18 Attractions to Explore Near Grays Reef Light
Top Activities Near Grays Reef Light
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Attractions & Activities Near You
Checkout attractions and activities near your current locationAll attractions near Grays Reef Light
Waugoshance LighthouseWaugoshance Lighthouse is a 102-foot wooden tower built in 1851 and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Located at the most dangerous location on the lake, Waugoshance stands as an iconic reminder of early efforts to ensure safe navigation between Lake Michigan ports. Although it sustained heavy damage from ice during numerous winters, Waugoshance continued to be staffed until 1924 when an automated light was established.
White Shoal LighthouseThis can truly be called a beacon of beauty in the Great Lakes. Standing tall against the horizon at 80-feet and outlined with red brick, it's a structure that often takes your breath away. Constructed in 1910 to ensure safety of ships passing through Lake Michigan, White Shoal features both a light tower plus an adjoining keeper's house. The lighthouse lens, fueled by oil and electricity intermittently throughout history, guided hundreds of vessels safely along its journey each year
Ile Aux Galets LightIle Aux Galets Light is a historic lighthouse built in 1927, the lighthouse boasts a 65-foot rock tower with an upper gallery made of steel and whitewashed bricks. It is the only active light house along Lake Michigan's northern shore. The light keeper's residence is also located on-site and features Whitefish Point Shingle Style architecture. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and today stands as a beacon for lake-goers around the area.
Waugoshance PointWaugoshance Point is a truly remarkable place. It is home to the oldest known lighthouse on the Great Lakes and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan from its picturesque bluffs. It is also home to 15 species of endangered plants, as well as wildlife like coyotes and cardinals. A National Historic Landmark, it features expansive beach areas for exploring, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. With lush forest trails for hiking around the nearby Sturgeon Bay.
Sturgeon Bay BeachSturgeon Bay Beach is a stunning natural beach known for its spectacular sunsets. The magical glimmers of the sun as it sets over the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan create breathtaking vistas. The area also offers stunning scenic hiking trails, bike paths and picnic sites. Visitors enjoy this beach all year round; during summer months they can relax in the warm sunshine on the soft sand and during winter months they can appreciate the beauty of frost-covered sand dunes.
Wilderness State ParkWilderness State Park in Emmet County, Michigan boasts 10,000 acres of stunning scenery. The sprawling park features a variety of unique attractions and activities; from tantalizing trails for cyclists and hikers to breathtaking beaches and serene nature views that are unrivaled by any other place in the county. This area of Michigan provides an array of experiences for visitors to enjoy ranging from birding and kayaking to swimming, fishing and so much more.
St. Helena Island LighthouseSt. Helena Island Lighthouse offers a stunning view of the Straits of Mackinac. The original lighthouse was built in 1862, with a two-story wooden structure framed around an octagonal tower that provided visibility for ships traveling through the straits. As time went on and ship technology changed, it became clear that the light could not be seen from certain angles. In 1903 a new tower was built adjacent to the old one, with a higher-powered electric beacon.
St. Hellena Island LighthouseThe St. Hellena Island Lighthouse is a classic example of lighthouse architecture from the 1900’s. This white brick structure emphasizes its distinctive brick tower, which stands 54 feet and was rebuilt more than once since the original construction in 1877. Inside the lighthouse is a set of winding stairs that leads to the light gallery with fantastic views of the surrounding Great Lakes.
Beaver Island Harbor LightBeaver Island Harbor Light, is one of only two surviving lights from the state's earliest range lights. It was first established in 1839 and marks the entrance to Lake Michigan for ships sailing from Peninula Point Harbor. The 45-foot tower and small attached lighthouse keeper’s house were built on a rock platform about 900 feet offshore. The light was automated in 1967 and continues to guide ships safely into the harbor at night.
