Fort Gratiot Lighthouse — Attraction in Port Huron

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is a delightful slice of history that combines stunning views with a rich maritime heritage. As Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, it's been a beacon at the entrance to the St. Clair River for almost 200 years.

When you first see the lighthouse, it’s hard not to be impressed by its stately presence against the lake’s backdrop. The grounds are beautifully kept, with lush lawns and picturesque views of Lake Huron, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.

One of the highlights of visiting is climbing the lighthouse’s 94 steps. Sure, it might be a bit of a workout, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it. You’ll get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the water and the city of Port Huron – perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

But there’s more to Fort Gratiot than just the lighthouse. The on-site museum is packed with interesting exhibits about its history, the lives of the lighthouse keepers, and the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share intriguing stories and answer any questions you might have.

The lighthouse also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From historical reenactments and night climbs to family-friendly activities, there’s always something happening that makes each visit unique.

For those curious about the technical side of lighthouses, the preserved Fresnel lens and other maritime artifacts offer a fascinating look at the engineering behind these navigational beacons.

Accessibility is great, with well-paved paths and plenty of parking. The gift shop is a nice touch too, offering a range of souvenirs from books and apparel to charming nautical trinkets – a perfect way to take a bit of Fort Gratiot home with you.

All in all, Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is a fantastic visit for history buffs, families, or anyone who loves a good view. It’s a wonderful mix of education, stunning scenery, and engaging activities that make every visit special. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s definitely...

I wish I could give more stars. There are a lot of lighthouses in Michigan, and finding ones that are open to climb this year are few and far between. We saw that Fort Gratiot was open and we drove right up from Ohio. This was in August, 2020.

Located in Fort Gratiot Township Park, right there on the beautiful blue waters of Lake Huron, the first thing you will notice on arrival is that parking is free. This is so unusual for Michigan parks. State parks always charge for parking. The tour only costs a few bucks. If you want to climb up the tower and see inside the keepers house, you have to join a guided tour group. There is no free ranging. However there is a lot you can do for free, like the beach, the gift shop, maybe tour the hospital that is in the reno process. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and catered to kids, him being a school teacher.

Check their website for times of operation. As I write this memo, Labor Day has passed so everyone may have to wait til next year. I have climbed a lot of lighthouses, and this was one of the best, with a great view...

It was unexpected that I had a phenomenal private tour of the lighthouse by the Lighthouse Keeper. The keeper was personable, passionate about her work, friendly, and patience with all the questions I had. We started the tour with an explanation of the lightbulbs; usage, changes, etc. Then we talked about the different Lighthouse Keepers - their histories and experiences. We then visited different houses to see how life was to be a Lighthouse Keeper. I enjoyed the Lighthouse Keeper's house the best. I was able to touch things, see old appliances and got to see all the rooms in the house.

Lastly, it was the tour of the lighthouse. I wasn't going to walk the narrow spiral staircase but the Keeper insisted that I can take my time walking (I use a cane to walk) up. When we reached the top, fog was rolling in. However, I still had beautiful views. I was able to walk around the top and the walk gave me a sense what life was like for the Lighthouse Keeper. This is an experience I won't forget to actually be at the top of...