trip photos: northern Michigan

[Mike Magee]

Northern Michigan is always fun for me to visit since I grew up in the area and have great nostalgia whenever I see the old places (and some I've never seen before). Plus we get to visit relatives, so we try to go every summer.

This time my mother in law and her husband took us to their 'cottage' north of Alpena for a day trip, and we visited the Presque Isle Lighthouses. First the old light:


Then we drove another mile to see the new lighthouse:


This one is the tallest lighthouse open to the public on the Great Lakes, if I recall correctly what they told me.


So of course I had to climb it ($3 fee). It is about four and a half stories high, so I had to stop partway to rest! But the view was worthwhile.

[Mike Magee]

The day before this, I was at Mackinaw City. It's one of my favorite places to visit. I always like to pick up a loaf of home style cinnamon bread at the local bakery. Then on to the shoreline, where there's a nice park and a lighthouse (of course).


Looking out over the waters of Lake Huron, one can see the Mackinaw Bridge which is over 4 miles long.


While there, I spotted a nice bunch of flowers....


Then I drove east of town to a lighthouse I'd never been to before, McGulpin Light.

According to an early report (1700s) written by a Frenchman, this 640 acres belonged to a settler named McAlpin. But somehow over the centuries their family name became spelled McGulpin. There is a large boulder on the shore just a few yards from this lighthouse which was mentioned in those early records as a landmark... I find it interesting that it's still there, and no one has removed or destroyed it.

This whole area has a lot of history. Once inhabited by native Americans, it fell under French rule and then British rule. The fort was burned but has been excavated and rebuilt, with many artifacts on display.

[Sharon G]

Beautiful photos, Mike. I love lighthouses, too. And your shot of the bridge is so much more intriguing than a plain bridge shot. What is that big brown thing in the foreground? Some kind of buoy?

I haven't been that far north in a very long time. Thanks for posting those pictures.

[Mike Magee]

Thanks. Yes, I think it is a buoy, but not positive. There was no sign explaining the object, but it made a really interesting foreground object.

[steve dunham]

Our camping group ( 6 couples ) make a two week trip each September. This year we decided to go to Michigan's UP . Judging from your post and photos we made a good choice.

[kayleigh0302]

nice photos. reminds me of the tibbetts point lighthouse I visited last summer south of wellesley island,ny. they had this navy guy (mannequin)behind the glass that spoke to you. pretty funny. looks like summer to me!!!