Here is the text of an e-mail I received, from the West Michigan tourist association, I am on their mailing list since requesting Mackinaw City tourism info 2 years ago.
TRAVEL NEWS
From the West Michigan Tourist Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 9, 2003
CONTACT: Timothy Putman, Mackinac State Historic Parks
putmant@michigan.gov or 906-847-3328
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Opens to Public Tours in 2004
(MACKINAW CITY, Mich.) -- Mackinaw City, Mich. - For the first time in over fifty years, Great Lakes lighthouse fans will be able to climb the circular stairway to the top of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse tower in Mackinaw City and take in the panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac. Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) plans to open the lighthouse to public tours on June 12, 2004.
"The opening of the Old Mackinac Point Light Station tower and keepers' dwelling will show a restoration in progress," said MSHP Curator of Collections Steve Brisson. "Visitors will see up close what has been accomplished in the on-going restoration of the building - and the work that still needs to be completed."
The entire first floor of the structure will be fully accessible to all visitors. Placed throughout the building, interesting and exciting exhibits will highlight the history and operation of the station. A number of hands-on exhibits are planned that will be fun and informative for both children and adults. Visitors will see original artifacts from the station, including the beautiful brass and glass Fresnel lens that lit the Straits of Mackinac for over sixty years.
MSHP will fully restore and furnish the kitchen of the keeper's dwelling to its 1910 appearance to show visitors what to expect once the full restoration is complete.
Guides in historic costumes will be stationed within the lighthouse to assist visitors, provide historical information, conduct tours of the grounds and lead small groups up the tower.
Admission is tentatively set at $5 for adults, $3 for children (5-17), and free to children five and under. Group rates will be available. Revenue from admissions is one way MSHP is raising $2.4 million needed for complete restoration. Donations are another.
"Hopefully, people will be inspired by the history, charm and current condition of this landmark structure to donate funds to continue the restoration," noted Brisson.
MSHP has raised over $230,000 through donations, revenue from sales at the Lighthouse gift store and three lighthouse assistance grants from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. Workers will complete necessary restoration work on roofs and windows this winter.
The lighthouse is a popular landmark in Mackinaw City, clearly visible to the 4.7 million travelers crossing the Mackinac Bridge a few hundred yards to the west. Visitors have long enjoyed strolling the grounds, picnicking in Michilimackinac State Park and peering in the windows of the lighthouse. Built in 1892, it guided ships through the dangerous straits until 1957. The U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse when the navigation lights on the Mackinac Bridge rendered it obsolete.
Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history museums and parks in Northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac region including Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island, as well as Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek in Mackinaw City. The sites are accredited by the American Association of Museums. Visitor information is located on the web at
www.MackinacParks.com; and by phone at 906-847-3328 or 231-436-4100.
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Photos available upon request.
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Dianna Stampfler
Marketing & Media Director
West Michigan Tourist Association
950 28th Street SE, Suite E-200
Grand Rapids, MI 495048
800-442-2084, ext. 106
616-245-2760- fax
www.wmta.org media@wmta.org
Nobody Knows West Michigan Like We Do!
