Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Reviews

The Fort Gratiot lighthouse is located just north of the bridge to Canada. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Fort Gratiot Hospital which is undergoing restoration. Also on the grounds is a gift shop. A number of plaques adorn the site, providing an in depth appreciation of the role of this fort in the history of Michigan.

Yesterday, my family and I went to Port Huron and stopped at the lighthouse and gift shop. The people were so friendly! The gift shop prices were reasonable and our tour guide was great. He presented the tour in a way that kept your attention. He even interacted with my 4 year old making him feel every bit as grown up as the rest of us on the tour. That was a plus! Very interesting tour with beautiful views from the top of the lighthouse. We wanted seafood and they even recommended a very nice place to eat - Thumbcoast Brewery. It isn't a restaurant that stands out so we might have missed it driving through the town. Very yummy fish and chips! Nice little day out. I highly recommend it!

We came on a daytrip from
Ohio. A lot of Michigan beaches seem to have maniacal parking enforcement or usage fees, but not here. You just pull right up and walk to the lighthouse and beach for free! The lighthouse is right next to the coast guard station and has its own awimming beach on the beautiful blue waters if Lake Huron at the mouth of the St. Clair river. Lots of historical signs in the vicinity to provide contest about the history and significance of the fort, the light and the surrounding area. Definitely worth a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Although the lighthouse was not open this time of year, we were able to walk around, enjoying the view and reading the information placques that were on the property. I recommend it for everyone, especially in the Spring or early fall, when its open.

It was a great little trip. the lighthouse was really nice. It is a longer hike up the stairs then it looks. The view could not be better.

I stopped by with a friend to check out the venue for an upcoming event and there was a wedding had just finished up. Very beautiful and elegant setting. We didn't go in the buildings or the quaint looking gift shop but will next time I have more time.

LOVE to visit this lighthouse. Have never been in the lighthouse or any of the buildings but enjoy walking around the grounds and taking it all in.

The lighthouse sets on the shore of Lake Huron at the entrance of the St. Clair River. The ground are well kept and you can walk the shoreline too. Stop by the gift shop as it is often staffed with engaging volunteers.

So fun to be able to climb the lighthouse and look over the lake. It's a beautiful site and a must see if your in this area. The history of the place is really cool too. They are doing a great job keeping it up.

We drove here from Ferndale so we could see the lake and have a lunch picnic.The weather was so lovely we sat near a playground however there where not bathrooms unlocked.

Beautiful stop in Michigan. The grounds are lovely. Lots of "tourists" :)
$5 charge to tour the lighthouse! Great views of the Bluewater Brudge too.

We were there after the Lighthouse closed for the day but you can still walk around the grounds. Oldest lighthouse in Michigan, the information stations were interesting. When open you can climb to the top with a docent, there is a fee for that and no sandals are allowed. Have to have on closed toes shoes.

The volunteer staff are very informed and explain the structure and its workings in great detail.after climbing the structure you can see for miles. Lake Huron is quite a site from the top of the light.

We took the tour of the lighthouse, and its grounds; and really enjoyed the experience. One can also explore the area on their own; though not all structures are accessible without accompanying staff.
Our tour guide, Paul, was knowledgeable and friendly; and his presentation regarding the compound's history, structures and grounds, was quite interesting.
The highlight, of course, was the lighthouse itself. The climb up was a bit challenging (as we are both "of an age"); but it was doable. The views were well worth the effort; and the cool breeze was a refreshing reward.
The complex is well-maintained, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the gift shop has a nice selection of items; and parking is convenient (and free, unlike the adjacent city park).
All and all; this site is well worth a visit.

this place is beautiful lots of information on the history. The candle light tours are great, gift shop is also good guides are very friendly and knowledgeable, and have pavilions, if you packed a lunch. over all great place to visit

We enjoyed the tour of the grounds and the tower climb with our 4 year old grandson. It's a steep climb but not bad. The view is worth the climb. The tour guide was very knowledgable.

We have visited many lighthouses, and this one is definitely worth a stop. We came by here many years ago when all you could do was take a picture, so I was delighted to learn that it is now open to visit with guided tours. They are $7 each for adults. Our guide did a super job, giving us lots of information outside on the grounds and inside the lighthouse. As other reviewers have said, renovations on the property continue to be underway, so as nice as the experience is now, it will get even better. We did not feel rushed at the top, and our guide was happy to take pictures. There is a nice gift shop at the lighthouse, and a restroom available.
Important note-- they do require you to wear closed to shoes to climb the tower. We saw this on the website ahead of time so we were prepared. A couple who came in as we were leaving said they did not know about the closed toe shoe policy until after they arrived, so they had dashed to the dollar store and grabbed some. So if you get into town with open toe shoes, a dollar store stop is a good idea before hitting the lighthouse!

worth the stop. great for history buffs and photo opportunities! The light house was easy to find, we didn't do a tour but we definitely will on our next trip.

What a nice surprise to find this very old and well preserved lighthouse in Port Huron, Michigan. The helpful gift shop staff arranged for us to tour the grounds, watch a video and climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Our guide answered our many questions and allowed us as much time as we needed to see everything. Some of the outbuildings are under renovation so we were happy to pay the small fee for the tour in hope that their work would continue.

We stopped overnight in Port Huron on the way to Maine. I am always drawn to lighthouses, so when we saw this one we definitely wanted to visit. We rolled up later in the afternoon on a Thursday and it was really quiet.

Our personal and very knowledgeable docent took us through the tour and up the lighthouse. The stairs are very steep and or course tightly wound. On the way up, it is bad enough, but on the way down my wife was pretty scared.

It is a beautiful building and well maintained, next to a great beach, though I think the water might be too deep for bathing right there, but I am not sure.

We were part of a private tour with adults and kids in town for a hockey tournament. The guide was very knowledgeable and patient. The visit to the top of the lighthouse is a must. It was cold during our visit so the icy walls and hand rails made it interesting.

The lighthouse is located at historic Fort Gratiot which is open to the public.
A small fee will give you a guided tour and a climb up the lighthouse steps. As far as lighthouse climbs go, this one is not too strenuous. I loved the ornateness of the steps -
I think they made climbing them easier. Don't let those beautiful blue waters seen from the top of the lighthouse fool you. They look tropical, but they are cold.

The area around Fort Gratiot has some things to do. If you have your passport you can take the Blue Water Bridge to Canada. There is also a River Walk with some small museums and places to eat nearby. In summer, there are also sightseeing river cruises.

It is significant the the top rated thing to do here is cross that bridge. There really is a lack of things to do in southeastern Michigan -especially off season. If you go off season, check the hours. They might not be open.

The gift store staff and tour guides were extremely nice,

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse grounds provide a wonderful scenic spot to see the lower end of Lake Huron. It also makes for a beautiful photo shot as an imposing lighthouse. A shoreline area allows you to hike or wander a bit along the lake. Historical placards explain the discovery / exploration of this site. Well worth seeing.

Loved seeing the lighthouse from the inside at night! Our guide was very friendly and informative. Great gift shop.

The tour is good. Much of the complex was under renovation so I feel we missed a lot. The hospital has a long way to go. At least half the keepers house was off limits. In the fog horn building, we were called over to look at an exhibit then really had no time to look at the other displays. I chose not to climb the lighthouse though my husband did. I was put off by 96 tight spiral stairs. All this is in a public park so you can view the exteriors for free. If you want to climb or visit the buildings, you must pay for the tour. A senior passport will bring that down to $7 each if you do all 4. The passport is good for a year though this attraction is seasonal.

Nice, easy to access lighthouse that also isn't super duper tall. Great information on the grounds that pertain to the USCG and the history of this lighthouse.

This beautifully restored lighthouse is a must see for lighthouse fanatics. It's on a lovely section of shoreline busy with passing freighters. For a small fee, visitors can climb the tower. There's no fee to look around the grounds, however. There's also a cute gift shop with lighthouse/nautical souvenirs and unique postcards. Don't forget to bring your camera!

If you’re going to see at least 3 of the 4 historical sites in Port Huron (Carnegie Museum, the lightship, Thomas Edison Depot, and Fort Gratiot Light House) save money by buying a membership. The receipt will give you entry to all the sites. At the lighthouse, tickets are sold in a former garage, which also contains the gift shop. You can’t get into any of the buildings or lighthouse without a ticket which includes a docent lead tour. There is a short video which details the recent renovation of the exterior of the lighthouse. The lightkeepers house has furniture and appliances from around the1950s. The Fort’s hospital contains some informative photos and an old lighthouse lens. There is a scenic view from the walkway around the top of the lighthouse. There are 94 steps to the top. There are 2 small rest areas on the way up. You’ll be huffing and puffing by the time you get to the top!

hour tour great place to learn history the guide was great and very informative was showed the Hospital the houses they lived in and a walk up the lighthouse

Biggest tip for your visit: WHERE CLOSED TOE SHOES. I guess I forgot that Coast Guard requirement to climb the tower. Not to worry if you did not bring them, they sell water shoes for $8,00. The lighthouse is being upgraded with the hospital being restored and soon to come, a Bed and Breakfast!!

This is an absolutely wonderful attraction that provides a thought provoking tour for a very reasonable price. Our tour guide was very knowledgable, personable, worm and welcoming. The views from the top of the lighthouse were spectacular!

