Point Betsie Lighthouse

The Point Betsie Lighthouse located on the shore of Lake Michigan was built in 1858 to mark the southern end of the once important Manitou Passage. Point Betsie was orginally called "Point Aux Bec Scies" by the French; this meant "sawed beak point". The lighthouse has a fourth order Fresnel Lens that is remains in use to this day. The Point Betsie Lighthouse became fully automated in 1983. The lighthouse is now owned by Benzie County and is maintained by the non-profit group, The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse which did extensive renovations to the lighthouse. Lighthouse tours are available from Memorial Day until October for a small fee. See the Point Betsie website for specific details. The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, which can accommodate up to 6 guests, is available for weekly rentals.

The Point Betsie Lighthouse is located north of Frankfort and south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore off Highway M-22 at the end of Point Betsie Road.