Michigan Lighthouse Guide and Map: Iosco County Lighthouses

Iosco County is home to 25,000 Michiganders and dates back to the 1840s. It is home to the Au Sable River and a rich history in lumbering, and is loved by visitors for its outdoor recreation opportunities and beautiful Lake Huron shoreline. Despite having 30 miles of Great Lakes shoreline this county has only one lighthouse – the Tawas Point Lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park. We continue our Michigan lighthouse guide and map series today with a look at how you can visit, tour, and even stay at this lighthouse in Iosco County.

Tawas Point Lighthouse – This lighthouse marks a sandy point that juts out into the lake. Tawas Bay also served as a place of shelter for vessels looking to get out of bad weather, and the light was important in guiding them to safety. A previous structure had struggled here due to shifting sand which led to the current light being built further inland in the 1870s.

The Tawas Point Lighthouse tower stands 70 feet tall and is made of brick. It is attached to a two-story keepers dwelling. In the summer months the lighthouse and tower is open to visitors. It is also possible to stay here at the lighthouse as part of a volunteer keeper program.

Referred to as the Midwest’s Cape Cod, Tawas Point is an incredibly popular summer spot for beach days, swimming, water sports, fishing, and hiking. The state park is also known as being one of the best places in the state for birdwatching during seasonal migrations. Tawas Point State Park is also home to a campground with more than 190 sites, cabins, and yurts.

The lighthouse received extensive tower repairs and a fresh coat of paint in 2022 and 2023 thanks to a mix of state and federal funds. Interior tower work is expected to continue into 2024 which may put some aspects of tours on hold. We can’t wait to get back over to Michigan’s east coast when the project is completely finished and see what it looks like!