I visited the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse during my stay with family at Lake Huron. The cost of entry to the lighthouse was seven dollars per person, and this also included a tour of Fort Gratiot. I was personally only interested in going into the lighthouse, so I skipped the tour. The lighthouse is about eight stories with approximately 92 steps. The actual climb only took about five minutes at a slow to average pace. At the top of the lighthouse visitors are welcome to walk out onto the balcony and take photos, etc. The view from the top is great, and you can easily see Canada and the bridges. Fort Gratiot also had a lovely souvenir shop with decently priced items including post cards, decorations, and bottled drinks. In order to go up the lighthouse visitors must have on close-toed shoes. If you forget, the shop sells water shoes for eight bucks. The grounds are well-manicured and handicap accessible (not the actual lighthouse). If certain members of your party are not interested in climbing the lighthouse they could visit the beach, walk around, or sit on one of the many benches.

Decided to take a day trip to Port Huron, which is about 35 miles for our home. Visited the lighthouse as our first stop. Everyone that worked there couldn't have been more enjoyable. All volunteers I believe. I paid and was walking around the gift shop, when the young man who rang me up, came over to give me $20 back, he realized he over charged me. How often does that happen? Our tour guide was Jack, and he was very nice, and very proud of his city and it's attractions. The attraction on it's own, was just ok, but in my eyes the staff raised it to a must see. For a small venue, the amount of history we were told about the lighthouse and the town history was very enjoyable. I highly recommend!

Good prices for a tour, and worth it.
Going to the top of the lighthouse, being able to go around the walk, learning interesting tibits, the tour kept my interest as well as my kids, ages 10 & 20.
There's a darling gift shop with a good assortment of Lake Huron and Michigan tshirts and hoodies, very cute home accents, and some play things for the little ones.
Enjoy!

Many times crossing the bridge from Canada to the US at Port Huron/Sarnia, we've seen the lighthouse and been curious about it. We decided on a quick detour to stop and take a look. It's a great little park with a wonderful lighthouse. Lots of literature on placards posted at the site to give you a bit of history. Nearby is the a sandy river shoreline, which must be nice for a stop and maybe a picnic in warmer weather. A great place for a quick stop if you want a break.

We popped in to see the lighthouse while we were wandering around Port Huron. We didn't take the tour, just hung out on the grounds taking in the views. The lighthouse is pretty standard looking and seems to be well kept... we stayed maybe a half hour before moving on.

The beach was very beautiful and the water was surprisingly warm. The light house is apparently the 2nd oldest in Michigan. A must see!

Spent the afternoon touring the lighthouse and grounds. Our kids range in age from 3-10 and everyone had a great time. We packed a picnic lunch and found a great spot to enjoy. Walked along the beach after lunch. Definitely recommend the tour, Lauren was excellent! They are working to restore some of the buildings but they have original pictures that help bring it to life. Don't forget your closed toed shoes to climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse!

Lighthouse was closed for tours when we went (only open on weekends). Grounds were nice and we were able to walk around without an issues.

We enjoyed an informative tour of the lighthouse and grounds. You are able to climb to the top of the lighthouse. There is a minimal cost for the tour, but it is well worth it. Very nice gift shop.

We didn’t know there was more than a lighthouse to tour. We first went to the new hospital building they have started to renovate, then fog horn building and then lighthouse. We made it to the top and it was a beautiful view. Great tour guide, nice gift shop.

This was my second visit there and it's good to see the site so well maintained and constantly updated. Lots of fascinating information that gives insight into the era. The view from the top of the lighthouse is breathtaking. Bicycles can be rented there, too.

enjoy are trip to Michigan are 1st time to the light house beach its a very nice place to enjoy your day and i love the light house

This lighthouse was on my list to visit for years. I finally got to see it! We stopped on our way home. It wasn't open to see inside until the weekend. But, we had a nice walk around. It's got history posted outside and wonderful grounds. I am so happy that we stopped.

Nice but not a lot to see.Just a lighthouse,Quaint location . See theBeach to the North !! Very Nice !

We enjoyed climbing the tower, touring the buildings, and learning about the history. The last time we were in town the light house was closed and in poor condition, so glad was open to tour!

The lighthouse was beautiful, but it was closed. I guess it's only open during summer months. Also, it looked like you would need to make an appointment for a guided tour. It is very old and has had damage in the past. I got a few nice photos :)

Took our friends from California here to visit. A preservation group has taken ownership of the lighthouse and really made improvements. For free you can walk the grounds where there are several information signs, as well as docents to give you information. For a fee you can climb the lighthouse. They've got a fun gift shop and they have hosted (this will be the 3rd year) Sandfest, with competitive sand sculptures. I was pleasantly surprised and proud to show this to my guests. There is also free beach access next door.

We stopped here before crossing into Canada. The views of Lake Huron are beautiful and we enjoyed playing on the grounds. Our tour guide was a very nice retired Coast Guardsman who was very good with our son. The gift shop was cute and had cookies and hot chocolate waiting for us on a very cold day.

I love lighthouses so visiting this was a must. The lighthouse has been kept in great condition. We had a very informative tour by Beth. It was fun to go in and out of the buildings on the grounds and hear the plans for further restoration. Nice items in the gift shop too!

Been coming here for many years, love it every time. Not overcrowded and trashed like many other popular beaches. Always well maintained and usually quiet. You can even see Canada. *Don't let anyone swim out too far as the current is EXTREMELY strong. Many people underestimate it and go too far from shore.*

The best pictures of the lighthouse can be obtained by crossing over to the Canadian side and going to the riverfront park that faces the lighthouse.

We loved Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and grounds. The tour takes about an hour or an hour and a half, depending on who's giving the tour. Beautiful grounds and well restored lighthouse. Spectacular view of Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron. Not to be missed!!

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was built in 1829 on the Lake Huron beach immediately north of the mouth of the St. Clair River that divides the United States ~ Michigan & Ontario, Canada. Although Congress approved funds in 1823 and the first lighthouse in Michigan was built, it was poorly designed and subsequently destroyed in a storm in 1828. This lighthouse, standing at 82 feet high, visitors may climb up to the outside gallery and view the surrounding beach / Port Huron / Lake Huron area for a fee of $7. The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes & the first in Michigan. The lighthouse grounds are easily accessible, parking is plentiful & it is a pleasant diversion for an afternoon visit the lighthouse & walk along the beach searching for stones after an easy climb to the top. Annual membership is available for $30. Responsibility for this second Lighthouse recently passed to non-profit status and much needed renovations have been undertaken.

The lighthouse is a work in progress. Your time might be better spent looking at it from the beach and donating money towards it's restoration than going up the tower. For families with small children, it can be cold and windy on the gallery and parents should be sure the children are not afraid of heights.

Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and friendly. However, after visiting a number of lighthouses, A few facts seemed suspect.

Just saw the lighthouse from the distance across the canal. Was great when the giant freighters went by the lighthouse it looked small. Worth to see.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding ceremony. The photography opportunities are endless as well. The entire wedding party went up into the lighthouse to take pictures at the top. The surrounding buildings filled with history make beautiful photo opportunities as well. Most importantly, the organizer for the wedding, Stacey Dimmer, was very experienced and helpful. I had taken a couple trips to the lighthouse to check water levels, check where the bride would be before the ceremony, etc. Everyone was very helpful and friendly, willing to walk through the process of the day with me. We did not have our reception onsite, but it is available as well. I would recommend 10 out of 10, excellent service.

Family friendly, beach near by, park, public bathroom, and and very clean. Great parking, best starting point for float down.

Stopped for a quick lunch and a walk on the beach. The lighthouse is beautiful and beach was clean. Only problem was the locked bathrooms. Definitely not a fan of port a potties.

Fascinating history of the Great Lakes Marine traffic and some local history, Very knowledgeable guides. Reasonable price. You have climb a working lighthouse. Great view,

We live locally, but participated in this tour as a group of 11 with out of state relatives. Jerry, our tour guide, was outstanding. He was very knowledgeable and thorough. This is an affordable and “must do” experience. You tour the grounds and learn so much local history, with a lighthouse climb as the grand finale.

This is a large complex with several building still under restoration. You get to see the old Ft Gratiot Hospital, fog signal building, main keepers quarters and climb the tower. Beautiful view from the top of the tower. We had a wonderful tour guide. Don't miss this if you like lighthouses and history.

A visit to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was part of the itinerary for a day trip to Port Huron. Finding our way there, however, was not easy. Directional signs were lacking in town and several guide booklets didn't even list the lighthouse. We finally found it via our GPS.
As stated by several other reviewers, there is no charge to walk the grounds which consists of the lighthouse, foghouse, keepers quarters, asst keepers quarters, and hospital. For a $7/pp fee, you will receive a walking tour led by a docent, as well as gain entrance to the buildings and climb the lighthouse. We visited on a not-so-busy weekday and received a private tour led by Mary, who was both knowledgeable and quite pleasant. Throughout the tour we were given historical information about the buildings/grounds and shown several old pictures.
The keepers quarters was apparently not open for touring (not sure why), and the hospital was undergoing renovations and also closed. A quick step inside the foghouse revealed several relics and old pictures which Mary spoke about before moving on. I would've liked to have spent more time looking at these items. Next stop was the two-story asst keeper's quarters. Future plans are to refurbish this building with period furniture to give a feel of how it would've looked while occupied by the lightkeepers. At present, however, it it merely furnished with modern bunkbeds and tables/benches for overnight groups. Other then a few paintings and antiques, not much to see inside this building.
Lastly we approached the lighthouse. We were told the history of the lighthouse and the hardships incurred by the keepers. The climb to the top was not bad, about 92 steps with a landing every 26. We were allowed to climb at our own pace, no rush. Once we reached the top, the view was spectacular and well worth it! We were allowed to stay as long as we pleased and Mary took several pictures of our family.
Following the lighthouse climb, we were free to walk around, visit the beach, and view many of the informational boards placed nearby. There is also a charming gift shop to visit.
While the buildings are a work in progress with not a lot to see inside, the admission fee is well worth it if only even to climb the oldest lighthouse in Michigan.

