Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mackinaw City Sunset Cruise 

• Mackinac Bridge History Cruise

• Mackinac Bridge Cruise

• Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Admission

Admission to the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse costs US$11 for adults and US$7.75 for children aged 5–12, with the fee covering all tours and exhibits, including the opportunity to climb the tower for panoramic views. Kids aged 4 and under get in for free. Parking at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is free, with the main lot located adjacent to the site entrance.

Yes, you can climb to the top of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of the Mackinac Bridge. You’ll need to tackle 51 steps and a narrow ladder to get to the top, and proper footwear is required. Timed tickets are issued for tower tours, issued on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beyond the beloved lighthouse tower, visitors to the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse can explore the Keepers' Quarters, restored to their 1910 appearance; the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, with audiovisual displays and original artifacts; and tours and demonstrations led by historic interpreters, including the famously loud and steamy Fog Signal Whistle.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is open from early May through to mid-October: actual dates vary by year, so check the website. Hours also vary slightly by season, though in peak summer, you can expect it to be open from 9am to 5:30pm. Outside peak summer, hours are typically closer to 9am to 4:30pm.

Most visitors say yes, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is worth it. The combination of authentic restored spaces, engaging exhibits, and tower tours makes it a worthwhile stop, especially considering its modest entrance fee. It’s praised as educational and interesting, with knowledgeable staff, well-maintained grounds, and excellent views of the Mackinac Bridge.