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Point Betsie photos
courtesy of Jim Thias
of Grand Rapids, and
Lee Short.
Web Site © Copyright
2002-2008 by The
Friends of Point
Betsie Lighthouse
and ATI Consulting
All rights reserved. |
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• About the Point Betsie Lighthouse •
GENERAL
The Point Betsie Lighthouse, Benzie County's most famous landmark, is located
on the Lake Michigan shore of the county just south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore and just north of Frankfort, Michigan. Point Betsie is the second most
photographed lighthouse in the USA, and likely the most visited attraction in Benzie
County. Watching the sunsets from Point Betsie is a long-standing tradition.
HOURS of OPERATION
See our Hours of Operation and Special Events page.
LOCATION
See our Map page for the location and directions to Point
Betsie.
DETAILS
- Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
- This point of land was originally known by the French as "Point Aux Bec
Scies," meaning "sawed beak point".
- The lighthouse was built in 1858 at a cost of $5000.
- The life saving station that was built in 1875 cost $3000.
- The light sits 52 feet above the lake and has a range of 27.5 miles.
- The original lens in the light is a fourth-order
Fresnel (Fre'-nel) in
a bull's-eye arrangement.
- The lighthouse has had many keepers
over 106 years until automated in 1983.
- The automated light now in use utilizes a plastic lens.
- National Register Status: LISTED; Reference #84001375. (See National
Register of Historical Places - Benzie County)
PHOTO GALLERIES
Email us your unique pictures
of Point Betsie.
THE HISTORY
A Summary Chronology
THE PRESENT
Where Things Stand Now
On June 5th 2004 the Lighthouse property was transferred by the Bureau of Land Management
from U.S. Government control to ownership by Benzie County, with the Coast Guard
retaining rights to operate the light, as well as ownership of the modern box house
behind the lighthouse and the grounds on which that guest house sits. Through an
operating agreement between Benzie County and the Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse,
Inc., the capitol assets will continue to be owned by Benzie County and operated
by the Friends. The Friends are responsible for fund raising to accomplish this,
along with the county who will apply for various State and Federal grants.
No donation is too small and of course none is too large. Tax-deductible contributions
can be sent to:
The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc.
P.O. Box 601
Frankfort, MI
49635-0601
THE FUTURE
Phase I encompasses the Historic Structures Report , design and engineering
services, site topographic survey, site planning and exterior restoration of the
Lighthouse and Fog signal building.
Phase II includes restoration of the Storage Shed and the Oil House and planning
for interior restoration and renovation, and development of exhibits in the Lighthouse
and Fog Signal building.
Phase III will include improvements to the parking area and site entry.
Phase IV includes construction of a Gift Shop (a Gift Shop is currently housed
in an existing four car garage) and Special Events building as well as restrooms.
Phase V will improve the erosion control structures.
We will restore the historical buildings, develop historical interpretive exhibits
and educational programs, expand our tours and be open to the public longer and more
often.
We encourage you to join us using our membership form.
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