My wife and I visited here on 7/26/17. History, good view of Blue Water bridge, well kept grounds and exit to beach.

The lighthouse is open to the public to go up in for certain hours check first the view is of the lake and the bridge also see freighters that go through is next to a park to go swim

Minimal cost for tours, climbing to the top is 86 feet, but there is a guide and three places to walk. A private group is rehabing the property so the lighthouse keepers houses will have other uses. Fun visit friendly people. Worth the visit.

Clear water (but watch the rip currents), views of freighters and the Bluewater Bridge. Nice exhibit of lighthouse history, too. Wear closed-toe shoes if you plan to go up in the lighthouse.

Was just planning a quick stop to see the lighthouse and read the historical marker. Decided to use the restroom and found that the gift shop was beyond adorable. Had to run back out to the car to get my wallet and purchase a few things.

I visited the Fort Gratiot lighthouse during a recent road trip up to Port Huron from Detroit. I also visited the Edison Depot Museum and the Huron Lightship (both of which I have reviewed on tripadvisor as well as the Freighters restaurant). As a lover of both general history and Michigan history, I had to visit the Fort Gratiot light. Back when I was up this way last, the lighthouse was not open to the public. I have visited many Michigan lighthouses, but this one is special because of its age and the fact that it sits at a particularly scenic location where Lake Huron drains into the St. Clair River. My wife and I were the only members of the last tour of the day. Our guide Mary was friendly and enthusiastic. She obviously has a love of Michigan history and was quite familiar with several major events that occurred in this area (Storm of 1913, history of the lighthouse, etc.). She showed us around all of the outbuildings and was particularly proud of the one room that has been restored so far in the keeper/keeper's assistant duplex building. Once we were in the lighthouse itself, Mary accompanied me to the top of the beacon while my wife stayed below. The views from up there were fantastic! To the south was the mouth of the St. Clair River and the Blue Water Bridge. To the north was the deep blue expanse of Lake Huron stretching off to the seemingly endless horizon. Mary even allowed me a quick peak into the lantern room. The only drawback was that on this particular day, it was extremely windy and chilly. The wind was blowing so hard that it was creating whitecaps out on the lake. But the weather in no way detracted from the experience. I love the Great Lakes and am justifiably proud of Michigan's maritime heritage. If you love lighthouses, lake scenery, or both, then the Fort Gratiot lighthouse is for you!

We didn’t go into the lighthouse it was busy and many others took advantage but the grounds were clean and pretty we even ate our lunch in the picnic area! And had to get plates at the visitors gift shop— so grateful for that since I forgot to pack them!! The beach was also clean and the view with the lighthouse totally worth it

Great tour of the lighthouse and buildings. The gift shop staff is polite and helpful. The sandy beach is clean and rocky, great place to watch the ships go by. Clean public beach next door with facilities. Area offers shopping and interesting sights.

This is where my fiance proposed to me. It was beautiful. It was the first time I've been to a lighthouse. Amazing structure and holds a special place in my heart.

If you are in the area, especially staying at the double tree take the time to check this out. A friend and I went here on a whim one day and was very pleased with the experience. We were given what was basically a private tour of the place, including climbing to the top of the lighthouse.

This lighthouse was recently opened to the public (May 2012) and there has been a lot of great work done. I am an avid lighthouse visitor and it was great to be able to explore the grounds and buildings of this important part of Michigan history. I was traveling the Lake Huron coast this Labor Day weekend with a friend and this was our last stop of the day. Great views of the water and bridge to Canada from the grounds. I paid the $7 to take the tour. It was a large group and I wasn't very impressed with the volunteer who led our group - it seemed to take a long time without a lot of new information for me. The tour takes you inside the dwelling which is very modernized and can be rented out for stay (lots of bunk beds mostly used by boy scout and girl scout groups). The best part of the tour was being able to climb the tower. A staff member leads the way up the stairs and you must wear tennis shoes/closed toed shoes to go up. Amazing views from the top as always. The staff member (different person than who led the tour) was very nice, answered all my questions and even offered to take my picture (my friend did not want to go on the tour with me).
There is still more to be restored at this site but they have already done amazing work. I must see if you are in the area - just down the road from the historic Huron Lightship.

This is right on the banks of Lake Huron. There is a gift shop. The grounds themselves have many information signage as well as an amazing lighthouse which has tours. We did not wear tennis shoes or closed toe shoes which are required to actually go up inside the lighthouse. But did look in the door & saw some wonderful history in there as well.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is erected close to the mouth of Lake Huron which funnels into the St. Clair River.

It was built in 1829 and is Michigan's oldest lightest and the second oldest on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse was originally 65 feet high, but in the early 1860's was extended to 82 feet.
The lighthouse is open for tours, but on the day we were there, it was closed for some reason.

There is a gift shop located adjacent to the lighthouse where there are many gifts of which to choose.

We walked on the beach for a while and we had a pleasant day visiting the lighthouse.

Of course I think all lighthouses are awesome, we didnt get to tour, hoping that its not closed for the season, so we can go back before we leave. but even without the tour, seeing this beautiful lighthouse up close was great

We arrived at the Lighthouse and parked in their small lot. The tour of the existing renovations and lighthouse was a fee. They offer a family rate of $25 which covers a family of 3 or more. We had a guided tour. Unfortunately at this time August - much of the buildings Keeper House and Hospital Heritage displays were under renovation. This is great to see that they are bringing these back to life for future tours. The lighthouse is in good condition and it is a nice climb of 94 steps to the top. The view is great looking out on Lake Huron, beach and Canada.

The area described as the beach was filthy, the "Sand" had alot of leaves and debri mixed in with it. The lighthouse looks like it had afresh coat of paint on it and looked really clean. There is also a park area but the weather was a little chilly so I did not stay long.

Tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The grounds are kept up nicely and offer a selection of historic buildings to explore. The gift shop was very tidy and offered a variety of affordable items. If you are in the area you should definitely visit this historic site.

It was a light, rainy morning. Ian gave us the tour and was very patient answering our questions. Particularly our 7 and 10 year old grandsons. Ian was very knowledgeable of the lighthouse and fort area. We really enjoyed our visit.

I had the park to myself…literally. Spent 45 minutes exploring the area around the lighthouse & keepers house all alone. It was a bitter windy winter day which made the experience even more authentic. Great spot to gather your thoughts on a winter’s day.

While visiting friends in the area, had to come and see this lighthouse (huge fan of them), wonderful and impressive lighthouse, and loads of history. Impressive and manicured grounds as well, beautiful river directly next to it.

Our son proposed to his GF and she said yes! So very excited for them both. What a setting to do this!

this is a nice place to go. Not much money and very interesting. very nice workers. will not be disappointed

The wife and I love lighthouses. This one also does not disappoint. Free to walk around the grounds. The gift shop offers a lot. Spend an extra $5 and take the tour of the light house. The lighthouse is only about 100 feet, so you don't have to be in great shape to get to the top. Once there, enjoy a 360 degree view of Port Huron, Lake Huron, The Blue Water Bridge and the River. What a view. Very much worth it. Bring your camera. Have some fun. This is another place we have visited numerous times in the past. Most recent was April 2015. Lots to do.

I just took pictures of it because why pay so much. It isn't Cape Hatteras but its good for a photo, the park and beachfront is nice to walk alongside of it if you are traveling through for a break like we were.

I loved the lighthouse! Beautiful. Such a nice area. I took time to walk along the water's edge--great experience.

The views from the top of the lighthouse were amazing! It was an easy climb to the top, with places to take a break along the way up. The tour before ascending to the top was great and we all learned something about the history of the lighthouse and the grounds that surround it. After your tour, take a walk out to the public beach!

This was our first time to both visit and climb up inside of a lighthouse. The tour guide was very informative in explaining about the history of the area & the lighthouse itself. Even as we climbed up the stairs, she would pause to explain significant features. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking & Lake Huron was dangerously beautiful! This was a fantastic first experience and visiting lighthouses will never be scratched off my bucket list!

Very nice Lighthouse right on Lake Huron. This is very well kept and has a cute gift store. We only walked around the outside of the lighthouse, but they offer tours.

Our family had a lovely guided tour. Paul was wonderful and answered all our questions. The kids didn’t ask many but Paul went on to explain information what we wouldn’t typically find on self guided tour.

They are in the first few years of an ambitious restoration project for the site. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. The lighthouse is fantastic with a great view from the top for those that can handle the climb up those stairs (never again, I've learned my lesson with lighthouses and heights). The buildings are rich with history and it's only going to get better the further they get into the restoration.

Lots of history and fun to be had at fort Gratiot. A tour of the grounds and facilities, along with a brief history is a prelude to a fun walk up the spiral staircase to view the harbor from the top of the lighthouse. Great fun!

We are from Canada and visit Port Huron often but for the first time, we made some stops to check out the town. The lighthouse was very cool and we were amazed by the view. Our tour guide was fantastic. My son was a little nervous doing the climb but survived it. It is definitely worth the visit.

What a wonderful tour we had, we had come the day before but couldn't do the tour due to the fact the wife wore sandals.(NOTE: you MUST wear closed toes shoes. Coast Guard regulations. Worth every bit of it. Our guide was so informative. The 90 some steps are worth the amazing view !! Note, you can walk the entire grounds for free, the lighthouse tour does cost but WELL WORTH IT !!

