Tawas Point Lighthouse — Attraction in Baldwin Township

First of all, we had to wait over 30 minutes after purchasing our tickets because that was the "next available" tour time. They locked the door behind us after we entered the lighthouse, but then let other people in when they peeked in the windows and knocked on the door, and the guide at the door never even check our tickets so I'm not really sure why there is a time system?

They limit the number of people that can climb to 5 at a time plus the "tour guide". When you get to the top the guide didn't let us move around at all so wherever we landed at the top was the view we got (I got a lovely view of the parking area).

They also don't seem to want anyone but "physically fit" people to climb it. If you're too old, too young, or too "big", they ask you several times if you're SURE you can make the climb. We have a 3-year-old and they repeatedly said "Are you SURE he can climb it? He has to climb the whole way himself, you can not carry him [who in their right mind would even attempt that?!]. He has to hold on to the railing at all times and If he gets scared or starts crying or acting up you have to take him back down immediately". Then on the way down they said he had to either scoot down on his butt the whole way, or hold the railing with one hand and hold the guides hand with his other hand while slowly walking down (he chose the latter option and descended, one foot at a time, like a pro).

It's like they're afraid of getting sued or something? If they're that concerned about it they should make you sign a waiver. Seriously, I Know what my kid is/isn't able to do. He's climbed several lighthouses , most taller than this one (this one is only like 80 steps-- not very tall as far as lighthouses go).

If this is the only lighthouse you're going to in Michigan then climb it, otherwise skip it. Also skip it if you're too old, too young, or too "big". It's just not worth the hassle. There are plenty more lighthouses in Michigan that are taller, better, and have much more friendly and knowledgeable staff. The keepers/tour guides were from out-of-state and knew nothing about the area or the lighthouse. They would make up ridiculous answers on the fly or just say "that's a great question" and then change the subject. When someone asked what the numbers meant on the fresnel lens, our guide said it was just the version of lens like how your iphone is a 16. 🙄 When asked about the catwalk outside at the top he said OSHA won't let anyone out there without a harness and safety net. 😆 One of my kids spotted an error in one of the signs that had to do with the flag code system and the guide had no clue what my kid was talking about.

The keeper/guide that started the tour at the front door of the lighthouse literally said "If you have questions please ask. If we don't know the answer we'll just make up an answer so please don't fact check us". I thought she was trying to be funny, but by the end of the tour I realized she was serious.

The lady at the gift shop was pretty nice. And the price to climb is decent ($5/adults; $2 kids 5-17; kids under 5 free), but it's just not really worth the climb...

Labor Day weekend was very busy at the point but we were able to get in to climb the tower before the storms rolled in and the volunteers were amazing, friendly, and very informative. We learned some new info we didn't know before, had some great conversations, and a good time. We've never had a bad experience at this lighthouse. It's only 60 some steps to the top of the tower and is thankfully not too narrow or confined. You do have to watch your head at the top when you get to the light.

I was happy learn they recently got a grant to repair the lighthouse but sad to know that means you probably won't be able to access the inside for awhile starting next year while they get everything done. But it's great they are getting funding to be able to keep a part of Michigan's history alive and well for future...

One of the many lighthouses around the great lakes. This one is on the east coast of Michigan, on Lake Huron. Not visited by too many people. The place was not busy even on the beautiful sunny day in July of 2016 when we visited.

We climbed to the top of the lighthouse. The stairs were understandably steep and narrow. But the view on top was worth the effort. On that day, there were also three young ladies dressed in retro outfits, giving tourists an introduction of the life way back then — not sure if that was a daily affair or we...