Here we were in Traverse City, a place we try to visit at least once a summer, with new destinations besides the Cherry Festival. The first lighthouse on the agenda was Old Mission Point. It is located at the tip of the Grand Traverse Bay area, dividing the East and West Arms. When looking at the lighthouse, it reminded me of a schoolhouse. Another point to note: it is located at the 45th parallel, exactly half way between the North Pole and the Equator.
This lighthouse was relatively new, built in 1991, and only one of two memorial lights. The story was that Robert Manning had a passion for fishing during his lifelong residence in Empire on Lake Michigan. As he came in from late from the Lake, many times he would remark that a lighthouse would help him find his way home more easily. After he died, family decided to honor him with exactly that---building him the light he had always mentioned. It is located in a park with a beach. Nearby are the Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore.
Point Betsie was number three during our Lake Michigan Circle Tour. This was another one that is used as a residence, but photos from the beach front area are allowed. It is located just north of Frankfort.
Frankfort's light was a breakwater light, another one that could be seen from the distance. When we were in Frankfort, they were getting ready for their 4th of July celebration.