The grounds of the lighthouse are near a sandy beach and used for weddings and special occasions that can affect whether the light keeper quarters are open to view. The former Fort Gratiot hospital building is being renovated after being used as two homes then moved to this location. The 94 steps to the top of the lighthouse yields a panoramic view of Lake Huron & the St. Clair River with a guide to provide valuable historical information.

Beautiful day. Took the tour of the lighthouse and lightkeepers’s historically refurbished home. Excellent view from lighthouse to see bridge into Canada. Loved stepping back in time with tour and knowledgeable tour guide. Lighthouse park next door with beautiful beach and playground.

This lighthouse is the oldest in Michigan. It is located in Lighthouse Park, which also contains the local Coast Guard facility. The park is a nice park; the lighthouse is not open often, according to the local museum docent. Not sure if it is being currently rehabbed, as it is in dire need of a paint job. However, it has been in existence since 1829, with the tower being built taller around the 1860, and watches over one of the busiest waterways in the world. The park provides excellent views of the lighthouse, and boat watching is a major activity. There is a decent beach to enjoy Lake Huron water activities, also.

The lightship is open seasonally. It is an interesting site to visit, be sure to take a tour with a docent and learn about the days of the lightship in Lake Huron. The displays are well done and the history depicted well. They even have a camera under the front of the ship so that visitors can see how the underwater life lives.

The museum and gift shop were both closed when I was here, probably because after Labor Day many Michigan attractions seem to be open only on weekends. So I was only able to view the tower from the outside. There is no attached keeper's quarters, just the stark white tower. However, because it had just stormed I was able, at least, to get some photographs that were more visually interesting than they might otherwise have been.

Quiet place with great view. Menu has all that you would want

Super service. Food is at a 10+. Take your friends and family. Enjoy

The entire lighthouse area was very nice. The gift shop was well stocked with various items at reasonable prices and the staff was very friendly. We did not take the tour, but a very nice park to get out, stretch the legs and take some pictures.

The lighthouse has been restored and there is a tour, you can climb to the top and the views are crazy. You can see way out into the lake. If you like lighthouses be sure and not miss it. Call for hours. Had a great time and check out the Huron Light Boat at Pine Grove Park !

Beautiful lighthouse, small beach to picnic on. There are picnic tables available and seating near the water.
Great view of the lake and Canada.

right on the entrance of lake huron can see the blue water bridges close by you can go up to the top most days in the summer and some weekends rest of the year grounds are keep up and the coast gaurd station is adjacent there is light house beach also adjacent current is strong off shore keep non swimmers inn close

Nice afternoon trip for the family. Lighthouse and buildings were nice. Great view of the lake and nice sandy beach. Staff were very polite and helpful. Worth seeing if you are in the area and want something to do for an hour or so.

This is one of my happy places. I love the atmosphere the clarity and the beauty of the area. Definitely recommend coming out to visit, stay for a picnic lunch, go to the beach just make a day of it.

What a beautiful way to see the lights of Fort Gratiot, the Blue Water Bridge, Sarnia....from atop of this historic lighthouse at the edge of Lake Huron. Not a difficult climb. Dress warm...it can be cold and windy when you reach the top and climb outside and walk all the way around the top to see the sights. Open for lighted Christmas tours on Saturday evenings. Beautiful! So worthwhile.

Loved the view and all the history! Make sure you wear shoes that close as it is a little narrow climbing up and holes in the steps could grab your slip ons!

We like to find historically interesting things on our journeys. This was a good find. We were unable to tour the lighthouse due to time constraints but it would have been worth the trip. There is a tour to the top- remember to wear covered shoes...noflip-flops allowed! The location is easy to get to and affords beautiful views of Lake Huron and the Bridge crossing to Canada. The grounds are free and well maintained. Nice respite from the crowds waiting to cross the border. Many people out fishing along the shore while tank ships passed by. Lovely!

We have taken many of our guests here so they can tour this special place, all of them have gone up in the lighthouse and loved it. Everyone had the right shoes and there are some shoes for sale in the gift shop.

"Pure Michigan" info on Port Huron needs updating. The highway visitor center alluded to no longer exists. Much freeway and road construction. Maps confusing. BUT, a very friendly local resident pointed us in the right direction and we were soon at the edge of the river leading to Lake Huron. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and museum give excellent historical perspective. The Light Ship and museum and the Thomas Edison Railroad station nearby are also worth a visit and provide dramatic views of the Bay Water Bridge and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, across the water. The US Coast Guard ship moored there was an added attraction. Parks are close to the old Port Huron downtown area with quaint shops and cafes.

We very much enjoyed our visit at the lighthouse today. The tour was very informational and we loved the lighthouse climb. ONLY ISSUE, when I went to get tickets for our family I thought it was going to be $25 according to the website. I paid $32.00 for our family of 5. The website clearly states a family is 2 adults and 4 children. I didn't travel 100 miles to argue with the lady. I just want to give everyone a warning.

Spent $5 to climb the 93 steps to the top. Friendly people at the entrance and the top to give the history. Great views.

this is a beautiful lighthouse to tour, easy to locate and good parking and close to beach. Gene was our guide and she was very welcoming and friendly and did great job walking with us around the grounds explaining about various buildings and took us in the keepers duplex and a display building then went up to the top of lighthouse tower with us and we went out on the catwalk and the views of the blue water, bridges and beach are amazing!! There was a wedding taking place down on the beach, very cool!! Gene also volunteered to take a photo of us out on the catwalk and then she was very kind to offer to take another photo of us in front of the lighthouse when we got back down from the tower! Having a tour guide like her is so helpful and appreciated, she answered our questions about the lighthouse and Great Lakes and talked to us about the town since we told her we just arrived night before to visit area. Their gift shop is stocked with books and great items and young man working there was also very helpful. One of the best preserved and maintained lighthouses and the associated buildings that we have visited throughout the country! Also love the lighthouse's green flashing light seen after dusk on the river walk way in Port Huron!! Thank you!!

Lake Huron provides the bluest blues as viewed from the grounds of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron. You can also take the tour up into the lighthouse. It is located just minutes away from the Bluewater Bridge which takes you from the U.S. to Canada. A beautiful, clean boardwalk near the bridge provides breathtaking scenery that includes sailboats, cabin cruisers, fishermen and more. Bring the whole family.

We were pleased the rain stopped for us to walk around the Lighthouse grounds. There was ample parking which was good. Nicely done grounds, and views of the Blue Water Bridge, Lake Huron, and the beach was nearby. Optional tours are available, we would have taken had we more time.

Easy parking - nice walk around the park - the guides were outstanding and we thoroughly enjoyed the climb to the top of the lighthouse and the amazing views of the river and the Blue Water Bridge. Great history and great overview of the area!

The man at the lighthouse was happy to tell my 5 year old we couldn't look inside because we didn't pay, without even saying hello. We have no idea where we were to pay, because we would have. Nothing was marked and staff didn't seem interested in being helpful.

Had some time to kill in Port Huron so we punched in things to do in Tripadvisor and this came up. We were not disappointed. Great view, great little beach just to take in the sights. Free parking, free to walk around grounds. Will return and take the tour.

We visited this past week and even though it was off season and mid week, we were able to walk around the lighthouse and look at the water. There was no charge to do that much of a visit. The gift shop was not open, the lighthouse was not open and there were no people around the area. I do like to look at the lighthouses, but it would be nice to have more of them open for mid week travelers.

If there's a lighthouse on the way, we stop and climb it! This one is not all that tall but offers a beautiful view of the river and bridge between USA and Canada. Our host at the top was most friendly and offered all kinds of interesting info about the lighthouse. Closed toe shoes are a must. No senior rate. $7 per person. Nice gift shop.

We made the stop on a quiet October day. Trees were changing and grounds were so well kept. We wish we could have stayed longer.

The location offered my first ever in-person view of Lake Huron.
The weather (cold and windy) was to be expected.
Several of the buildings were in the process of being renovated, which made them inaccessible (at that hour and in that weather, there were still several workers on the job).
I would probably give it a higher rating if I ever return in better weather after the renovations are completed.

My husband and I were on a weekend trip visiting 6 lighthouses in the area. This was by far the best. It costs $7 for a tour which includes climbing the lighthouse. Our guide was very good and informative. I would highly recommend this attraction.

Nice way to spend an afternoon. Interesting tour, enjoyed climbing the steps up to the top of the lighthouse. Great views of the Bluewater Bridge, Lake Huron, and Sarnia/Point Edward across the way. Lovely gift shop too.

We made a day trip to Port Huron and visited the lighthouse pRk. There are a couple options for the tour. Kyle was our guide and was patient and gave us great information about the light house and the keeper’s home. There are 96 steps to the top via a curving metal staircase, and you can go out on the platform for a great view of the lake. The keeper’s house is furnished as it would have been in the 1930s. We were on a somewhat tight schedule but so glad he encouraged us to visit the other buildings. Excellent gifts shop with good selection of books.

What an amazing experience. The view was breathtaking and the guided tour provided us with some very interesting history. Loved it!

This was my first visit to this area, and a trip to the lighthouse was a must. The location is surprising, as it is at the edge of a larger city, but it still manages the "remote" look and feel. Though I didn't take the tour, the scenery is great, even from the ground.
The lighthouse stands guard very stately, greeting Americans and Canadians equally.

