Experience Lighthouses!

Are you a lighthouse enthusiast?  Paradise is conveniently nestled among three very different lighthouses along the shores of Lake Superior.  They are in relatively close proximity to Paradise and would be an ideal two-day adventure to learn the history and culture of lighthouses. 

Whitefish Point Light Station

Whitefish Point Light Station stands as a beacon at the entrance of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, a safe haven for vessels traveling the incredible Lake Superior. Located just 11 miles or 18 minutes north of Paradise, Michigan, Whitefish Point Light Station is owned and operated by a private, not-for-profit organization, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLHS). The route to the point is direct at the blinking light in Paradise, you would leave M-123 and travel north on Whitefish Point Road. This is a paved two lane county road with a few gentle curves. The light station is one aspect of the Shipwreck Museum complex. There is a parking lot at the end of the road. There is no charge to walk among the buildings or take in the awe inspiring Lake Superior Shoreline. There is a fee to enter the Shipwreck Museum, a number of the buildings in their complex, and to climb the tower. Keep in mind the GLHS does have an active crew researching, locating, and protecting shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. There is a gift shop on the grounds as well.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Point Iroquois Lighthouse serves as a beacon at the mouth of the St. Mary's River along the shores of Lake Superior. Vessels traveling up-bound and down-bound through the Soo Locks pass by this incredible facility on a Chippewa County bluff. Located just 36 miles or 45 minutes south east of Paradise you'll find the Point Iroquois Lighthouse owned and managed by the U.S. Forestry Division.  In 2022, the Bay Mills Indian community is more actively involved in hosting the museum and sharing the American Indian story of Point Iroquois.  The route is direct. From the blinking light in Paradise, take M-123 south about 11 miles. Turn left on the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway. As you meander through the Hiawatha National Forest, you will pass a number of incredible vistas and beaches overlooking Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. Be sure to plan a stop or two, depending upon the season, to put your toe in the Lake Superior waters.  Point Iroquois Lighthouse will be on your left. There is no charge for you to walk the grounds, enter the 1950's era-living-quarters museum of a light keeper's family, or climb the tower. There is also a gift shop featuring Point Iroquois memorabilia and related books hosted by the Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Research Society.

Crisp Point Light

Crisp Point Light stands along the southern shoreline of Lake Superior. Located just 39 miles or 55 minutes northwest of Paradise, Crisp Point Light is located on property owned by Luce County, Michigan, maintained and managed by the Crisp Point Light Historical Society (CPLHS). There is no direct route to Crisp Point.  Do not rely on cell phone service or other GPS tracking equipment.  In fact, the trip to Crisp Point validates the remote and often isolated lives of light keeps and their families.  You will be traveling county roads (not maintained in winter months) some are unpaved and some would be considered two track.  Do not let the drive deter your adventure.  In fact a trip by snowmobile or 4 wheeler to Crisp Point is an added bonus.  By car, you would travel west on M-123 from the blinking light in Paradise.  You will pass the entrances to Tahquamenon Lower and Upper Falls (These falls are well worth a stop as well).  On your right you'll find Luce County Road 500.  There are signs at this intersection indicating that you would turn right.  At Culhane Lake and their campground, you will come to a "Y" ,  County Road 437 continues to your right, you will lean left.  At Little Lake you'll turn right on County Road 412.  Parking and the light will be at the end of CR 412.  There is a splendid map in the Crisp Point Light brochure.  CPLHS offers a light keepers program, an opportunity to serve in a representative capacity as a light keeper.  A learning opportunity for the entire family; look into their program early as registration to serve fills quickly.  There is also a gift shop on the grounds.  There is no charge to visit the grounds or climb the tower

Each of these lighthouses offers an incredible story, rich with history, adventure, and mystery.  Each offers an informative website with contact information, hours, and special activities. Bring the family and experience lighthouses in the Paradise area.

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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area