Hidden Gems

It's interesting how you can go to a place countless times over the course of your life, but you always seem to find something new each time you visit. That was the case for me this past weekend as my wife and I traveled to the tip of the lower peninsula of Michigan and spent some time near Mackinaw City. The weather was absolutely amazing, and a far cry from the 110 degree (43.3C) days they are calling for this week. I'm going to absolutely melt!

On Saturday we were looking for something to occupy our time, and we had already taken a trip into town, so I looked at the map and found a spot just down the road from our campground called McGulpin Point. Just a short distance from it was also a small village sponsored by the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, so we decided to swing through there too.

We started our trip at the McGulpin Point lighthouse which was constructed in 1869. It was continued operation until 1906. With how much the trees have grown in this area, I would question if you could even see it from Lake Michigan now. While the McAlpin family (later changed to McGulpin wasn't the first family to man the lighthouse, they were the most well known, hence the name of the area.

Actually, this land was the first piece deeded in Emmet county in 1811 to the son of John McAlpin. It consisted of 640 acres.

We didn't go in the lighthouse. It was a $3 charge to get in and honestly once you have seen one lighthouse on the inside, you have seen them all. We just didn't think it was worth it for the cost. Along the .15 mile trail down to the water they have points of interest with informational signs you can read to learn more about the area.

This was the old well where they used to get their water from. There was supposed to be a photo, but you can't really see it because people have throw change and stuff inside covering it up. People are dumb sometimes.

Along with the informational signs, they also have these cutouts of people doing things. The placement of them is kind of interesting because it catches you off guard and if you aren't paying close attention it can be a bit scary. Like this guy looks like his is lurking in the bushes ready to jump out at you.

These were a couple more signs from along the path. I am not sure if you can really read them, but if you can, there is some good information there. It's interesting to see what they thought the state of Michigan looked like back in 1776 due to their rudimentary mapping methods.

Eventually, you make your way down to Lake Michigan and you are greeted with views of the straits of Mackinaw, the five mile long Mackinac bridge, and McGulpin rock. The bridge is 60 years old and inspired the Akashi-Kaikyo bridge in Japan after the engineers there came and talked to the engineers who designed the Mackinac Bridge.

As I said, in all my years of visiting this area, I can't remember having ever been to McGulpin point. The views were absolutely stunning and I can see how you might want to hang out in this area. While the beach isn't necessarily suited for swimming, there were a fair number of people walking along the shore hunting for rocks. Personally, I think this would be a great place to watch the fireworks from on the 4th of July, but I expect a lot of other people realize that as well!

It's worth the trip and the short walk for the views. If you are ever in the area I highly recommend you check it out!

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