Aerial Footage: Tawas Point State Park & Lighthouse
aerial video of the Tawas Point State Park and Lighthouse near East Tawas, Michigan.
Great Getaways: Tawas Lighthouse - Tawas, MI
clip from the Great Getaways television program.
Travel Planner -
Great Getaways: Tawas Point State Park - Tawas, MI
From Great Getaways #913 Fall Color in Tawas Motorcycle Tour Tawas, Michigan
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The park's expansive day-use beach offers acres of glistening white sugar sand, sprinkled with patches of dune grass and backed by low dunes on the Lake Huron side. Come to find out, Tawas Point apparently also happens to be one of the best locations in the country -- maybe in the world -- to experience the growing extreme sport of kite-boarding. The jewel of the park is Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876. It is the only working model of Victorian-era light stations still in operation on the Great Lakes; and to walk through this historic structure and ascend its winding iron staircase is truly to step back in time.
Camping at Tawas Point State Park near Tawas City, Mi
This has to be a gem in the Michigan State Park Campground system. It is almost indescribably beautiful, with Lake Huron to the South and Saginaw Bay to the north. It is a must-see destination.
Tawas Point State Park
August 2nd, 2019
Tawas Lighthouse Drone View
02-09-2019 Phantom 3 Advanced - East Tawas, Michigan. Note the shore ice rests on the sandy bottom in the crystal clear water.
Tawas Point State Park Update. East Tawas, Michigan
Not a day anywhere close to 32 degrees (always much colder) and here the pressure ridges moved much closer, there's a giant area of open water and the thickness of the ice has diminished, big time. There are some Great Lakes websites that reference ice, mean thickness, wind speed, etc. Until this year I never had an interest in ice. I found it really interesting. I always thought how cold it was and for how long were the general signs of ice thickness. I knew springs, current, power plant water discharges and other factors determined ice thickness, but this winter, considering how cold it has been really shocked me how conditions change, daily. When I was a kid a couple went through the ice in Lake Erie and they never were found. I remember thinking why didn't they know how thick the ice was before they ventured out. I know now, years later, that a culmination of factors that are forever changing determine ice thickness. And what I know for sure is though a factor, it isn't how cold it is and for how long. Lake Huron proved this to me this year. I expect open water soon along the beach area.
Tawas Point Lighthouse
Great Getaways
Travel Planner -
The park's expansive day-use beach offers acres of glistening white sugar sand, sprinkled with patches of dune grass and backed by low dunes on the Lake Huron side. Come to find out, Tawas Point apparently also happens to be one of the best locations in the country -- maybe in the world -- to experience the growing extreme sport of kite-boarding. The jewel of the park is Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876. It is the only working model of Victorian-era light stations still in operation on the Great Lakes; and to walk through this historic structure and ascend its winding iron staircase is truly to step back in time.
Tawas Point Lighthouse
Great Getaways
Travel Planners -
The park's expansive day-use beach offers acres of glistening white sugar sand, sprinkled with patches of dune grass and backed by low dunes on the Lake Huron side. Come to find out, Tawas Point apparently also happens to be one of the best locations in the country -- maybe in the world -- to experience the growing extreme sport of kite-boarding. The jewel of the park is Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876. It is the only working model of Victorian-era light stations still in operation on the Great Lakes; and to walk through this historic structure and ascend its winding iron staircase is truly to step back in time.
Tawas Point Lighthouse
Early morning video of Tawas Point Lighthouse...
michigan.gov/tawaslighthouse
In operation since 1876, Tawas Point Lighthouse is a fascinating attraction for maritime buffs. Tawas Point is a destination for birdwatchers; it also offers spectacular views of sunrises over Lake Huron and sunsets over Tawas Bay.
Tawas Lighthouse007
Just a walk on the grounds of the Tawas Point Lighthouse on 10-29-2014.
