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Point Betsie, MI |
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Description:
The cylindrical tower with attached dwelling was built on the point in 1858. In 1891, the fog signal building was added, making necessary an additional keeper at the station. The dwelling was thus enlarged to accommodate two keepers.
On June 5th 2004, title was transferred from the Coast Guard, via the Bureau of Land Management, to Benzie County. The county, in turn, immediately leased the property to The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse. After writing grants and holding dynamic fund-raisers, the group renovated the exterior of the lighthouse at a cost of about $1 million. As part of the renovation, the lighthouse colors were reverted to those more historically accurate shown in the photograph to the right: a black lantern, green trim and doors, and a bright red cedar shingled roof. The fourth-order Fresnel lens used in the tower was formerly on display at the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station/Maritime Museum, but is now appropriately back at the lighthouse. Photo Gallery:
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Location:
Located, naturally, on Point Betsie just beyond the southern end of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore.
The lighthouse is open on weekends from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. During July and August, the lighthouse is also open on Fridays. For hours, click here.
The lighthouse is owned by Benzie County and managed by the Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse. Grounds open, dwelling/tower open in season. |