I have been here twice and will go back again. We have toured the whole grounds and learned the history of all the buildings and we have also walked up the steps to the top of the lighthouse. The view is breathtaking and everybody we encountered was very friendly!

Wanted to visit the lighthouse between meetings. It was close and very nice. Adjacent park and beach was also clean and nice. You can darn near walk from town. Nice place to walk and explore history. I enjoyed the views of Lake Huron, you can see how it flares out to the east and west just past the narrows of the St. Clair River and Blue Water Bridge.

On the Lake Huron Circle Tour....on the waterfront in the shadow of the Blue Water Bridge in downtown Port Huron. Very nicely maintained park. Interesting history chronicled on several historical markers. The views from the shore are gorgeous. The lighthouse itself is well preserved. The oldest Lighthouse in Michigan. Plenty of parking. Relatively easy on and off from I-94.

Wonderful tour of lighthouse living from the past. The climb up & down the lighthouse stairs quite narrow and wouldn't recommend it for those with knee, heart or breathing issues. Beautiful view from the platform at the top of the lighthouse!

The beauty. So much history. Had a wonderful day exploring with our precious grand children. They enjoyed exploring everything around them. Made our vacation and visit worth while.

For history buffs and thrill seekers, this is a great attraction in the Port Huron area. My wife and I visited and she took
the historical tour of the buildings and lighthouse. She found the information very interesting and it gave her a new appreciation for the role not only of the lighthouse keeper but the location of the lighthouse.
A word of caution for people with a fear of heights. The spiral stairs are an open design, don't look down !
There is a great beach area within a short walk from the lighthouse.

Climb to the top and see the breathtaking views of Lake Huron and the Saint Clair River. The lighthouse and its history are interesting to learn about and beautiful to see from inside. The sailboats and freighters are so pretty to see from up that high. It's an experience you won't forget!

Park at the little park/beach play area just down the beach (left if looking at the water from America). :) Take a stroll along the waters' edge to the lighthouse. Careful - the sand can get hot. But there is a little gate up to the lighthouse where there is also a water pump to wash the sand off your feet. FYI - you do need closed toed shoes to go inside - a bummer for us and hence why the attraction didn't get better reviews. It's also a little confusing, but there is a little shop further along the fence where I think you are supposed to find a tour guide to let you into the lighthouse? Would stop there again as we also returned to the beach the following afternoon for some great swimming!

I recently had the opportunity to be part of the Margarita Monday. My husband and I did a cooking demo...lots of fun, but the real review is what a hidden treasure the gift shop is. So many unique items and very reasonably priced. Because it was Margarita Monday they offered additional sales. Be sure to check out this cool stop. Don't forget to look at the light house too.

History near the water, beautiful beaches and many informative stops offering informational reads.
Absolutely beautiful!

This place has been the home of the local sand fest. This is great time to visit the park and enjoy some unbelievable sand art. This way you get a two for one. A great slice of local history and art.

Very interesting tour. We had a great guide. They are continuing to improve things and sound like they have great plans for the future.

Today was our first trip to the lighthouse. The grounds and gift shop were well maintained, and the actual lighthouse climb was enticing. However, I have a 3 and 5 year old, and the descent down the spiral staircase was a bit much for them. I would recommend it for ages 8 and up.
Much as I enjoy promoting Port Huron, I have to admit that the docent and employees were quite sullen and borderline rude. Hopefully this was an isolated incident, as so many have worked so hard to bring this lighthouse back to the public.

We visited the lighthouse with our children. We took the tour, it is $7 per person, but a family is $30 (however 4 and under were free). The manager on duty saw we had paid for our tour however there was a wait for the next group. She saw we had young children and offered to take just us on a tour of the grounds and light house. She was very knowledgeable and personable with our children making it fun and interesting for them. We explored the light keepers house, the other house where there is a video presentation, and then the light house. It has 94 steps to reach the top. The staircase is winding with only one rail along the inner wall. Steps gets closer/further apart. I recommend you don't look down through the steps, if you don't like heights. There is not much room at the top on the balcony. It is not handicap accessible, no elevator. It was fun to climb then to see the view from the light house was very beautiful. Overall, a great visit and budget friendly family adventure!

Been wanting to do this since I was a kid.And was never able to get in because it was closed to the public. It was a wonderful experience. I would do it again.

We stopped by here to take the tour and it was wonderful and very informative, our guide was very sweet and answered anybodies questions. Lots of history, nice family tour if you have children, Hubby went up the lighthouse stairs and loved all the views. You need closed in shoes to take the stairs. Cost is about 7bucks per person, we tried to tip the guide and she told us she is a volunteer so we donated it for the restoration . Well worth it.

The water is so blue the light house is so white. It's a do sure photo stop. It nice that you can go up into the light house and then again take pictures. The beach is right there too... Take a walk... Skip a stone on the water... Visit the gift shop. If you're in Port Huron it's well worth a stop.

This was my reason for driving 6 hours from Ohio.The tour was interesting and the guide was knowledgeable and fun to talk to.The gift shop was a little expensive,but that's expected for most lighthouse tours.

A piece of Michigan history, preserved for future generations. Lovely setting; a good place to visit with family.

Fort Gratiot was established in 1814 during the War of 1812 (despite its name, the war lasted until 1815) to guard the mouth of the St. Clair River as it enters Lake Huron. By the early 1820s, the need for a lighthouse at this juncture was recognized. The first lighthouse built here only lasted three years before collapsing in a severe storm in 1828. A replacement (the present lighthouse) was constructed in 1829. Originally 65 feet tall, it was extended to its present height of 82 feet during the Civil War. She is the oldest lighthouse in the state and second oldest on the Great Lakes.

The lighthouse is open to visitors, along with the fog signal building, keeper's house, and the Fort Gratiot hospital. The later is itself a curious survivor of the military outpost. It was built around 1830 when the fort was rebuilt with timber-framed structures. After the fort was abandoned in 1879, it was split in two and turned into two private homes. Over the years, the structure (or structures) were moved several times around Port Huron. Around 1980, researchers figured out that the two houses were in fact halves of the original hospital building, and around 2000, the two were acquired and moved to the lighthouse grounds where they have been reassembled as part of a restoration that is still ongoing.

The only way to tour these buildings is by a guided tour. The first stop is the gift shop where tickets can be bought and the tour's participants are gathered. The tours start on the hour and last the better part of an hour. The climax of the tour is the climb up the 90 or so steps to the top of the lighthouse where one can get a good view of the riverfront and out into the lake. By the way, be sure to wear closed toe shoes as we saw one visitor turned away from taking the tour because they were wearing sandals.

The cost for adults is $10 - although if you also want to see the Edison museum, lightship, and the city museum, you can buy a "passport" for $35 that covers all four.

The tour/climb of the lighthouse is well worth the $7.00 fee. Our docent (a volunteer) was very well informed on the history of the light and its impact on the history of the Great Lakes. From the top of the light you get a great view to the north of Lake Huron and to the south of the Blue Water Bridge and the Port Huron area. The surrounding park and beach areas were well-maintained.

The weather was rainy and cold the day we stopped. We went inside the gift shop area just to check if there would be anything to see or do due to the weather. The staff was so pleasant and kind. They told us the area’s history and took interest in giving us ideas for other things to do. If we travel back we want to visit again. It’s a great place to take pictures.

This is a great lighthouse and as the oldest in Michigan it should be on any lighthouse lovers list of places to see. The lighthouse is clean and well kept. You can go on a tour and walking around on top is a must do!! There is a great gift shop and an excellent beach on the beautiful Lake Huron. You could just tour the lighthouse and grounds or make it a day and spend the rest of the time on the beach.

A well kept area surrounding the lighthouse with a few buildings on the grounds. I've been to a few lighthouses, this is a pretty typical small lighthouse, nothing stood out as anything unique.

Love this town. we had a blast riding bikes sailing and enjoying the waterfront area. Lots to do here and things to see.

Firstly our tour guide was wonderful, cheery and loved the area. She gave us a great history on the Lighthouse and previous residents whom worked the lighthouse that was very interesting. Showed us where they lived. Answered all our questions. The light house fun to go up and see. Once on the top the view was breathtaking. I would not take little kids up in the lighthouse, would be hard to climb and they may get scared. Do not wear open toe shoes for safety. Glad we went. Everyone was so nice and it was fun.

Definitely a wonderful lighthouse. One of the very oldest. The green light that guides the ships is almost romantic. Be sure to see it lit up during the winter holiday season.
Oh, the gift shop -- when open -- has some of the neatest nautical themed items.

A fun way to take in the history of the Great Lakes and visit a historic sites. If you are up to it, you can climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse!

The lighthouse and surrounding buildings are in good shape and give you an idea of what it was like to be in the lighthouse service. Traveled in late September so the buildings and light were not open for tours. Had our picnic lunch at one of the picnic tables provided.

A must see stop foe lighthouse lovers. Lots of history here. Beautiful place to just sit and enjoy the view.

Always love to get a snapshot of a lighthouse. This is just down the road from Port Huron. Nice walk on sidewalks to the lighthouse, where many informative boards tell the story of the lighthouse. Can walk right down to the beach on Port Huron from this spot. Quaint little gift shop. free parking.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in MI. Speculate view of Lake Huron and the Blue Water Bridges! Nice gift shop and grounds.

Great place for a visit while in Port Huron. Well kept grounds and light house. Can do a tour of the facility and the lighthouse itself. Also nice to walk on the beach and see the ships passing by.

Nice little visitor center/gift shop to pick-up some nice souvenirs.

Certainly recommend a visit.

