Did you know that the Tawas Point Lighthouse you see today in Iosco County isn’t the original? Built in 1853, the first lighthouse quickly became ineffective when a natural process called accretion — the gradual increase in land area through the accumulation of sediment, soil or other material — extended the point so far out that by the 1870s the structure was more than a mile inland!
To keep up with increased shipping traffic in Tawas Bay, the United States Lighthouse Board broke ground on a new lighthouse in the spring of 1876. Construction was completed that November, and the new lighthouse shined its first light from its new location on the peninsula the following spring.
Now, 150 years later, you’re invited to join the Michigan History Center, the DNR and Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park for a two-day anniversary kickoff celebration, Aug. 7-8. The fun starts noon-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 — National Lighthouse Day — with yard games, lighthouse crafts, story time with Iosco-Arenac District Library staff and visits with partner organizations. Enjoy snacks and pick up some lighthouse merchandise provided by the friends group. Plus, admission is waived for the day, so you can check out this iconic lighthouse at no cost.
The celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 8, with a free Lee Murdock concert, 7-9 p.m. Bring your picnic blankets, snacks and chairs to listen to the acclaimed Great Lakes musician and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from a boundless collection of Great Lakes history, songs and legends, Murdock brings the Great Lakes’ rich heritage to life through music. Please note: Admission to the lighthouse on Saturday is $5 for adults 18 and up, $2 for youth ages 6-17, and free for those age 5 and under.
