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Point Betsie Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Betsie Lighthouse

The Point Betsie Lighthouse stands 11 meters tall, with its focal plane reaching 16 meters above the water. This structure began service in 1859, replacing an earlier lighthouse construction that started in 1854. The original lighthouse was completed in 1858. A white light illuminates the waters from this station. The lighthouse and its associated life-saving station, built in 1875, are situated on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan.

Why it matters: Point Betsie Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.

Background
Point Betsie Light is located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan — at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage — north of Frankfort in Benzie County in Northern Michigan. Construction began in 1854, but it was not completed until 1858, and began service in the shipping season of 1859. The lighthouse cost $5,000 to build. In 1875, a life saving station was built for $3,000.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
16m

Construction & History

Year Built
1858
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7207954 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m

Location

City
Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
44.6913°
Longitude
-86.2555°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Betsie Lighthouse at night?+
Point Betsie displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Point Betsie Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Betsie Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Frankfort at 3.8 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include ARCADIA (12.4 NM S), ONEKAMA (19.7 NM S), MANISTEE (26.8 NM S), TRAVERSE CITY (27.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Betsie Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Betsie Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Point Betsie Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Betsie Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.