A nice stately lighthouse at the entrance to Lake Huron. It's tall and kept up nicely. Plenty of parking and nice grounds that are kept up well.

You can park free nearby to visit the lighthouse. You cannot enter & walk into the lighthouse so you will have to enjoy it from the outside. There is no fee or tour, however information posted outside the lighthouse with some history, making it an educational experience.

As the very first lighthouse in the state of Michigan nested right on the lake you can't help but enjoy the views. Depending when you're visiting you can tour the lighthouse and get some spectacular views and or pictures. The park offers a playground and picnic area as well as public swimming at the beach.

Such a pretty place ... excellent for taking photos of large ships going up and down the river under the Blue Water Bridge.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is always worth a stop when we are in Port Huron.The plaques are interesting and well written. There is plenty of seating, room to run around if you have young children.

Great place for walk. We got there too late for the tour. Closes at 5:00 but the area around the light house is open 24 hours. Walk north through the park and find the sidewalk up to Congers st. Beautiful easy stroll with lake Huron on one side and mini mansions on the other.

We did not go inside. But there was adequate parking and the ground were well kept. Port Huron is easy to navigate.

August 12th was the day I decided to take the tour and climb the tower. But before making the long drive from Ohio, I called to get hours of operation, and assurance they would be open.
Lake Huron Michigan is one of the best kept secrets and the area around Fort Huron is just packed with fun things to do if you look for them. Fort Gratiot lighthouse is located in a beautiful little county park and almost all of the park is free to visit including parking and the nice sand beach.
The tour admission is 7 or 8 bucks for seniors and you are put into a group that will be lead by a volunteer tour guide. You cannot go up by yourself. Tours start every 30 minutes and when I got there Wednesday around 1pm I paid and went right out with a family with 5 kids and we all had a blast.
First there is the lighthouse keeper's home tour. This is the largest house I have ever seen for a keeper's family, in this case evidently 2 families for some reason. (You can rent out this house for overnight stays.) It's furnished in 1930's style and very nicely done. Up on the second floor there are bunks for overnighters but we didnt go upstairs for some reason.

Then we went into the tower and I just want to say that it's a relatively easy climb and the view at the top is phenomenal. There are 80 or 90 steps . The lake is so blue, I was amazed. You are close to the Blue Water Bridge (I guess that's why it's called that) and you can easily see the big trucks going across. Every now and then a huge cargo ship will float past and that's a treat for kids when the ship's captain blows the deep horn long, pause, 2 shorts which means 'hello'.
And there are also two other buildings that you can go into by yourself including the "hospital " which is being reassembled here from another location. It's an interesting detail I though, but I'm a history nerd and museum rat anyway.
Be sure to visit this fabulous resource on the shores of Lake Huron. The people here are super nice and knowledgeable so you can learn a lot if you want to.

View - beach - Blue Water Bridge to Canada nearby! fun.

A great historical spot. A great view to Canada. Beautiful water, colorful rocks on the sand instead of shells. You could not swim there!! It was for looks and a walk down by the water. So a nice relaxing afternoon. The lighthouse employees very kind and know their history.

Worth seeing and climbing to the top.
We visited during the off season, but the museum staff was willing to set up a private tour for groups of 20 or more.

I decided to spend the day trying to see as many lighthouses on the Lake Huron side of Michigan as I could. My very first stop was the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. I arrived right around 10 A.M. on Sunday morning, and was a little dismayed to see that the tours and displays did not open for another hour.
The grounds were open and available to be explored from 7A.M., so I wandered in and began reading the signs and snapping photos happily.
As I was making my way around the keeper's quarters, I ran into the gentleman who was getting everything ready for the day ahead. We chatted for a long time about the Ft. Gratiot light in particular, and several other lights in general. It seems most of the staffed lighthouses have retired Coast Guard members on staff, and they've been just about everywhere there is to have been.

The Fort Gratiot light is one of the cleanest and well-kept lights I have seen yet. The information available is interesting and detailed about the light itself, storms from the past, and the area in general.
The gift shop had an amazing selection of nautical and lighthouse themed items sure to please any shopper. They even have painted bricks from the last lighthouse restoration effort, painted by local artists, for sale.
I highly recommend stopping to see this light, and climbing to the top of the tower to see the amazing view. The stairs up are the easiest to climb I've seen although going up four flights in rapid succession is liable to take the wind out of all but the most seasoned of mountaineers. You can even see the shoals in the distance where the Lightship Huron served for almost 50 years.

Worth the trip! Excellent view from the top. Historic place with informative tour. Close to the bridge over to Canada. Great place to go if you like lighthouses.

Lighthouse has small gift shop open , Tours are $5.00 Call before going to see when tours are offered. Has a couple of historic outbuildings to view from outside. Nice beach there too.

We enjoyed the tour and the climb to the top. The tour guide was excellent. She taught us a lot about the lighthouse and lighthouses in general. Well worth the time.

The view is like no other! Its just such a magnificant structure, and to think its the oldest Lighthouse on the Great Lakes and still helping sailors!! Its been refurbished and looks so nice!! I hear you can spend the nite now too!

Really enjoyed visiting the lighthouse and the surrounding beach area. The kids found rocks and shells and loved playing along the beach. The area is just gorgeous.

We love history and this great little museum has loads of it! The docent who gave us a tour was well informed and interesting. He took time to answer questions and let us take pictures on top of the lighthouse. Amazing view of the Blue Water Bridge and the St. Clair River mouth. Very worth the $7 ticket. Best part of our time in Port Huron.

My family stopped to see the lighthouse and surrounding area while in town. It is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately there were no tours going on when we were there, but just seeing the beautiful lighthouse and relaxing beautiful waters along the shore makes it worth the trip.

Excellent venue with a ton of history and great staff like Kaitlyn. You can even stay the night with groups in the historic lightkeepers quarters. Ask about their ghost investigations.

A collection of preserved buildings associated with Fort Gratiot and its lighthouse.
This is only about 1/2 mile North of the "Blue Water bridge". Its website said it was open every day, but it is now open only on weekends (probably only in Summer season).

We stopped by to see this historic lighthouse. Grounds very well maintained with open beach in short walking distance. Happened to walk by a building where a “private tour” was being given. We didn’t even know there was such a thing. The tour guide was EXTREMELY rude and literally shut the door in our face.

The first stop is to the visitor center where you purchase admission and sign the guest log. Plus it is a nice gift shop. Mary was a delightful docent on a cold wintry Port Huron day. The "hospital" is a work in progress as is part of the residence but that along with wanting to see the property in the warmer months is a good excuse to return. The climb to the top of the light tower is 92 steps and offers spectacular views of the lake and the grounda. Admission was $36 for two seniors and two adults...a bargain.

My girlfriend and i went and seen thia beautiful lighthouse on our two year anniversary, and it was simply amazing and we adored it. Fort Gratiot lighthouse is a must see!!!!

Informative tour. Friendly docents and a great history. There is a fee to tour the builings and climb the lighthouse. The view is quite nice, though the stairs are a bit open to the ground so if you're nervous about heights consider staying on the ground.
There is a cute gift shop with a few unique items I hadn't yet seen on this tour of Michigan.
It's also close to a public beach, with a small parking fee.

Smaller than some, nothing special. Great view of Blue Water Bridge and Lake Huron and close to the ships entering St Clair River.

Needing to get across the bridge from Canada to the USA early to avoid the long queues before travelling to Detroit airport, we cast about for somewhere to visit across the border, not too far from our route. It didn't have to be a lengthy visit, but somewhere to occupy us for a couple of hours, tops. The US border guard who 'processed' us was more than a little surprised and sceptical when we told him Fort Gratiot was our initial destination: "what do you want to visit a lighthouse for?" Since we didn't much look like terrorists or drug smugglers (and we're eccentric Brits) he let us through...

I'm sure many pass it by with never a thought and barely a second glance. The site isn't particularly 'stand out' (apart from the finger of the lighthouse, that is). It's not as if there is an actual fort to see! But to be fair to them, they are only in the relatively early stages of developing the site. However, the setting is admirable in that on a clear day you can see across the fast flowing water to the Canadian shore, watch the huge cargo ships or smaller pleasure craft ply the waters, and watch the queueing vehicles on the impressive Blue Water Bridge.

For $7 each we enjoyed a detailed and interesting tour that concluded in the lighthouse from which the views are even better - worth the climb if you brave it. NB: visitors cannot go up the lighthouse if wearing open toed or high heeled footwear (sensible footwear would be trainers or similar). There's a surprising amount of history and information associated with the site and ways of presenting it are being improved annually.

Worth maybe up to 2hrs of time if you like to read the information boards, browse the gift shop as well as listen to the guide, plus there is the nearby beach to enjoy (swimming not recommended).

I found it a bit hard to find but once I did I liked the museum and property. Also used one of my captures in my latest Lighthouse Calendar. Got a nice shot from beyond the dunes.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (circa 1823) is a delightfully restored park. You'll not only find the 2 story keeper's house, a fog signal building, a water table building, a separate house (maybe for a Naval Commander), a gift shop AND a fully restored light house you can actually go all the way up to and walk out on! Best yet, you can time your climb for when a freighter is going by and see it from the window or the top! Soon they will be opening another two exhibits which involved the restoration of another pre-1938 building.

There are very few such well-restored and accessible lighthouses out there anymore. Yes, it's 96 steps and you must wear closed toe shoes (see my photo of the staircase and you'll understand) but it's a magnificent view and magical experience!