Tawas Bay Circle Tour [21] Tawas Point Windsurfing (Great Getaways)
Great Getaways #1110 Tawas Bay Circle Tour - Tawas City, East Tawas & The Tawas Bay Area, Michigan
[Travel Planner -
Tawas Point has been referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. The campground is located on Tawas Bay where the water is shallow and warm for swimming. In the park is the Tawas Point Lighthouse which serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station on the Great Lakes. The park's expansive day-use beach offers acres of glistening white sugar sand, sprinkled with patches of dune grass and backed by low dunes on the Lake Huron side. Tawas Point also happens to be one of the best locations in the country -- maybe in the world -- to experience the growing extreme sport of kite-boarding.
Tawas Point State Park
Great Getaways
Travel Planner -
The park's expansive day-use beach offers acres of glistening white sugar sand, sprinkled with patches of dune grass and backed by low dunes on the Lake Huron side. Come to find out, Tawas Point apparently also happens to be one of the best locations in the country -- maybe in the world -- to experience the growing extreme sport of kite-boarding. The jewel of the park is Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876. It is the only working model of Victorian-era light stations still in operation on the Great Lakes; and to walk through this historic structure and ascend its winding iron staircase is truly to step back in time.
Tawas Point Lighthouse 1/2
#parrotanafi @parrot_official
Maiden flight!
Tawas Point Lighthouse in 4K Cinematic with Parrot Anafi.
Tawas Point Light is located in the Tawas Point State Park off Tawas Bay in Lake Huron in Baldwin Township in Northern Michigan.
In 1850, Congress appropriated $5,000 for the construction of a lighthouse. In 1852, construction started, and the lighthouse was commissioned in 1853. After the lighthouse was built, many problems were encountered. Shifting sands caused the point to be extended by nearly a mile. The original light was a 5th Order Fresnel lens, later upgraded when the building was replaced.
Undated USCG image
In 1867, the Inspector of the lighthouse said that the lighthouse was wearing down to the point where they should consider renovating it. The Lighthouse Board ignored his request to put more money in the lighthouse because they had bigger problems at hand in Ottawa Point. The waves caused sand build-up by the Point, which added almost a mile, more of land. The lighthouse was so far inland that mariners were unable to see the lighthouse's light. To add to the problem this lighthouse was known for its dim light. With all these problems combined, it caused a shipwreck from Captain Olmstead's schooner Dolphin. He blamed the lighthouse stating that it was too dim to see the light. This caused the Lighthouse board to reconsider their option at renovating or rebuilding a new one. In 1875 Congress approved a $30,000 amount for a brand new lighthouse. They finished building the lighthouse sometime in 1877.
It was originally known as Ottawa Point. The name was officially changed to Tawas Point in 1902. The point is a substantial hazard to navigation. Additionally, because it is tucked behind the point, Tawas Bay is an ideal shelter from storms, wind and waves out of the north and northeast. The point juts out into Lake Huron, and has been getting much larger over time. A map is available, which shows the accretion. The original light was begun in 1852, and completed in 1853. The light was fueled at various times by lard oil, then kerosene, and the current light is of course now electric. This is the second lighthouse on the point.
The tower is 70 feet (21 m) tall including the base, with a diameter at base of 16 feet (4.9 m) and a diameter at parapet of 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) It is constructed of a brick outer wall, and an inner wall: 24 inches/8 inches thick, respectively. There is an air space between walls of 24 inches (610 mm). The tower has in place a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. The light can be seen for 16 miles (26 km), and has a lens focal plane 70 feet (21 m) above Lake Huron's average water level. The Keeper’s House is 43 feet (13 m) long and 26 feet (7.9 m) wide.
It is currently being remodeled by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with the assistance and contributions of the Friends of Tawas Point State Park. The downstairs eventually will become a museum for the lighthouse and the upstairs becoming a mini-cabin available for rent by the public. The house is itself available for one and two week stays (for a fee, and with an agreement to act as a trained volunteer). Volunteer keepers will stay for up to two weeks.
Because of its popularity, picturesque form and location, it is often the subject of photographs, and even of needlepoint illustrations.
The Tawas lifesaving station has recently been saved and renovation continues.
The Fresnel lens is still operative, being one of Only 70 such lenses that remain operational in the United States, sixteen of which are use on the Great Lakes of which eight are in Michigan.