Headlands International Dark Sky ParkHeadlands International Dark Sky Park is a unique public park that offers visitors unparalleled views of the night sky. With its pristine nighttime darkness, which is free from artificial lighting, Headlands provides astronomers and nature enthusiasts with the ideal environment to observe and photograph astronomical events. In addition, its dark night skies are also valuable habitat for bat species, nocturnal animals such as owls and deer, and other wildlife species adapted to darkness.
Little Sand Bay Nature PreserveLittle Sand Bay Nature Preserve is a delightful park situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the preserve covers 29 acres of majestic views and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the nature trails, beach areas, and observation points overlooking Little Sand Bay. A wide variety of wildlife call the area home including birds, turtles, foxes, deer and more. Kayakers can spend an afternoon paddling along the bay while anglers fish for trout and salmon in Michigan's most productive fishery.
Tunnel of TreesTunnel of Trees is one of the most spectacular views in the world. Located on M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, it's a picturesque drive through an expanse of beautiful hardwood trees that shape and frame the road for miles. Winding along Lake Michigan's shoreline, drivers can witness the changing of seasons, with brilliant fall colors to the lush greens in summertime. On cool clear days passengers can catch glimpses of strong windswept sand dunes towers.
McGulpin Point LighthouseMcGulpin Point Lighthouse, has protected the waters of Lake Michigan since 1869. The lighthouse stands an impressive 49 feet tall and was constructed of cut stone with a circular spiral stairway enclosed in its center. The beacon can be seen from up to 15 nautical miles away, protecting vessels that would have otherwise been at the mercy of treacherous waves and hidden rocks. There have been many adjustments over the years to update the century-plus old structure.
Cut River BridgeThe Cut River Bridge is an iconic part of the county's heritage. This 1930s bridge is the only remaining example of a "Camelback" bridge in the Lower Peninsula, and has withstood more than eighty years' worth of storms and wear-and-tear. With its two pointed arches connecting to piers of rusting iron reinforcing bars, it could very well be a scene out of a history book. it still incorporates modern features like sidewalk railings and a guardrail system for maximum security and safety.
Colonial MichilimackinacColonial Michilimackinac is a place full of history and cultural heritage. At the center of this charming attraction is Fort Michilimackinac, which was an important fur trading post during the colonial period. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore a museum filled with artifacts collected from archaeological digs, take a tour and browse through an impressive 18th century Great Lakes Fur Trading Village. The area is rugged yet peaceful.
Lake ParadiseLake Paradise, is a true gem of the Great Lakes region. This peaceful lake boasts crystal-clear water with miles of pristine shoreline, perfect for swimming or paddling around in a canoe on a sunny afternoon. For those looking for adventure, the nearby forests provide ample hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines out into the lake, where they can look forward to catching walleye and pike.
Old Mackinac Point LighthouseOld Mackinac Point Lighthouse, offers a captivating glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Built in 1892 to aid ships navigating around Mackinac Island, this landmark structure offers visitors some great opportunities to explore and experience its historic and cultural significance firsthand. Standing proudly on Lake Huron at the doorstep of the Straits of Mackinac, it's a popular attraction for tourists who are often treated to spectacular sunsets from the observation deck.
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company - Mackinaw City Dock #1Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company's Mackinaw City Dock #1 is quickly becoming a popular tourist spot situated directly between the Straits of Mackinac and Lake Huron, offering visitors breathtaking views and incredible experiences. Those looking to hop on a ferry will be delighted to find options ranging from trips across the lake for casino visits and shopping to a narrated tour of the area that allows passengers to take in stunning sights from Old Mackinac Pt. Lighthouse.
Map of attractions near Grays Reef Light
Know more about Grays Reef Light
Grays Reef LightGrays Reef Light, located near the northernmost part of Lake Michigan, is an iconic beacon. Built in 1932, it stands 92 feet tall with a cylindrical tower measuring just over 16 feet in diameter. The light from the beacon can be seen from as far away as 8 nautical miles and exhibits a signature flashing pattern of red and white. It has been used over the years not only to guide sailors but to provide a sense of security and hope for those who call the Great Lakes home.