Visitor Information
Tawas Point Lighthouse
Visitor Guide 2024
Note: A Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.
The lighthouse opens Wednesday, May 8. It is open for guided tours daily except Tuesday; in June, July, and August only the lighthouse is open on Tuesdays from noon to 4pm for self-guided tours by donation. Daily scheduled tours are hourly beginning at noon with the last tour starting at 4pm. Tickets are available in the gift shop. See table below for specific dates and times. This information is subject to change as necessary.
Tours
Please review the Tower Rules provided by the Michigan History Center below.
Tickets are available in the gift shop located near the lighthouse. When the gift shop is closed (most Wednesdays), tours are available by donation between the hours of noon and 5pm.
Admission for guided tours:
$5 for adults
$2 for children ages 5 to 17. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Children ages 4 or younger admitted free.
Additional Information:
Tours are limited to the hours listed below with a maximum of 20 people per tour.
Due to the size of the lantern room, only 5 people can be in the tower at a time.
An adult must accompany a child climbing the tower.
Both hands must be free when climbing.
Backpacks may not be worn on the tower stairs; no purses, bags, etc. may be carried up. There is an alcove at the foot of the stairs to leave items at the bottom.
For safety, children cannot be carried up the tower stairs, either in arms or in a baby carrier.
The composition of groups for climbing the tower will be coordinated by the Keepers.
No wet bathing suits or bare feet are allowed in the museum.
Shoes must be worn; no flip flops or sandals without a back are allowed when climbing the tower stairs.
No food or drink is allowed in the museum.
No animals are allowed in the lighthouse except Certified Service Dogs; Emotional Support and Therapy Dogs are not allowed.
Visitor and Keepers are not allowed in the tower during a storm when lightning is in the vicinity. The Keepers, in communication with the State Park staff, will monitor the weather and determine when tower climbs can take place before and after a storm. No one may be in the tower until 20 minutes after the last lightning was sighted.
Tower Rules
Michigan History Center
Since the Spring of 2018 the following rules for climbing the tower have been implemented. Guests who have visited in the past may be hesitant to adhere to these rules. Visitors should consistently be reminded of the rules to encourage safe tower climbing. These new rules are:
• Always have your hands free! No carrying of belongings or children. This includes large bags or back packs that may bump into the Fresnel lens.
• Beach attire is not permitted when climbing the tour—this includes loose towels, open toed shoes, or flip flops.
• Be physically able to make the climb and fit through a narrow opening.
Concession Stand
Thyme at the Point, located on the lakeside of the Beach Pavilion, brings Middle Eastern flavors to the beach.
Open daily except Thursday from noon to 6p from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Great food in a beautiful setting!
Click the map for driving directions.
