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Tawas Point Lighthouse Visitor Information

Season Dates and Hours | Admission and parking | Location | Parking | Amenities | Photography | Accessibility | Pets

Please allow two hours for your visit. Lighthouse tours last approximately 45 minutes. Please allow additional time to visit the Lighthouse Museum Store and the Lighthouse Memory Walkway. When the lighthouse is not open for tours inside, visitors can enjoy its exterior and grounds. There are other historic structures on-site, including an oil house and a fog signal area. The park also offers camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing and a beach.

2024 Season Dates and Hours

Tawas Point Lighthouse is open for the 2024 summer season! The lighthouse will be open for tours on the following schedule: 

  • May 8 through Oct. 22: Wednesday through Monday, 12 to 5 p.m. Tours are given on the hour starting at 12 p.m. The last tour of the day will start at 4 p.m.
  • June through August: Tuesdays from 12 to 4 p.m. Last tour will be given at 3 p.m. Admission by donation with funds going to the Friends of Tawas Point.

The museum store will be open on the following schedule:

  • May 2-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-29: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • May 30 through Sept. 2: Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Sept. 6 through Oct. 6: Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Oct. 11 and 12: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Tower Climb Safety

Please be aware of the following safety rules for climbing the tower of Tawas Point Lighthouse:

  • Beach attire is not permitted while climbing, this includes loose towels, open-toed shoes and flip flops. 
  • Always have your hands free. You should not be carrying any belongings or children. 
  • The climb is 85 steps up to the top with a narrow opening at the top, please gauge whether or not you are able to make this climb. 
  • Do not touch the Fresnel Lens.

Admission and parking

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the park. Free parking is available inside the park. Lighthouse tours are $5. 

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Location

Tawas Point Lighthouse is located in Tawas Point State Park, off U.S. 23, 2.5 miles southeast of East Tawas.

Our address is:

686 Tawas Beach Road
East Tawas, MI 48730

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Amenities

While visiting Tawas Point State Park, the following amenities are available:

  • The Museum Store gift shop
  • Hiking trails - get tips on how to Recreate Responsibly
  • Picnic area
  • Camping

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Photography

Personal photography without flash for private use is permitted in the buildings and on the grounds. Photographs may not be published, sold or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes.

Photography for weddings and other special events is allowed on the grounds and in the lighthouse during regular open hours with advance permission. Please contact us in advance to schedule a time.

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Accessibility

The lighthouse is approximately 475 feet from the parking lot; the path is asphalt, then brick. Access to the tower is by 85 steps. Visitors who wish to tour the museum area without going to the top of the tower will encounter a total of seven steps and accompanying handrails.

Information will be made available in Braille, if lighthouse staff is given advance notice.

Service animals are always welcomed.

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Pets

Pets accompanied by and under the control of their human friends are welcomed on the grounds of this site. Pets may not enter any building. See Department of Natural Resources rules and other information on Pet-Friendly Recreation.

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For more information

Please email us at MHCinfo@Michigan.gov.

Updated 09/09/2024