I am biased about the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse because I work there as a volunteer docent and am very proud of our Port Huron Museum who operates it. I was saddened to read some reviews that were less than kind, given that the Port Huron Museum operates on a shoe string budget. Most reviews are very positive, as well they should be, given that we work hard on being courteous, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable for tourists. And when questions come up that we can't answer, we research to find the answers. I have taken hundreds of people now on tours around the 5 acre park and up the tower, all have been thoroughly pleased by the sights from the top. Many remark: "Now I see why this area is called the Blue Water Area!" All of the docents receive training for leading the tours and none that I know would be rude or improper about helping tourists make the climb. Closed shoes are required of course because of the narrow and open 94 steps to the top. If you are reading this and considering a wonderful day at a great 5 acre park, complete with a lighthouse that is the oldest operating lighthouse in Michigan, this is it! It is impressive given your proximity to the freighters below as they pass between the two buoys directly in front of the park. It can be a wonderful experience for young and old alike. Hope to see you there! During the summer season, the park is open 7 days a week! You only pay for the docent tour and the climb up the tower, the park is open and is free to explore. And the gift shop is outstanding too and staffed by very courteous and friendly people who want to make your time with us pleasant! Come visit and if you are a Port Huron or St. Clair County resident, be a tourist in your own backyard and take in this rich history that yours!

The Fort Gratiot Light is an excellent lighthouse right in town. It has been kept in great condition and includes many outbuildings. It was a drizzly morning when I was there, but the photos turned out really good. I walked all over the property and out to the beach. It's great from any angle.

What a cute little place. The town of Port Huron was ok, but this little bit was really nice. We lucked out and when we stopped the "Sandfest" was going on and there were professional sand sculptures here. We and our kids just loved it. Cool lighthouse, were able to dip our feet in the Lake, and enjoy a neat festival.

Day trip advised to Lighthouse, nearby Huron Lightship, parks and quaint downtown area! Fantastic little Mom & Pop places to eat! Happened to stumble upon a boat race that day too. If you like old woodwork and architecture, this place has it all. We could have spent much more time than we had! Admission fee for Lighthouse and Lightship.

This is really nice.A lot of people don't know about it.Great for school outings,private parties or Weddings.Hidden away in Port Huron,not far from the Doubletree Hotel.

My kids loved learning the history of the lighthouse during the tour and climbing to the top. Gorgeous view.

Not sure if I should put my rating in because I did not do the actual lighthouse tour on my visit here. We had someone in our group who had a leg injury, so we chose to take some photos, peek in the windows and check out the beach and park area and skip the stairs . I had not been in the Port Huron area in many years and found it to be so much nicer and cleaner than what I had remembered. Very plesant to walk around the park, gaze at the large ships and just take in some history. My sister, the one who had the injury, now up and adam, has gone back a few times, taken the tour and has visited in the lighthouse this past week to check out the Holiday lighting. She said it is very nice. I plan to go back again do the actual tour. and perhaps pack a picnic and chill by the waters edge.

Great weekend getaway to catch a little History, Art, Music and more on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron. The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the central monument to a bygone era, amidst the amazing skill of artists and musicians.
Don't miss the well stocked Gift Shop for a nautical keepsake.

Highlights -

Partial view of blue water bridge
Nice lighthouse (did not climb on top)
Beach with a fairly limited shoreline
Saw many people swim(but number of boards to suggest, shoreline is deep and uneven and to swim at own risk)
No entry fee
Ample parking space, but limited picnic spots.

A visit would serve many purpose, but, Would prefer LakePort State park which is line 10 miles from this place and have a elaborate shoreline and picnic spots (Need StateParks Recreation Passport and Michigan residents can buy one for 11$)

The lighthouse was closed to tours due to seasonal hours. We were able to enjoy the unexpected beach area on a very warm October day. Great photo op.

Very fun time on the 45 minute guided tour. 94 feet high, spiral staircase, no open toed shoes allowed. Our guide, Jim, was very friendly and knowledgeable and recommended other activities in the area. Busy shipping channel, lots of huge freighters a stone's throw away. Cute gift shop, no charge to visit the adjoining park and beach.

Having family pictures taken in a place that says I am from the Blue Water Area puts this place squarely in your sites! If you are looking for a location please check this out. There is also much to do in the area with a gift shop etc.

We had some time to spend so we stopped by the Fort Gratiot Light House for a look around. There was parking for maybe ten vehicles with barrier free parking nearer the lighthouse. It was recently renovated and in the process of some more. The history of the lighthouse was fascinating and the kids had fun exploring. The displays were great.

A group gathered and one of the tour guides came out to meet us and tell us a little about the park. Great guy and informative. Definitely a stop when in Port Huron

Great view of the lake and mouth of the Saint Clare river. Light house holds some awesome Michigan history as one of the oldest remaining light houses in Michigan. Well maintained with museum and gift shop.

I decided to take my niece to visit Port Huron last weekend, our first stop was to visit The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. It only cost $5 per person to tour the Lighthouse & you will LOVE the Great views from the Lighthouse. Then we were able to walk along side of the Beach, A MUST SEE

My trip to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was my very first time to visit a lighthouse and I was not disappointed. The tour guide did an incredible job explaining the various buildings within the park as well as the history of the lighthouse. The park itself is very nice and situated up against a public beach on Lake Huron which has some beautiful views of its own. When you reach the top of this lighthouse, the views from above are absolutely stunning especially if on a clear day like I had. Overall, this is definitely something to see & do if in Port Huron

This tour lasts about an hour and a half. In it you will see an old military hospital building that continues to be restored with some of its original wood. The Lighthouse and Fog Signal workers’ combined home is still under reconstruction however the history is evident inside. Do check out the inside of Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. It is wonderful.

It is hard to decide, which is more spectacular: The sunset or the sunrise. There is a wonderful gift shop. If you want to go up into the Lighthouse, then you need sneakers, NO sandals or flip flops. 🅿️♿️ . The adjacent park has a 🚾

Interesting history here at Michigan's oldest lighthouse. I was disappointed that I could not climb to the top. Only open to school groups on weekdays before mid-June.

Tour was very informative. Grounds were immaculate. Climbing the lighthouse is well worth the view!!

Beautiful location. Nice grounds to walk around and you can get a guided tour to the top of the lighthouse. Interesting outlying buildings which have been, or are in the process of, refurbished. Free to walk around.

We mainly just walked around the grounds and down to the shore. We opted to not pay the $7/person to go up in the light house. It was neat to see the first lighthouse in Michigan and the 2nd oldest on the Great Lakes.

We got the grand tour and hit all the buildings and history the best part is the walk up to the top f the light house 94 steps. Do not miss this place the views are great

We had a wonderful sweet knowledgeable lady who was our guide. It was a very informative tour. It was cold and the stair climb clumbsy due to the coats....holding a candle. The view was pretty from the top at night and we could see some christmas lights. What an interesting experience!

Recently attended Sandfest at the Fort Gratiot Light House and toured the Light House and grounds while I was there. After climbing the around 92 steps to the top of the Lighthouse the view was spectacular. Lots of interesting history to take in about the Light House. Nice gift shop to browse around lots of nautical gifts to buy. Recommend you take the time to check out this historical landmark.

We did this tour with three kids in tow, just after July 4th. It is an impressive structure, and had a nice view from the top. but the tour was just OK. We couldn't go in to all the buildings on the compound because they were cleaning up after the July 4th festivities. Looks like they had an impressive sand castle building contest with some very professional looking structures built. My kids were more interested in the park and beach next door to the light house.
If you are a light house afficionado, this is a great, old structure that you can climb. If you love watching freighters go by, this is a good location to see some very large boats. If you are expecting excitement, perhaps this isn't the place.

This is a good tour for everyone to learn about Port Huron and its connection to the lakes surrounding it. There is a gift shop next to the lighthouse.

All lighthouses are beautiful & have great views. What sets this one apart is its location so close to Canada (the Bridge to Canada is at near eye level from the top!) & the staff that lead the tours. Our guide was friendly & incredibly knowledgeable about the light itself & the history that goes with it. :) The tour was well worth the nominal fee. The gift shop was one of the best I've seen. The pretty park & free beach are definite bonuses. There are also a couple of other places right along that road that are great to check out (Coast Guard Station, a museum in a railway car & a place to stand under the Bridge for great pix.

GPS routed us to the much further away beach parking lot. The best and closest parking is inside the fenced area next to the gift shop. We arrived at the perfect time for the 2:00pm tour. There were nine people in our group so everybody was able to ask questions and everyone was able to see each room and building. It's a very good tour with a lot of the light house history. I was not able to climb the circular stairs to the top but my wife and sister-in-law did. They said it's worth the climb because it has a great view of the area.

Seen this lighthouse many times. Love this area! The lighthouse, Blue Water bridge and beach make for beautiful photos. Very clean.
I was in Port Huron for my grandsons baseball tournament. Couldn't leave without seeing it one more time and to get my booked stamped. Big THANKS to Mike!!

The lighthouse is open for people to climb and there is a number of old buildings that have been restored and it is a great history lesson for children.The park just north of the lighthouse has a beach,picnic tables and grills to use and bathrooms on site.

This is a great lighthouse! Not only is it still an active navigation light, AND open for climbing tours on a regular schedule (for a modest fee), the tours also include other buildings that have been or are being restored with careful historical accuracy, the staff is super nice and knowledgeable, the grounds are pretty, the gift shop has lots of neat items, and it is really easy to drive right there on city streets and park in a large lot. I have been to many lights -- on the Great Lakes and all three coasts -- and this is one of the best in the U.S.

