lol One day I will do a post with some of my favorite things about each state. Can’t wait to do that. 🙂 Thanks again for the comment. Happy travels. You can do it! A sort of homage to Rose the Riveter and Michigan, lol Couldn’t resist.
It has been a long time since we visited a historical location on vacation. I used to love doing this.
HI Paula. I was never into history until we started traveling and I could experience things firsthand. It’s not the same in a book. Not I love exploring and learning more. Thanks for the comment. Happy travels.