In October 2015, the Coast Guard announced that it would remove the Fresnel lens and replace it with a modern optic beacon. But after public comments, the lens remains in place.
Tawas Point Lighthouse video.MOV
At the top of the lighthouse panning around at the view of Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. Listen to guide talk about wildlife and kayaking in area.
Tawas, Michigan family trip (August 4-6, 2017)
Riding around in Tawas, Michigan
Rode up to Glennie, Michigan this afternoon and rode back home through Tawas, Michigan.
Tawas Point Lighthouse Accepting Applications For 2019 Keepers
Tawas Point Lighthouse 2/2
#parrotanafi @parrot_official
Maiden flight! Part 2
Tawas Point Lighthouse in 4K Cinematic with Parrot Anafi.
Tawas Point Light is located in the Tawas Point State Park off Tawas Bay in Lake Huron in Baldwin Township in Northern Michigan.
In 1850, Congress appropriated $5,000 for the construction of a lighthouse. In 1852, construction started, and the lighthouse was commissioned in 1853. After the lighthouse was built, many problems were encountered. Shifting sands caused the point to be extended by nearly a mile. The original light was a 5th Order Fresnel lens, later upgraded when the building was replaced.
Undated USCG image
In 1867, the Inspector of the lighthouse said that the lighthouse was wearing down to the point where they should consider renovating it. The Lighthouse Board ignored his request to put more money in the lighthouse because they had bigger problems at hand in Ottawa Point. The waves caused sand build-up by the Point, which added almost a mile, more of land. The lighthouse was so far inland that mariners were unable to see the lighthouse's light. To add to the problem this lighthouse was known for its dim light. With all these problems combined, it caused a shipwreck from Captain Olmstead's schooner Dolphin. He blamed the lighthouse stating that it was too dim to see the light. This caused the Lighthouse board to reconsider their option at renovating or rebuilding a new one. In 1875 Congress approved a $30,000 amount for a brand new lighthouse. They finished building the lighthouse sometime in 1877.
It was originally known as Ottawa Point. The name was officially changed to Tawas Point in 1902. The point is a substantial hazard to navigation. Additionally, because it is tucked behind the point, Tawas Bay is an ideal shelter from storms, wind and waves out of the north and northeast. The point juts out into Lake Huron, and has been getting much larger over time. A map is available, which shows the accretion. The original light was begun in 1852, and completed in 1853. The light was fueled at various times by lard oil, then kerosene, and the current light is of course now electric. This is the second lighthouse on the point.
The tower is 70 feet (21 m) tall including the base, with a diameter at base of 16 feet (4.9 m) and a diameter at parapet of 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) It is constructed of a brick outer wall, and an inner wall: 24 inches/8 inches thick, respectively. There is an air space between walls of 24 inches (610 mm). The tower has in place a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. The light can be seen for 16 miles (26 km), and has a lens focal plane 70 feet (21 m) above Lake Huron's average water level. The Keeper’s House is 43 feet (13 m) long and 26 feet (7.9 m) wide.
It is currently being remodeled by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with the assistance and contributions of the Friends of Tawas Point State Park. The downstairs eventually will become a museum for the lighthouse and the upstairs becoming a mini-cabin available for rent by the public. The house is itself available for one and two week stays (for a fee, and with an agreement to act as a trained volunteer). Volunteer keepers will stay for up to two weeks.
Because of its popularity, picturesque form and location, it is often the subject of photographs, and even of needlepoint illustrations.
The Tawas lifesaving station has recently been saved and renovation continues.
The Fresnel lens is still operative, being one of Only 70 such lenses that remain operational in the United States, sixteen of which are use on the Great Lakes of which eight are in Michigan.
In October 2015, the Coast Guard announced that it would remove the Fresnel lens and replace it with a modern optic beacon. But after public comments, the lens remains in place.
Let's Visit the Tawas Area, MI
In this video, I head to Tawas Point State Park which features Lake Huron and the Tawas Point Lighthouse, East Tawas, and Tawas City. I show some areas along the shore, the different boardwalks, and a view of downtown East Tawas.