I am part of a reenactment group , concentrating on the state of Michigan and its role in the Civil War. We often are on the grounds of the Lighthouse and it
is always a joy to climb to the top of the stairway and view lake Huron, no matter what the weather!

We visited the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse on July 1, 2015. There were three adults and 2 young children (3 and 6 years old) in our group. YOU MUST HAVE CLOSED TOED SHOES IN ORDER TO GO UP TO THE TOP OF THE LIGHTHOUSE! If you have the right footwear, you are in for a treat. The entrance fee was $7.00 per person for all people over the age of 4 (total cost for us was $28). There are 94 stairs to the top of the lighthouse. Our tour guide was very knowledgable about the different buildings and overall history of the lighthouse. He provided ample historical information but not so much that it was boring to the kids. After an easy spiral climb to the top of the lighthouse (a little tricky at the very top but not too difficult), we were able to take in beautiful views of the Blue Water Bridge, St. Clair River, and Lake Huron. I've included pictures of the views from the top, the staircase going to the top, and the kids learning about the lighthouse. This is definitely a fun stop that takes under an hour to do, 30 minutes if you are in a hurry. Bonus: the gift shop has clean bathrooms and cute souvenirs.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was the site of our annual family Christmas Party. Our guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the site as well as the current restorations planned. There were two trips to the top of the tower, one at night and then again in the morning as we had the pleasure of staying overnight in the Lightkeepers Duplex. The fee is nominal, the experience priceless. From the bunkhouse sleeping arrangements to the history lining the walls, it is a dream come true for any true Lighthouse lover. Looking forward to returning next year if possible.

We were so excited for this tour and were kind of let down by it. The hospital area was not complete at all. The lighthouse was awesome to climb and it had a magnificent view. The house where the keeper would stay his completely modernized due to the fact that they have scout sleepovers. It was just kind of a letdown.

Gift shop with friendly locals who pointed out the sales and gave us excellent advice, and a map, on other places to visit. The lighthouse was worth the 1 hour drive to see some history. There is also a beach right there. The water was really blue.

This is the 2nd time we have been to this lighthouse. This time we were able to climb up into it. The tour guide (Jack) was very, very good and told us some very interesting stories and history. Make sure you don't have sandals or open toe shoes on if you want to climb up into the lighthouse. Had a nice day..topped off by relaxing at the beach.

Tour guide was knowledgeable. Loved watching the ship come in from the top of the lighthouse. Wear comfortable shoes, the stairs are killer.

It's a very beautiful property and has a lot of history. You are able to walk up to the top of the lighthouse, but we did not want to spend money to walk up to it.

The history of the light house is actually given in the rather large living quarters, the building in front of the actual lighthouse. The guide takes you through the home, explaining the challenges that many keepers and their families faced. The steps to the top of the lighthouse are a bit shallow so watch your footing as you climb for the terrific view.

If you like lighthouses then this place is a must see. The history about the lighthouse will enchant you to see more of the area

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the lighthouse. We had a tour that gave us lots of information about the lighthouse and it’s history. Going up in the lighthouse of course was the highlight. It is a pretty good climb, but well worth the beautiful views.

I was here last year but the grounds were closed as the lighthouse and its museum were only open on Saturday and Sunday. This year I was here on a
Sunday so I was able to see the museum and grounds. As a recovering heart patient, I did not try to climb the stairs of the lighthouse. I was told by a guide that the pronunciation of Gratiot is GRACH-ett (similar to GRAT-chett), I am sure this varies when you try to reproduce how the French would pronounce the founder Captain Gratiot's name, or if you use the British way to say his name, or how Captain Gratiot actually pronounced his own name.

Great place to visit, lot of extra anemities,special exhitbits. Access to the beach, very nice and clean beach.

If you fear heights, stay away. Tours are prearranged because the lighthouse is on Govt. property-Coast Guard. The tour was very good. We just happened to be there when it was open for a tour.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. The tour included not just the lighthouse but various support buildings. The climb to the top of the lighthouse was worth the view. The gift shop has a nice collection of books on the maritime history of the area for sale. Do walk down to the beach

We went for a cub scout over night visit this past weekend. We were able to climb the lighthouse at night which had an amazing view. They had activities for the boy's and the bunks were actually pretty comfortable. Definitely a great visit and we'll worth the money spent.

All the times coming to Port Huron and this lighthouse and park a short distance from blue water bridge. Definitely want to come here for tour of lighthouse. We went on Valentine’s Day to see the Blue ice. In Warmer weather it’s definitely walkable from Double Tree Hilton.

This is a great lighthouse with knowledgeable staff. The tour includes the keepers quarters and a tower climb. Unlike many towers that allow you in the lantern room this one does not but it DOES allow you outside onto the parapet. I think this makes for a better view. The view is excellent with the local beach, lake, Blue Water Bridge, and St Clair River close by. If you're lucky or time it right you might be up the tower when a freighter passes by. This is far superior to the limited lantern-room view of most lighthouses.

Beware: closed-toed shoes are required! No flip-flops!

One of our favorite places to visit on a lazy weekend day. Usually something going on, always a great place to hone your photography skills and it's mostly free unless you want a tour or to climb the lighthouse itself but even then it is cheap.

excellent! Oldest lighthouse in MI. and you can get a full tour of it and climb 94 steps to see the USA and Canada--very scenic!

We had a great tour and learned of Michigan's rich history. Can't wait for them to restore the rest of the site.

Love the maritime history of the great lakes. This lighthouse and grounds are beautiful. Can't wait to see what they do with the Coast Guard historical building. The Lighthouse Beach Park is a nice area for a picnic too.

They have been doing a lot of work on the grounds here so that people can have events and so forth. It is a nice old lighthouse. I think it is the oldest in Michigan. They also have a gift shop now. It is always nice to be on Lake Huron and visit a lighthouse.

Nice little lighthouse in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Huron. Was going to take official tour but it started pouring rain when I pulled up. So I went to the small gift shop/reception building and then walked around a short while.

The lighthouse was awesome in my kids have a great time playing at the beach and swimming even though the current strong they had fun

Oh man oh man. This was so worth the wait. They set tours every hour, the tour is 1 hr long. The cost is $8 per person but so worth it. Wow. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We went in some of the buildings before going up inside the Lighthouse. We were not rushed going ip more had all the time we wanted to enjoy the view outside at the top. The view looking out some of the few windows going up were spectacular. Once at the top we saw Canada and the bridge taking traffic over and back. The beach was very nice and clean. Plenty of parking. We spent a total of 2 hrs there. Glad we did. Eady to find and close to main roads.small gift shop.

I climbed the lighthouse here a few years ago and so far I'm the only Canadian from Sarnia across the river who has done that. Great views from the top! My husband and I also launched our rubber floatie from the beach here in the annual float down in August. A great spot for doing that.

Beautiful relaxing views, the lady's in the gift shop are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Make sure to pay them a visit and help support the lighthouse.

remodeled and continuing to be remodeled. You can have weddings there, there is the annual Sand Castle Contest where people come from all over, you can go swimming there (but be careful with the current close to the bridges), and the Port Huron Museum has it open for tourism in the warmer months.

Well, once again, I went for the tour of the lighthouse and, once again, I enjoyed it. It is a beautiful place and the oldest lighthouse in Michigan. You know you want to see it!

Cool little stop. Nice grounds and great views. We didn't go inside to the museum or anything today. No problem coming back here.
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What an experience! Our guide was informative without 'droning on'. He was helpful and patient with those of us who may have walked or climbed slowly. He was good with the kids who were also in our group.
All I can say is it's worth the climb!

Check this out for sure during your travels it’s great! This is Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. Very cool history.

Major lighthouse used for most of the era before ships depended on radar and global positioning. Marked the key site where the three upper Great Lakes empty into one and f the prettiest great rivers of the world, The St. Clair River. Next to the lighthouse is a lovely, lakeside park with swimming beach. Do not swim far enough out to be caught by the current moving toward the mouth of the river. Picnic facilities available.

I have always loved this lighthouse because I live across the street when young and spent many hours playing by it and went in it before it was restricted.

I was very impressed by this attraction. I knew that we could climb the lighthouse, but I was not expecting the excellent tour that was given by Dennis, one of the volunteers there. I have a much greater understanding of the history of Fort Gratiot lighthouse because of the tour. The climb to the top is great, especially when it is windy. This is a lighthouse where you go outside to a walkway at the top - not my favorite because of the height. Still, it provided unbelievable views of Lake Huron and the Blue Water Bridge. When you go, make sure you take the time to go through the tour - you won't be disappointed.

What a wonderful stop. A beautiful day and the lighthouse right on the point overlooking the river and the lake. How cool. Great locale for photo's...nive park for picnic or just a walk. Make this a stop when in town...we will mot see lighthouses too much longer.

this is a great attraction with plenty of history attached. It is a well conducted tour and yes, you can climb to the top if you so desire. It may not look all that high from ground level but it has amazing views 360! Loved the homemade cookies and hot chocolate to take the chill out this time of year

Just a beautiful place with such a rich history!! Quaint gift shop lovely beach great views and lighthouse I just adored! Great place to take the family walk the dog and just spend quality time in history and nature!!

Took my visiting niece and her children to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse! We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit! The awesome view from the top of the Lighthouse is one that can't be beat...Lake Huron to the north and the St. Clair River to the South...incredible!!

This Lighthouse here has very beautiful place and beach coast is real nice to see and walk down an see the veiw.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse has daily tours where you can walk to the top of the lighthouse. Be sure and bring tennis shoes for the walk up to the top.