Point Betsie Lighthouse holds a special place in my heart, and we've visited this scenic spot along Lake Michigan's shore near Frankfort, Michigan, many times over the years.
The lighthouse itself is undergoing a multi-year restoration, and we recently visited to check out the ongoing work there.
Restoration workers found the lighthouse, especially the interior, in pretty rugged shape as they started work about five years ago. Check Point Betsie Lighthouse wins Michigan's Governor's Award to see my photos from the beginning of the interior restoration and compare them to the photos posted here and earlier this week at Michigan's Point Betsie Lighthouse restoration continues.
Quite a difference, right?
I also enjoyed seeing Point Betsie's Fresnel lens displayed in a case as part of the historical exhibits in the lighthouse's lower level. A more modern acrylic lens is in the light tower today.
Thanks to Debbie Dubrow of Delicious Baby for creating and coordinating Photo Friday to link travel photos and blog posts across the Web.
© Dominique King 2010 All rights reserved
VERY cool, dominique! we'll be up near frankfort next week (our cottage is near onekama) and lillie has shakespeare camp at the lakeside shakespeare theatre in frankfort. we'll have to swing by and see the lighthouse. thanks!
Posted by: jessiev | July 30, 2010 at 06:52 AM
I've just been beginning to learn about lighthouses on the Great Lakes this year -- I'm more familiar with those along the Gulf and the Atlantic. Great insight on the restoration of Point Betsie, thanks.
Posted by: Kerry | July 30, 2010 at 07:52 AM
I have yet to take my kids to visit a lighthouse. But it's on my to-do list. The last picture is really cool!
Posted by: Amy @ The Q Family | July 30, 2010 at 09:31 AM
I love that last photo. It's very cool the way the light reflects + is refracted.
Posted by: WanderMom | July 30, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Jessie-They still have a bit of work to do, and parking is still just alongside the end of the road out to the lighthouse. But they've done an amazing amount of work in the past several years.
Kerry-I've seen an number of Atlantic lighthouses (both in the US and in Canada). Each region's lights seem to have their own vibe and design. The Coast Guard has been divesting itself of a lot of Great Lakes lighthouses in recent years, so there are at least a few like Betsie where a dedicated group of Friends have taken over, done a lot of restoration, and opened up the towers to the public.
Amy-Your kids should love lighthouses. There is usually a lot to explore around the grounds, and if you can go inside and climb the tower, that's a pretty unique experience.
Wandermom-I've had the opportunity to take a few close-up shots of old Fresnel lenses...usually when they've been retired and displayed in a case like this one is. They really are beautiful lenses. The modern acrylic lenses may be better in terms of lighting, but the old Fresnel lenses are so much more beautiful.
Posted by: Dominique King | July 30, 2010 at 01:47 PM
Nice restoration job! And it looks so warm and sunnnnny :-)
Posted by: Wanderluster | July 30, 2010 at 06:59 PM
Wanderluster-It was a great day, although it's difficult to take a bad photo of Betsie no matter the weather :)
Posted by: Dominique King | July 30, 2010 at 08:08 PM
I love that lens - I'm pretty sure we need something like that in our home ;)
Posted by: Debbie Dubrow | August 01, 2010 at 09:59 AM
Very nice photos. Looks like they have done a great job at the light houses restoration. Ive been to that light house before but never had the chance to go inside. If I make it to Frankfort again Ill have to check it out.
Posted by: Mike@ Traverse City Hotels | August 03, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Debbie-Those Fresnel lenses -are- beautiful. I hate to see them replaced in the towers, but it is always fun to see them displayed so you can see them up close.
Mike-You should go inside. I was really impressed to see how much they've done in just the last couple of years!
Posted by: Dominique King | August 06, 2010 at 06:35 PM